By Friday Omosola, Elisha Arafin
Stakeholders have called on Nigerian youths to imbibe the habit of volunteering in order to gain relevant work experience, develop their skills and also be useful to the society in general.
The stakeholders, who were speaking at the face to face meeting and onboarding programme of Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI Network Ondo held in Akure, said there were numerous civil society groups that offered Nigerian youth the needed skills and experience to excel in any organisation they might find themselves.
Speaking at the event, the Communication Director of YALI RLC Alumni, Southwest Region, Mr Olumide Orenolu said volunteering helps in gaining confidence, gives a chance to try something new and builds a real sense of achievement in volunteers.
He added that volunteering had a real and valuable positive effect on people, communities and society in general, saying it could have way for breaking new grounds.
"Volunteering makes you employable, makes you feel part of something outside friends and family, helps in learning new skills, gain experience and gets you additional qualifications.
"Take on a challenge, although it might be hard,but trying something different, achieving personal goals, practicing using skills and discovering hidden talents is the best way to learn", he added.
In her contribution, The General Secretary, YALI Network Ondo, Miss Aremu Oluwabukola revealed how YALI had been helping youths in getting experiences and skills necessary for the labour market.
"This program is all about introducing and telling people the importance and benefits of volunteering so as to get more job experience, to give them edge whenever they are applying for scholarships.
"They should take online courses to improve and build their careers, which will open their eyes to what is happening outside the four corners of the classes.
"I will advise young Nigerians to always be active. People are saying there is no job but I believe volunteering can help you. I will implore everybody to start volunteering for organisations in line with their own carrier paths to gain more experience and be useful to the society as well", she said.
Also speaking, the Founder of Oladseg Initiative, Mr Oladapo Oluwasegun, affirmed that for youth to be developed and gain the necessary experience, they must donate their time and energy for the benefits of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward.
Reacting, one of the newly onboarded members into YALI Ondo Hub, Anyanwu Martins described the program as an eye opener, most especially to young Nigerians and students.
"I will take into practice what I have learnt today by engaging in community development and also develop my leadership skills."
Also, Oluwatoyin Ajala said the program shared light on some questions she had been wondering to ask about volunteerism, pledging to be to volunteer and pursed the course for humanity.
Post a Comment