Penny Mordaunt endorses groundbreaking ‘National Service’ initiative that automatically enrolls every 16-year-old in the UK. The scheme, known as the Great British National Service, aims to promote social cohesion and address the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdowns. As outlined in a report by the think tank Onward, teenagers will partake in a two-week civic exploration excursion and commit to a designated number of annual volunteering hours.
Mordaunt wholeheartedly supports this program, emphasizing its potential to harness the goodwill, community spirit, energy, and imagination of British youth while fostering good mental health and resilience. While participation in the program is not mandatory, young individuals would need to actively opt-out if they choose not to take part. It is estimated that up to 600,000 teenagers could benefit from this initiative.
The Member of Parliament views this proposal as a contemporary adaptation of national service, addressing the mental health challenges faced by modern teens, their struggle to find purpose, and the need for a sense of belonging. Mordaunt argues that volunteering and altruism can play a significant role in addressing these issues, building resilience, skills, and pride within communities and the nation as a whole.
Acknowledging the merits of Onward’s objectives, she states, “No one is more effective at helping others than a willing volunteer. Nothing is more rewarding than serving your community and nation.” Mordaunt recognizes that while national service is an age-old concept, Onward’s proposal offers a modern and pragmatic approach to implementation.
Onward’s recommendations go beyond the National Citizen Service, initiated during David Cameron’s premiership, by automatically enrolling 16-year-olds, thereby eliminating the barriers to participation. Francois Valentin, a senior researcher at Onward, emphasizes the need for a bold idea to prevent the younger generation from further crisis and disconnection. Valentin champions national service as a unifying force and an avenue for imparting essential skills to young people, asserting that it is not an outdated notion but a contemporary solution employed worldwide.
Drawing inspiration from a successful program in France, the Great British National Service is predicted to be a popular response to the challenges faced by young people. The proposal has garnered further support from Labour MP Dan Jarvis, who sees the national civic service as an opportunity to develop skills, enhance mental well-being, and foster a sense of belonging. Jarvis advocates for offering all youth in Britain the opportunity to participate in a voluntary national scheme.
In summary, Penny Mordaunt’s endorsement of the Great British National Service initiative reflects the recognition of the potential benefits it holds for the younger generation and the wider community. By promoting social integration, mental well-being, and vital skills, this scheme represents a forward-thinking and innovative response to the unique challenges faced by modern teens.
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