Starehe MP, Amos Mwago, has suggested making community service a requirement for all students who graduate from secondary school. His proposal is set to be considered by the National Assembly.
Mwango is poised to present his proposal to the Parliament for consideration. If accepted, this initiative could be a lifeline for students who lack the financial means to pursue further education.
As per the Jubilee Party-affiliated MP, this proposal aims to equip students who don’t qualify for higher education with essential skills for livelihood.
“Mandatory community service for all students upon completion of secondary school education would equip them with technical and life skills for the marketplace,” he reiterated.
He stressed that implementing this proposal would also alleviate the high youth unemployment rate, often leaving them in limbo while some turn to criminal gangs.
Amos Mwago asserts that implementing compulsory community service training would foster a sense of civic responsibility among learners, enabling them to contribute to and fortify their communities.
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Mwago, however, remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the training, leaving learners in suspense. Common community service activities encompass cleaning public spaces, volunteering, and tree planting, among other possibilities.
Nearly a year later, Mwago’s proposal echoes the Educational Reforms Working Party’s suggestion to emulate the 1980s National Youth Service (NYS) program.
On August 1 of the last year, the team recommended that secondary school graduates participate in mandatory training lasting three months.
Furthermore, they suggested that university graduates should also complete the same training for nine months before entering the job market.
“MoE to develop and operationalize a policy for mandatory community service-learning programmes for all students upon completion for senior school, TVET and University education,” read a report from the team.
The team put forth this recommendation for several reasons, including fostering peaceful coexistence and recognizing the diverse cultures and work ethic among young people. According to the team, this initiative would equip learners for future responsibilities.
By Frank Mugwe
Caption: Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago on July 15, 2024
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