Addis Ababa: Voluntary service is instrumental in resolving burning issues of the society and ensuring sustainable growth, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said.
The Summer Voluntary Service Movement Forum was held in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, ministers, other high-level government officials, and invited guests at Adwa Memorial Museum today.
Addressing the forum, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen said citizens will dedicate their time, money, labor, knowledge and skills to the country by participating in the voluntary service.
The voluntary service is a major tool that could ensure mutual growth and prosperity for a diverse country like Ethiopia, he noted.
Stating that voluntary service promotes compassion and empathy, which are common values, the deputy premier said the service is also instrumental in resolving burning issues of the society and realizing fair and sustainable growth.
Women and Social Affairs Minister, Ergogie Tesfaye pointed out that the government has gi
ven special attention for voluntary service, following the national reform. According to her, the collaboration of the institutions enables to reduce wastage of resources and duplication of activities.
Such activities will continue in winter as well since volunteers are playing a vital role in resolving problems of the society.
Peace Minister, Binalf Andualem stressed that voluntarism is a lifetime activity as the movement will serve as a platform to exert efforts in ensuring the ambition of building a strong nation by strengthening togetherness.
Education Minister, Professor Birhanu Nega said voluntary service is a nation building project that enhances togetherness by strengthening mutual ties.He stressed the need to develop a system to carry out the program in a regular manner, not only as a campaign.
Close to 40 million citizens will participate in this season’s summer voluntary service program and the service is expected to benefit more than 50 million citizens.
The “2016 (EC) Summer Voluntary Servi
ce Movement” to be implemented in 14 sectors is organized by Ministry of Peace, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and Ministry of Education.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency