ADDIS ABABA– Tending forests nowadays allows the generation of additional foreign currency and the protection of the environment, disclosed Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission.
In concert with REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) the government is striving to generate better income and to protect the environment, as to the commission.
Yitebitu Moges (PhD) National REDD+ program Coordinator, within the Commission, told to The Ethiopian Herald that with the instrumentality of the REED+ program the country has been hard at work and as such it is achieving economic advantages and environmental protection.
The country is finalizing things to sign emission reduction contract agreement with World Bank soon. The project will be conducted on Oromia in the near future. It is a 50 million USD agreement. It will be achieved Many Foreign dignitaries and tourists have witnessed the magnificent mosaic and beauty of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia. They have been living in peace, harmony, tolerance and mutual interaction for centuries.
However, over the last couple of years, scenarios which affect the centuries-old harmony among Ethiopians were unfolding. Ethnic tensions that resulted in deaths and displacements have been high. Though there are other factors which could be ascribed to ethnic-based violence in the country, irrational, illogical and emotional behaviors among the young generation are said to be the main causes, according to scholars.
Ethiopian children should have to be equipped with necessary knowledge of ethics and moral responsibility to develop positive and rational thinking, Yikuno Belay, Psychology Lecturer at Addis Ababa University tells The Ethiopian Herald.
He adds that the new generation should be molded to be productive, rational and visionary of its country.
‘‘Ethiopia has 70 percent young demographic base that is very crucial for peace, democracy and prosperity of the country. However, if the children are not nurtured in good manner and empowered with necessary knowledge and understanding about their country, they could be burdens let alone being a driving-force for economic and political development of their country, ’’ he states.
Political differences should not be a cause that could trigger conflicts, according to him. ‘‘If there is rational and positive thinking, people would be judged by their political outlooks not by their ethnic background or personal issues.’’
Yikuno underlines that currently the youth is becoming vulnerable for fake news and hate propaganda due to lack of understanding on reasoning and rational thinking.
‘‘In a time of social media, fake news and hate speeches could have ample opportunity to be propagated among the young generation, who use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and others. If the youth are unable to analyze the information they get, they could be dragged into dangerous conclusion. Hence, they should develop verifying information which flow from different directions and individuals. They shouldn’t take it as if everything being posted on social media is true,’’ the lecturer highlights.
For his part, Sociologists Daniel Abegaz recommends that the social, cultural, religious and education institutions have massive role in molding upcoming generations.
‘‘Children’s upbringing has a direct reflection on the future personality of people. Children would learn good or bad from their parents and the society they live with. Besides, community elders, religious leaders, teachers and other parts of society have paramount role in shaping generations,’’ he insists.
As to him, civic and ethical education should be given from nursery school up to university level to inform citizens about love, peace, harmony, social and political responsibility of their country.
Developing a democratic culture and promoting social values are expected from good-mannered citizens, Daniel points out. He continued that children should be supported to exercise democratic governance, rule of law and tolerance.
‘‘There is always a political difference among groups and communities. But having a different political outlook does not mean one has a difference in major national agenda. Any difference would not be a cause of conflict that harm national interest and peaceful coexistence of people. The people need to understand that political difference is a blessing for multiparty democratic system. Therefore, we should empower the new generation to tolerate difference in politics and other areas,’’ Daniel underlines.
The other serious problem that every Ethiopian should combat is ethnic fundamentalism. The lecturer instructs that the youth should know ethnic diversity is a beauty for the country and Ethiopians should not be judged by their ethnic background.
‘‘Our diversity is our beauty and unity. It should not be a source of difference and conflict. Those who want to gain political benefit manipulating ethnic difference need to be rejected by the Ethiopian people.’’
Ethiopia, the second populous nation in Africa has a bright future having the 70 percent young demographic base. Nevertheless, youths should be nurtured to own positive understanding and culture of tolerance. They should develop rational and logical thinking which is vital for peace, unity, prosperity and democracy of their country.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 28 July 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
