subject: Volunteerism for Teenagers Shaping of a Great Nation [print this page] Volunteerism among young people is at an all-time high. It is certainly admirable that many high school and college students are involving themselves and taking active part in volunteering for many environmental and social causes.
Unfortunate to say, as our nation being a materialistic society, the same teenagers who volunteer their time for many causes mentioned above including political as well, have access to the discretionary funds and they are spending it on many material goods like iPods, DVDs, shoes, bags and designer clothes which are in easy reach to them. Where does this lead to? In fact, the real danger lies when these young folks move out to the real world, to get a job and start supporting themselves. And they may find it hard to do so, as they had been brought up with unrealistic expectations.
This is not a perky issue. They are our future. They are the voting citizens of tomorrow; some of them may become the leaders of our great nation, bound to take decision about people from various walks of life, from the most privileged to the very poor. Question may arise; how are they, our future leaders, going to learn to develop compassion for those who may happen to be less fortunate than they are and with whom they should have never interacted with, particularly if those kids hail from a privileged middle class family?
The best and possibly the only way that these kids can cross the social and financial boundaries that will let connect with those people different from them is through volunteering alone. Let me show you an example. Young people can understand the sufferings and difficulties that a low-income family may face in finding a decent and affordable housing by signing on with Habitat for Humanity. Another example can be when youngsters who volunteer as companions in a local nursing home or old age homes, can perceive the loneliness and isolation that those elderly people may experience.
Youngsters or teenagers can not only help others being a volunteer but also they can help themselves to develop many valuable skills, values and virtues and also a superb sense of responsibility. This will definitely help them to stand in good stead when the time arrives for them to enter into the world of reality. But, without doubt, the most important thing is the opportunity that these kids are getting to develop a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are suffering and for those who need them the most. Maybe for these future leaders and future citizens of our nation, developing concern, kindness and consideration are the paramount and the ultimate benefit of their volunteer experience.
Academic instruction isn't the only responsibility teachers have in today's classrooms. More and more, teachers are being called on to teach students about values ... things like making good decisions, the showing of respect, taking responsibility, choosing friends, and having a positive attitude. It's a responsibility that could be overwhelming, considering the limited hours available in a school day, the number of kids in the classroom, and the diversity of backgrounds and personalities each child represents.
Character Educationby Just Do The Right Thing" is a practical and powerful tool that equips educators to tackle values training with confidence.
By: Francis DavidVolunteerism for Teenagers Shaping of a Great NationBy: Francis David
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