National Service (JKT) head of Training and Operations wing, Colonel Aisha Omary Matanza has allayed fears that the compulsory three –month training was nothing but a torture field for secondary school graduates.
Colonel Matanza, who speaking on behalf of the Chief of Tanzania National Service brigadier-general Rajab Nduku Mabele here on Saturday, reiterated that the mandatory training sought to instill patriotism among the youth, through basic military training, vocational skills and political education.
According to Colonel Matanza, the youth are molded into becoming self-reliant and responsible citizens for the good of the country.
“Unfortunately there are some widespread rumors that youth come here to get tortured and punished, which is a stark contrast of what is happening on the ground,” said the JKT’s head of Training and Operations wing at the Oljoro camp shortly before the closure of the compulsory military service dubbed Operesheni General Venance Mabeyo.
The military officer told the recruits that the compulsory training augured well with Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s vision and yearn of seeing youth fulfilling their duty in building their nation.
Apart from building the nation, the training also focuses on overcoming colonial legacy, ethnic and social cleavage and patriotism and skills among the youth.
The National Service which is operating under a set of laws passed by the parliament ‘National Service Act Number 16 of 1964 (Re 2002), requires all youths graduating from secondary schools and colleges to join the army for military training and other national service activities.
Through the National Service, Tanzania is envisaged to be a country whose youths are well nurtured so as to constitute a productive part of the society which has a high sense of confidence, self-discipline, patriotism, brotherhood, cooperation and responsibility.
On his part, Arumeru District Commissioner Richard Ruyango rallied the recruits to become good ambassadors of the mandatory training.
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