Celebrating volunteers around the world
One week after International Volunteer Day 2016, we look back at how it was celebrated by volunteers and VSO staff around the world.
Bangladesh
Our volunteer alumni celebrated the day at the University of South Asia. The event aimed to inspire young people to take up volunteering. Around 200 people attended the event. Among the crowds of young people were government officials and representatives of numerous development organisations. As part of the event, to help raise awareness there was a cycle rally, finishing at the university.
Cambodia
Staff and volunteers attended the national forum on volunteerism. As part of this event ex ICS volunteers shared their experiences and promoted the power of youth volunteers. There was also a balloon ceremony.
Ethiopia
Staff and volunteers celebrated International Volunteer Day at Mesekerem Primary School. Along with sessions on hygiene, the team supported a tree planting project and helped install benches in the school canteen.
Later on staff and volunteers donated blood at the local Red Cross.
Volunteer, Loza Tsegaye, donating blood
Nepal
In Nepal we held a joint event alongside other volunteering organisations. As part of the event we presented our recent research report: Valuing Volunteering. The presentation was followed by panel discussions and an award ceremony recognising a number of volunteers.
Nigeria
In Nigeria we celebrated with International Citizen Service volunteers. As part of the day participants took part in panel discussions and shared their volunteer experiences.
Pakistan
Staff and volunteers in Pakistan celebrated International Volunteer Day by arranging an anti-litter and Sustainable Development Goals awareness campaign at Margalla Hills, Islamabad. The event was attended by 134 participants comprising of students, community members and staff from VSO’s partner, Rescue 1122.
The Philippines
International Volunteer Day coincided with VSO Philippine’s 35th returned volunteer weekend. Volunteers met up and shared their experiences. Staff and volunteers in the Philippines also celebrated with an event attended by a number of other volunteering organisations.
Rwanda
Education volunteer Harvey George, currently in Rwanda, participated in a live broadcast via Facebook Live from the VSO Rwanda office. He shared his experiences as a volunteer and answered viewer’s questions. As part of the broadcast we also heard from Country Director, Papa Diouf and Education Adviser, Damien Gregory.
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