BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
Historians say that patriotism is the feeling of love, commitment, devotion, and sense of attachment to one’s country. This attachment, according to them, can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
They also believe that adhering to values of patriotism has a number of returns in nation building. In a similar manner, social science researchers underline the multifaceted importance of inculcating a sense of patriotism in the younger generation. “Patriotism should be preserved for the reason that it has instrumental value to shape the posterity’s destiny.
Instilling this value in children will make them responsible citizens of tomorrow,” they underlined. Owing to its incalculable advantages, including in nation building, they call on stakeholders to instill the value of patriotism in the young generations to help them become responsible citizens who respect others and keen to serve their people and country with integrity.
Patriotism is a valuable tool that helps to shape how the young generation should respond to personal and national affairs. It is high time to reframe the attitude of the new blood towards patriotism. Ethiopia has a rich history and culture that each one should value and be proud of, said Areru Addesa, a retired teacher. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Areru said that each citizen should learn the previous history of this land and the reality on the ground. History should be used to learn how to manage the upcoming days.
He noted that, it is often said that today’s young people do not have a strong sense of patriotism like their parents and grandparents did. However, it is parents, the community, and educational institutions who should inculcate a sense of patriotism among them. Schools, writers, media houses, private and public institutions among others should buckle up efforts to create an informed society and let the generation know the past incidents of Ethiopia and what they should learn out of it.
As to him, schools should not distance themselves from promoting patriotism. Schools and family are the core point that today’s young people are shaped to become tomorrow’s responsible citizens. They need to understand the greatness of Ethiopia and the sacrifices so many have paid for to defend the sovereignty of their country and ensure the freedom of fellow citizens.
“We are witnessing some groups trying to use history as a political instrument to fulfill their own ill intentions; this could lead to undesired conclusions and disrupt the peace and instability of the nation. “These days, Ethiopia needs more informed and visionary students than ever before. I want to thank those who are keeping on working to instill patriotism in today’s younger generation. I hope Ethiopia will come out from all the challenges and advance its development. United we can win, ensure the rights of each citizen, and prosper,” he underlined.
Mentioning the patriotic deeds of our forefathers and foremothers, Areru said that this generation is indebted to the unpaid debt of fallen heroes. Their commitment and determination to secure the country from any destructive forces deepen the gratitude we owe them. I hope we should keep on instilling these values in our grandchildren all of the time.
Wollo University History Instructor Misganaw Tadesse on his part said that it is high time to work hard towards instilling the values in the new blood. “In my view if citizens contribute in raising patriotic children with high moral values, the return will be incalculable. Inspiring children with patriotic values should be the responsibility of all.”
According to him, we should study history for the reason it allows us to understand and appreciate the role of individuals and groups in creating today’s Ethiopia. By understanding the contributions of historical figures, we can gain insight into the qualities and characteristics of the young people that make effective leaders. This knowledge can be applied to our own lives, as we seek to make a positive impact on the world around us.
Letting children know the rich heritage of Ethiopia, museums that showcase archaeological artifacts that exemplify the ironic heritage centers found in various parts of Ethiopia, should be in the list. He further noted that families and school teachers should tell stories of the struggle exerted for the Victory of Adwa, Gundet, Karamara among others. Children should be taught to respect the national symbols such as the national anthem, flag, and the like.
What is more, schools and families should encourage the participation of children in patriotic activities and other important national festivals. Last but not the least families and schools should also arrange tour plans to let the students visit monuments with historic importance. “Each of us should be role models and teach children through practical engagement of action.”
Equally, higher education institutions should enhance community service engagements and identify the progressive values as well as harmful practices around vicinities. At the same time, they need to devise a strategy to promote the progressive one and create awareness regarding the harmful ones among the community. “Higher education should enhance effort to provide community service in a more established fashion focusing on communities to instill values through staging historical events in artistic approaches, “ he concluded.
It is clear that our country can survive and prosper when it is possible to generate a more responsible, committed and self -disciplined generation. In this regard, the role family, community and schools can play is irreplaceable. Thus, understanding that tomorrow’s Ethiopia is in the hands of its today generation, instilling the sense of patriotism in the young generation should be the responsibility of all.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2023
