The Tribune

By IAN FERGUSON

Our nation last week seemed to place much emphasis on the gifts and talents of Bahamian youth. The High School relay track meet and the Junior Minister of Tourism programme were held in the capital, and both reminded us that the Bahamas has produced - and continues to produce - the finest, brightest and most exceptional young people on the planet.

As adults, we must provide every opportunity for Bahamian youth to express themselves through positive things. They have a voice, they love the Bahamas as much as we do, and they want to make their positive impact.

This week’s article addresses the youth of our land on a topic that I believe provides a platform for fully engaging them in such a manner, while simultaneously stimulating growth and development in industry.

Volunteerism is seemingly a dying act of service in our country, as individuals are not gravitating towards fields of endeavour without compensation. Many schools and universities the world over have structured internship and apprenticeship programmes, where novice individuals understudy seasoned professionals (most times without pay) for an allotted period of time. Many companies see the need to engage in youth mentorship and will, during summer and break periods, employ students to work in their firms.

Amid all these activities, there are thousands of young people sitting idly by, who either do not seek employment or are not sufficiently connected to secure it. And, by the same token, there are hundreds of business places who do not take on student support as temporary workers for reasons that are both financial and social.

What I am advocating in this article is that young people serve an industry, an organisation and, ultimately, the Bahamas as unpaid volunteers without being prompted by yb any external force. This simply requires the individual to approach a company asking for an opportunity to serve for a period of time with or without payment from that firm.

There are any number of benefits to the idea being proposed:

1. The volunteer gains, ‘free of charge’, experience and knowledge that is automatically added to their professional resume. These are transferable and technical skills acquired for life.

2. The volunteer usually gets ‘first dibs’ at job opportunities that arise at the company, since they were eager and willing to assist it without pay.

3. The volunteer gains invaluable, intangible competencies including humility, a sense of accomplishment and pride, and many other important personal and professional skills.

4. The company receives the economic benefit of a new team member drawing on the skills and expertise of that individual, and the luxury of not having to pay them.

5. The company also benefits from using and exploiting the creativity, innovation, and energy of the fresh young volunteers, zealous to impress and serve.

If we are a nation given to service, then a spirit of volunteerism must thrive among us. For the sake of education, training, mentorship and supporting youth development, opportunities must be given and a welcome extended to young people who wish to advance their lives and careers through this powerful learning tool.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.