The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadizde, has projected that about 100,000 young Ghanaians will be recruited onto the 13 modules for the National Youth Volunteer Programme (NYVP) in the next five years.
According to him, NYVP will usher a paradigm where service to nation and to neighbor, rather than ostensive displays of unexplainable wealth, become the indicators of success to the 11,782,614 youth aged between 15-35 years who represent 38.2% of Ghana’s population.
He made mention of this during the Stakeholders Conference Forum on the National Youth Volunteers Programme.
The NYA CEO indicated that providing an institutional framework to manage volunteerism within the country, the programme will establish a vibrant culture of volunteerism in the country.
“Over the next 5 years, some One Hundred Thousand (100,000) young Ghanaians are expected to be recruited unto one of the thirteen modules of the programme”.
“The opportunity these young Ghanaians will have to serve in their own communities and in other communities across the country will not only fill the leadership gap that is emerging amongst the youth and foster a new sense of patriotism and commitment to our shared democratic values, but the experience and knowledge sharing that volunteers will be exposed to will equip them with practical, context-relevant skills which will serve as the basis to start their own careers once the period of volunteerism is over”.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif who was present at the meeting commended the NYA for championing the initiative.
”I strongly believe that this programme will be the engine to drive Ghana forward. This programme will have a significant impact on our nation. It will be instrumental in Ghana’s advancement. I am happy to note that the National Youth Volunteer Programme has many modules from which to choose from and be relevant. I encourage the youth to fully participate and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that this programme offers. Be a part of this worthy cause, learn something new, have fun, stay safe and above all else think Ghana first.
“I therefore hope and encourage organizers of this programme to initiate effective measures to assure the safety of everyone involved in this programme, particularly that of the volunteers”, he added.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NYA Nelson Owusu Ansah shared that the aim of the programme is targeting young people to promote national integration, the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and community service whilst fostering national development.
By Herbert Boakye Yiadom
