Some countries have implemented mandatory community service programs for young people. In these programs, children aged 16 to 18 do charity work, help old people or work with animals. What are some advantages and disadvantages of this for young people?

In some countries, young people are enrolled in mandatory charity programs for a period of time. They may be called on to assist the elderly,

work

with animals or perform other duties as part of

this

community

service. In

this

essay, I will outline what I consider to be the potential advantages of

such

a program,

as well as

some of the negative outcomes that I feel are likely to occur. In terms of benefits to young people, there are two clear ones. The first is the personal development that can come from helping others in need. By spending time caring for or visiting members of the

community

, youngsters will undoubtedly become more compassionate and mature as they form bonds and learn.

Although

teens have not volunteered, they may still feel a sense of responsibility for performing the

work

. Another, perhaps less altruistic advantage, is the practical

work

experience they get. When it comes to applying for jobs in the future, their time in an animal shelter or aged care facility will be of great use to them. There are,

however

, some possible drawbacks

of

Change preposition

to

show examples

this

charity scheme. One is that youngsters may resent being forced to participate. If they chose to take part, they may find the experience to be more fulfilling and rewarding. When it is mandatory though, the program may not have the desired impact. A

further

issue is stress and anxiety that may be induced when teens are put in uncomfortable situations without any prior training and experience. It is perhaps inevitable that they may encounter sick or dying animals if working in

community

animal shelters,

for instance

, which may have a long-lasting impact on them emotionally. In conclusion,

although

contributing to the

community

is a worthwhile goal, making

this

kind of

work

mandatory may be counterproductive. For maximum benefits, I feel it would be better if teens volunteered, rather than being forced.