Many people believe that non-monetary work is essential for adolescents to contribute to the community. While there are drawbacks to this idea, I believe the advantages outweigh them.
On one hand, requiring young people to do unpaid work may have some negative effects. For instance, it can limit their freedom and force them to engage in activities they dislike, leading to feelings of irritation and indifference. Moreover, since volunteer opportunities are open to individuals of all ages, it seems unreasonable to mandate unpaid work specifically for young people.
On the other hand, encouraging more young people to engage in community service for free can bring about a variety of benefits. Firstly, working with individuals of different ages helps adolescents improve their skills, such as communication, soft skills, and languages, through volunteering. This experience motivates them to strive for self-improvement. Secondly, young people become more socially aware, develop a sense of philanthropy, and learn to appreciate their own circumstances. Consequently, they contribute significantly to building a more livable community in their country. For example, the ‘Volunteer World’ organization has successfully mobilized 75% of volunteers aged 17-22 to support community projects in a specific country.
In conclusion, despite the potential drawbacks, the substantial benefits of engaging young people in unpaid work far outweigh the disadvantages.