| dc.description.abstract | One of the critical issues for Community Development, Civil Society action and Governance
anywhere and specifically in Africa is to create leaders at the fastest possible rate, at all levels of
the society/ community. Such levels of leadership revolve round - skilled, ethical, effective and
unifying leadership. Young people are most eager to play a leadership role in these efforts. The
values/ benefits of the African young people involvement in Civil Society in the African states
will bring energy, catalyze other group members to rethink their priorities, commitment and
remove invisible barriers that have kept them from moving forward. Typically and traditionally
in many cultures, young people have been excluded from efforts to rebuild their communities.
This marginalization of our youth not only harms them and endangers our future, but it also
cheats the world of a valuable resource. If we are to function effectively as local and even global
communities then we must incorporate all significant voices. This paper argues that an enduring
and positive community renewal is possible only if all members are involved and feel a sense of
ownership. On the other hand, the spirit of volunteerism by young people helps to create a stable
and cohesive society and as a result add value to the services that governments provide.
Voluntary action creates bonds of trust and encourages cooperation; in other words it creates
social capital. Volunteerism draws people of different ethnic origins, religion and economic
status. This compositional aspect enhances social harmony. Voluntary participation in public
affairs can also help to create a politically literate public, which is important for the preservation
of democratic principles. Volunteer effort is essential to Civil Society action as a way that would
enhance community policing and conflict resolution. Service For Peace (SFP) Kenya Chapter as
an organization, through its young people empowerment program has the aim to integrate service
learning and volunteerism in the processes of capacity development/ building, creating
appropriate awareness, dissemination and networking of the youth in the sub-regional and region
areas. The Kenyan Chapter serves as a knowledge resource base for periodic value-based
training programs on volunteerism | en |
