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International Volunteers Day
Namibia Red Cross Society in collaboration with other
volunteer-sending and hosting organisations as well as
National Planning Commission (NPC) celebrated the
International Volunteer Day in style on the 5th of December
2008. This is the first time in Namibia that the day was
celebrated jointly. 5th December has been declared as the
International Volunteer Day, in recognition of the
contributions given by volunteers around the world.
The
meeting kick-started with a dialogue coordinated by Namibia
Red Cross Society, UNDP, UN Volunteers, Peace Corps, VSO,
Aids Care Trust and National Planning Commission. Speakers
included NRCS chairperson Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Nangof
chairperson Ronny Dempers, UN Resident Coordinator Simon
Nhongo, Annerie Keulder from Pieter de Beer Legal
practitioners, NYC representatives and volunteers.
The
dialogue was aimed at building a common understanding of
volunteerism and a shared appreciation of its values;
identifying and proposing ways of addressing obstacles that
prevents the full harnessing and utilization of the power of
volunteerism in Namibia.
The
government of Namibia is of the conviction that the dialogue
and the networking will help to bring out issues that should
be addressed through a national policy on volunteerism,
which the government is contemplating to formulate in 2009.
The government recognizes the distinctive contributions of
volunteers to the development of Namibia and it is because
of this that the day has been given special attention.
Volunteers are making a difference to peoples lives in the
country, which the government appreciates.
The
United Nations General Assembly created International
Volunteer Day in 1985 as an annual celebration of voluntary
action for volunteers, volunteer organizations and
governments. In Namibia, NRCS is one of the largest
humanitarian and volunteer-based organisations and has over
4,000 volunteers, which contribute to the 100 million
volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that
supports and encourage its celebration on 5 December, every
year.
Volunteerism is one of the fundamental principles of the Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is a principle which is
commonly inspired by voluntary acts of selflessness and
humanity. It is also a principle based on community
participation and involvement. At the local level, Red Cross
volunteers are key players in assisting vulnerable people.
There are many different activities which can be carried out
by a volunteer namely: fundraising, first aid, food
distributions, disaster response, dissemination of
humanitarian values and other information, advocacy, home
care for the sick, etc. depending on the needs of the
community.
The
dialogue was followed by a time of fun, sports and
networking by volunteers.
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