Youth volunteers have expressed readiness to contribute their share in the recent reform that has been undertaken in the country.
A nationwide youth voluntary service with the view to building peace program was launched yesterday for the first time in the country.
Over 1,000 youth volunteers were deployed to give voluntary service in various regions following the request of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to undertake voluntary services.
A youth from Assosa of Benishangul Gumuz Region, Nuredin Siraj said he has been participating in voluntary services starting from elementary school and this got him to be selected for this opportunity.
“To be honest I can’t express what I feel in words. The preparation to this program is beyond what I expected; and to be able to take part in such a service is delightful,” Nuredin stated.
He said, “I expect the usual warm Ethiopian hospitality wherever I go, and learn from the hard working culture of the community.”
Nuredin urged the youth to spend their time in such voluntary services and intuitions to continue these initiatives and exert efforts to continue supporting the reform.
The other youth from Selte Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Mehedin Sherefa said he has been volunteering every summer for the past 5 years.
“Volunteering is indescribable,” he said, adding that he looks forward to contributing in particularly agriculture, education and social service activities.
Mehedin expressed his delight for being chosen for the nationwide youth voluntary service.
“I have planned to listen and learn more during my stay and bring back what I learned and share my knowledge to my region,” he pointed out.
Mehedin called on the youth to show consistency in not only volunteerism but their daily activities and stand firmly with the society in the fight against poverty.
The female volunteer, Assert Techalle, from Tigray Region said this is her first voluntary program outside the region, and she is excited about it.
She expressed her delight that this service is recognized as a national program and urged all bodies to make it permanent as it strengths the role of the youth in the development of the country.
Assert said she is ready to support the community in any way in any region and it will in turn help her to know more about them.
“I believe thousands will follow in our footsteps and stand with us. Institutions should also work to spread volunteerism in the country,” she added.
Animal science graduate, Shewaye Legesse, from Jimma Zone of Oromia Region said on her part that she has been volunteering areas including sanitation, adult education and health.
“I am so happy that I got this opportunity because I have met the Prime Minister and want to thank him for taking his time to greet us,” Shewaye said.
She added that “I expect the people will welcome us warmly and will support us.”