On the International Day of Volunteers: Volunteering for the MDGs

SANA'A, Dec. 05
(Saba)- On International Volunteer Day, we recognize millions of people around the
world
who give their time and talent to tackle global challenges: from volunteers working
in their own communities on climate change adaptation and poverty reduction to those
supporting global causes of peace, justice and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The global theme for IVD 2010 is "Volunteering for the MDGs". The theme reminds
people around the world of the difference that they can make, and reminds them that
the deadline
to achieve the MDGs is near. It is an opportunity to highlight and showcase how
volunteerism is contributing to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This year in Yemen, the day was celebrated be in partnership with Al-Rahma
Foundation, this organization was chosen to host this event due to the work they
do. They provide
girls who are abused with a safe place to grow and learn. The foundation is an
example of the vibrant volunteering attitude in Yemen, where there are a number of
women who
give their time willingly to help the children, be it as teachers, nurses or mothers
to the infants who live at the orphanage.
This day also celebrates the involvement of many volunteers working in Yemen with
government, NGOs, civil society and in their own communities to improve the lives
of people
around them. The UN Volunteers currently has 35 UNVs both national and international
working in Yemen working with various UN agencies and in their free time
volunteering
at the grassroots level, from providing English classes to engaging with youth
organizations.
The children from the orphanage were actively engaged in the daylong event.
National and International UNVolunteers provided fun games and presentations to
teach the children
about the MDGs and how volunteerism helps in achieving them. They also set the
example to the kids of how it feels to be a volunteer.
The volunteers and the children planted trees in the new courtyard of the
orphanage. The UN Volunteers programme in Yemen funded and organized this event, to
honour volunteering
as an expression of our common humanity and a way to promote mutual respect,
solidarity and reciprocity.
In collaboration with staff from UN Agencies the UN Volunteers programme made a
contribution of blankets, books, games, and cloths to Al-Rahma Foundation.
The celebration was attended by Ms. Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident and Humanitarian
Coordinator, and Ms. Roquaia Al Hijri, Director of Al- Rahma Foundation, and other
UN officials.
This year's IVD marks the launch of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 International
Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) which is an opportunity for people all around the world
to
join a global effort to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism.
In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 December as an annual
celebration of voluntary action by people, communities and governments of the
world.
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is for volunteers of all walks of life working in
communities around the globe.
The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is the designated international focal
point for IVD.