The Youth and Volunteerism-International Year of Volunteerism 2011

The National Coordinator of the National Youth Authority, Mrs Sedina Tamakloe

Attionu has called on the youth to avail themselves for voluteerism in their

quest to contribute to the development of the nation.

She indicated volunteerism among young people in Africa and for that matter

Ghana is very low. Ghana’s youth population is about 40-50%. It is this critical

mass of people that the nation needs to contribute their energy to its

development and by so doing gain relevant skills that will be useful to them in

their future life. It is estimated that, the annual contribution of youth

volunteerism to the US economy is enormous. According to researchers, youth who

volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol,

cigarettes, or engage in destructive behaviour. Moreover, young people who

volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote, and be

philanthropic. It is thus noteworthy, that youth volunteerism has the tendency

to reduce delinquency among young people, and reduce crime rates whilst

delivering positive results for economic development.

Mrs Tamakloe Attionu who was speaking at the launch of the 10th anniversary of

the International Year of Voluteerism in Accra. She said when the youth offer

themselves for voluntary work at all levels, there are possible avenues for

future jobs opportunities.

Volunteerism she said, “holds promise for improving the lives of people all

over the world. With barely five (5) years left for the achievement of the MDGs,

the role of volunteerism in the governments achieving the MDGs cannot be under

stated. It is through volunteerism that people will be empowered to take active

part in the development of their communities and ensure that efforts by

governments to achieve the MDGs are supported to yield the desired results.

Volunteerismindeedstrengthens and is strengthened by trust, solidarity and

reciprocity among citizens, and it can transform the pace and nature of

development. Volunteerism is purposeful, creating opportunities for citizens to

participate in development. Through volunteerism, more people participate in

development, and at all levels of society, which empowers them and gives them a

personal stake in their country’s future”.

Voluteerism therefore can be used as a tool to reduce youth unemployment in the

country." It is against this back-drop that the National Youth Policy has

Volunteerism as one of its priority areas as the platform to champion youth

related volunteerism programs

Mrs Tamakloe Attionu commended the youth and organisations such as GUNSA, NUGS,

National Service Volunteers Scheme, VSO, COVOG, UNV among others who have shown

commitment to the cause of voluteerism.