COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (CDS): AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY SERVICE YEAR

Since myknowledge of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, I dreaded the day I would be called up to “serve” in ill fitted khaki and hideous jungle boots. Alas, I was “called up” in November 2013.

The first and probably most memorable part of the scheme is the orientation camp and everyone who has recounted their experience to me has either loved it or hated it, no in-betweeners. Those who fall in the former group only come to hold that sentiment in retrospect.They reminisce about the fun activities led by the ‘Man o’war' team, the day they got to show off their traditional outfits and dance, the evening they basked in the exhibition of one another’s talents, and the night they shared humorous stories and food around a bonfire.

I, as expected, – save for a few stolen happy moments in the company of friends – loathed my time at Magaji Dan Yunusa Permanent Orientation Camp, Keffi, Nasarawa State. The officials were constantly angry for reasons no one could fathom,the hostels were overcrowded and dilapidated, the pungent smell of urea and feces filled the air, and I couldn’t bring myself to eat once I saw the filthy kitchen where the food was prepared.

Encountering all these negative things in one place, I had to make rationalizations in order to keep my sanity. The NYSC officials, I concluded, were angry because they were hungry and the camp was in such an abysmal state because some Big Man misappropriated funds. Of course, like all things under the sun, there is an upside to this scheme.


After camp, I registered with the Editorial Board CDS group and became a member of the Social Enlightenment subgroup. My involvement with the group so far has been fulfilling. I have had the privilege of working with selfless people to make an impact in the lives of community members. As an entire CDS group, we have devoted our time and resources to fellow countrymen. Together, we have helped to engender self-development and empower secondary school students in Abuja by way of youth mentoring in subject choices and careers, civics, security, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, wehave given talks that should help deter the students from engaging in irresponsible behavior, such as drug abuse. I have to say, the enthusiasm that the beneficiaries of our outreach programs have shown has been incredible and ithas motivated us to be consistent in our efforts.

Be that as it may, I realize there are people who would much rather be doing other things with their time but it is also worth noting that community outreach has secondary value, which is experience to put on your résumé. In fact, with corporations beginning to focus more on social responsibility, and with the emergence of social entrepreneurship, it is just the kind of background most employers would look for in prospective employees.

I am sure we are all frustrated with the job criterion, "must have work experience." Community development service is one way of gaining said experience and satisfying the requirement. Therefore, whether for personal accomplishment or professional endeavors, I assure you it is worthwhile. These last few months have been hugely rewarding, consequently making Community Development Service (CDS) the highlight of NYSC for me.

By Ramatu Jaji