It is an indisputable fact that the young people play an incalculable role in advancing any countries’ social and economic development. As they are agents of change and represent the future of that nation, they have indispensable contributions in nation building, sustaining peace and shaping the future of the country.
Scholars, in the field of social science, underline that any nation that undermines the potentials that the young people holds, and fails to support and provide the necessary enabling environment to realize their full energy; participate in nation building processes, miss these enormous potential for growth because the youths are the foundation of any society. Their energies, resources, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation. True, a country through the youth creative talents and labor makes giant strides in economic development and sociopolitical attainments.
To this end and increase the involvement of the youths in national development efforts, instill the values of nationalism, patriotism, belongingness and reinforce unity, and help them to gain real experience about the world and ensure that they play constructive role being at the fore front thereby reap the fruits, a number of countries ratified National Youth Citizenship Service (NYCS) or endorsed youth policy in a bid to build strength in youth dreams, hopes and energies.
According to documents, NYCS is practiced in a number of countries including various countries, including in Latin America and African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, as well as Singapore and others.
Last week, The Federation Council of Ethiopia also with one accord approved the National Youth Citizenship Service Bill to be endorsed by the House of Representatives (HoR).
The Federation Council in its 6th Parliamentary term, 3rd year of office 1st regular meeting of 2016 E.C. (2023/24) fiscal year, thoroughly discussed the draft law of the National Youth Citizenship Service Bill proposed by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs to be passed into law.
Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD) explained the importance of enacting the National Youth Citizenship Service and its contribution to the development of national unity and national understanding.
The Minister said that young people have a pivotal role in the development of Ethiopia. Considering this fact, efforts are being made to respond to their interests and increase their benefits.
In this regard, preparing a legal framework which enables the young people- ranging between the ages of 18 and 35- can provide national service with their own free will is needed.
“The National Youth Citizenship Service has the potential to build a common economic and political society, can promote and ensure democracy and accelerate economic and social development.”
According to her, if the National Youth Citizenship Service Bill is enriched with additional inputs, presented and approved by the House of Representatives (HoF), it will play a major role in nation building.
Having the youth who are equipped with the necessary and adequate training and letting them partake in the National Youth Citizenship Service will not only enable to produce well-educated, disciplined civic-minded youths that have the desired knowledge and skills, but also it also enables them to be patriots and actively participate in their country’s affairs, she added.
It has been stated that the National Youth Citizenship Service Bill will be presented and approved by the House of Representatives after the necessary resources are included and will play a major role in the construction of the country’s government.
Endeshaw Tassew, Member of the Parliament and the current Chief Administrator of the newly formed Central Ethiopia State, mentioned that the proposed bill, if enacted, can answer the long-overdue appeals and demands of the youth.
Whereas, Ashadli Hassan, Member of the Parliament and Chief Administrator of the Benishangul-Gumuz State, and Awol Jemato (MP) said that upon its implementation, the bill will be of great national importance.
Getahun Abdissa, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Democratic Unity and Constitutional Doctrine at HoF, said that the youths will play their instrumental role by providing community-wide services across the country.
The Ethiopia Herald approached Adane Megist, Citizenship instructor at AYB Academy to know his reflection and perception regarding the benefits of ratifying the NYCS bill.
As to him, enacting NYCS is a commendable step because it fosters civic engagement, promotes national unity and creates a sense of patriotism among young people.
“To ensure productive accomplishment of the program there must be high commitment among stakeholders, abided by the values of rule and regulations of universal human rights.”
According to him, NYCS is very vital because it lets youth provide community services through engaging in wide ranging volunteering activities and contribute to the betterment of their communities.
“In my view, this experience fosters a sense of responsibility towards others and a desire to make a positive impact. It also helps young people develop empathy, compassion, to have understanding about societal challenges in the country and have real-world experiences.”
According to him, as Ethiopia is a multinational country, endorsing NYCS could bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, create opportunities for networking and build social capital. It is clear; through engaging the youth in various areas can support establish networks with peers, mentors, and community leaders, which can be valuable for their future personal and professional endeavors.
“I want to urge Ethiopians youth to step out; to face new experiences, gain real-world experience and celebrate humanity at their early ages,” he underlined.
Moreover, partaking in NYCS could let the young people understand the rights, responsibilities, and privileges associated with citizenship. It also promotes a sense of civic duty and instills a deeper understanding of democratic values and the importance of active participation in society.
He finally said that NYCS is instrumental in bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, states, cultures and beliefs. The gathering creates an opportunity to learn more from one another. This in turn promotes social cohesion and national unity creating a sense of shared identity and common purpose, breaking down barriers and bridging divides among the various ethnic groups.
The National Youth Citizenship Service Proclamation of Ethiopia contains five main parts, it was learnt.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER 2023
