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.