Compulsory community service for all teenagers in the UK?

StrongInTheArm · 06-10-2007, 10:02 AM

I'm not really sure how I feel about this with a child who is likely to get caught up in this.

In the hope of greater inter-racial integration to fight extremism, there are calls to force teenagers to serve in the community, thus hopefully making them feel part of the community and hence strengthening the local community over time.

In a way I welcome the idea of involving youngsters more but am concerned about the compulsory element.

Do any of you have an experience of community/military service and how it has helped or hindered your community?

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/polit...099637,00.html

chicgeek · 06-11-2007, 02:32 PM

In Ontario, each student is required to do 30 hours before the graduate.

I think it's a great idea as part as curriculum, not a governmental organization.

StrongInTheArm · 06-12-2007, 03:25 AM

Thanks for the reply Chicgeek, 30 hours doesn't sound that much, it amounts to a week's work.

As a matter of interest could you say:
At what age the students are required to participate?
What are they actually required to do?
What do you think they get out of it?
and do you think it benefited the community in any substantial way?

This is being touted as a means of combating racism and the extremism that lead to the recent suicide attacks and attempted attacks in London, as well as trying to bring together an increasingly divided community. I don't know how many hours community service they are calling for but to make an impact on peoples attitudes will take time.

Sorry, this is beginning to sound like work, but I think in principle this is a good idea but, there are aspects of it that worry me, such as the call for it to be compulsory. You cannot force someone to change their views, only present the facts and hope they see the light.

**G10** · 06-12-2007, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrongInTheArm

This is being touted as a means of combating racism and the extremism that lead to the recent suicide attacks and attempted attacks in London, as well as trying to bring together an increasingly divided community. I don't know how many hours community service they are calling for but to make an impact on peoples attitudes will take time.

This should be dealt with a lot earlier than this though.

Schools just for Muslim (sorry to pick on them) should not be allowed and mixed faith schools should be the only way.

This way, children learn to understand each other first hand and don't have to accept racist/prejudice propaganda spread by certain people.

The problem here lies that people are afraid of what they don't understand and this leaves a path open for their minds to be filled with nonsense. Let them mix with each other from an early age and maybe some of the misunderstandings may stop.

StrongInTheArm · 06-12-2007, 06:14 AM

I agree with you G10,

Having gone to an inner London comprehensive, mainly Christian school, I grew up at least understanding where the majority of the community is coming from. And having come into contact with many different faiths I find it easier to understand and get on with most people.

I fear that those going to a single denomination school are missing out on the chance to get to know different peoples/cultures/religions and at a crucial time in there lives. A time when it might make a difference.

But if we have to live with faith schools then maybe this community service might be a good idea, just so that these kids come into contact with different people in the community.

What drives these terrorists might be a little bit more involved. If I remember rightly one was a prominent member of his community, a teacher. So I can't say it will do anything for that problem, but it will help teenagers feel a part of the community and that can't be a bad thing.

chicgeek · 06-12-2007, 09:20 AM

At what age the students are required to participate? What do you think they get out of it?
I'm not sure of the school system there, but adolescence before moving on to another school. In Canada, grade 8 or 9 (13-15) before graduation, as a rite of passage. With the younger age, it teaches responsibility, involvement, awareness... and hopefully some will continue this experience and make volunteering part of their lives in highschool and beyond.

What are they actually required to do?
There should be a set list of opportunities, with registered centers requiring and signing off on help. It could range from general help (senior's homes, highway/park cleanup, food bank) to roles that are based around their academic and eventual career interests (hospital volunteering, music lessons, day care/kindergarten help).

and do you think it benefited the community in any substantial way?
Absolutely. The 5-10% of students who might stay on helping after their assignment is done is a LOT of people and hands. Again, it teaches the students responsibility and awareness, creating a more alert and conscious society, hopefully improving the general population as well as those directly needing help.

StrongInTheArm · 06-13-2007, 01:21 AM

Thanks Chicgeek, that was very informative.

We certainly need more civic responsibility in the UK, something to bring us together instead of splitting us apart.

cloudtrance · 06-13-2007, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G10

This should be dealt with a lot earlier than this though.

Schools just for Muslim (sorry to pick on them) should not be allowed and mixed faith schools should be the only way.

This way, children learn to understand each other first hand and don't have to accept racist/prejudice propaganda spread by certain people.

The problem here lies that people are afraid of what they don't understand and this leaves a path open for their minds to be filled with nonsense. Let them mix with each other from an early age and maybe some of the misunderstandings may stop.

Amen to that... Well said G10

temyong · 06-13-2007, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrongInTheArm

I'm not really sure how I feel about this with a child who is likely to get caught up in this.

In the hope of greater inter-racial integration to fight extremism, there are calls to force teenagers to serve in the community, thus hopefully making them feel part of the community and hence strengthening the local community over time.

In a way I welcome the idea of involving youngsters more but am concerned about the compulsory element.

Do any of you have an experience of community/military service and how it has helped or hindered your community?

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/polit...099637,00.html

I also do some community service when I was in high school. I'm so happy to help my community and I hope people do this kind of thing to there community.