David Cameron has said that he hopes participation in the non-military, voluntary form of national service will become a “rite of passage” for all teenagers.
It is being announced by Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office Minister, as part of the Government’s drive to create a “Big Society” of volunteers.'
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Seriously, I am not so sure about all this "big society" stuff, but some kind of national service for the teenagers is not such a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteIn many countries, people do this and are good citizens. I think this could also help to keep some vulnerable youngsters out of trouble while helping out where help is needed most.
However, it shouldn't be a substitute for getting people to work for free where people would normally get paid either. Anyway, that's just what I think.
While I was at University, I was part of the University volunteering group and I personally had a great time. Best experience was helping to revamp the toilets in a primary school in Dalston, the little kids were overjoyed. The toilets went from dark and grey to bright with peacocks, butterflies, flowers, cartoon characters and all manner of stuff kids just love. Painting can also be very therapeutic as well.