Section 12-11-2. Legislative findings

   The General Assembly finds and declares that:

   (1) A central element in the development of the state's young persons is the provision of meaningful work experience to teach the value of labor and membership in a productive society;

   (2) There is a need for a comprehensive youth development program including meaningful work experience and basic education to address unemployment, undereducation, and lack of life-coping skills among young adults;

   (3) This state has a continuing need for involvement by young persons in public works and services, especially relating to conservation, the enhancement of our natural resources, and the provision of human services;

   (4) The state is still benefiting from the wide range of public works accomplished by the conservation corps many years ago and that a similar program will likewise benefit future generations; and

   (5) Values of hard work, public spiritedness, group achievement and cooperation, resource conservation, and environmental appreciation can and should be transmitted to society's youth through a conservation corps program.

Code 1981, § 12-11-2, enacted by Ga. L. 1987, p. 922, § 1.