How support can boost community development projects – NYSC coordinator
How support can boost community development projects – NYSC coordinator
Lagos State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Christiana Salmwang has called for stronger collaboration among NYSC, communities and organisations to support corps members’ Community Development Service (CDS) projects.
Salmwang made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
She said that some corps members were encountering challenges in their community development project implementation and needed support.
She said that the NYSC scheme played a vital role in fostering community development as corps members had contributed meaningfully to the growth of their host communities through CDS.
The state coordinator regretted that, sometimes, corps members were faced with poor funding and lack of space for projects.
According to her, corps members need to be encouraged to overcome these and other challenges through support from communities, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals.
She also emphasised the need for recognition of outstanding corps members by their host communities.
“Support of Lagos State Government cannot be overemphasised, but there is the need for organisations including non-governmental organisations and private businesses, to do more for corps members.
“We need stronger collaboration and commitments from relevant organisations as a support system for corps members to have access to needed resources to deliver on their projects.
“Philanthropists can also give financial support for projects and initiatives.
“It is also important to encourage community participation and involvement in CDS projects and ensure projects are completed and maintained,” she said.
According to Salmwang, service year activities include orientation courses, primary assignments, where corps members are deployed to work, and CDS in which they engage in community development projects.
VMT NEWS reports that, under CDS, some corps members construct or renovate school libraries, engage in skill development among community members, dig boreholes and engage in environmental sanitation.
They can also donate medical equipment and initiate health awareness campaigns, among other projects.
