ADDIS ABABA – Promoting voluntary services would save Ethiopia billions of Birr that could be spent to development programs the country proposed to achieve economic growth, Minister of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) said.
The Ministry yesterday acknowledged youths who participated in voluntary services in the last three weeks.
During the acknowledgement event, MoWSA Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) said awarding volunteers and recognizing their contribution is crucial to promote patriotism, teamwork and philanthropy.
Volunteerism is an important tool for promoting peace and friendship among the people, she said, adding that volunteering experiences are vitalto advance cooperation and to further know and support each other.
“Voluntary services in Ethiopia could save the country’s billions of Birr that could be used for various development programs the country intends to conduct; voluntarism becomes an important component of nation-building,”Ergogie said.
She said youths drawn from the four corners of the country were involved in voluntary services such as planting trees, blood donation, renovating elders’ homes, and providing support to low-income families.
Accordingly, she expressed that the acknowledged youths on the event are those who participated in the voluntary service campaign that was started in Arba Minch and wrapped up at Addis Ababa.
“They have recognized for their contribution to their community and the nationat large,” she said.
Voluntary service has a vital role in connecting the people, strengthening social bonds and leading the country to economic growth with joint efforts, she indicated.
Thousands of young citizens have been providing voluntary services in the rural and urban areas of the country during the rainy season when schools and universities are closed, according the Minister.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 26 JULY 2024
