The event held under the theme: “Youth in Action for Employment Opportunities Celebrating Voluntarism Day with Purpose and Impact”, seeks to recognise the significant social role played by volunteers and their organisation in shaping not only the values, but also promoting peace and development.
Besides, the United Nations Volunteers Programme was created in 1970 to serve as an operational partner in international development. Administered by United Nations Development Programme, UNV is the focal point for volunteerism in the UN system.
At the event, Fatoumata Bah, United Nation focal person for The Gambia, reminded that the International Volunteers Day is an important day for us to acknowledge and appreciate the delighted efforts of volunteers working around the world as it is a day to show case how volunteers make effort.
“In The Gambia as well as other countries when it comes to crisis, volunteers are the first to act and they tend to be at forefront to respond to emergency needs, during the national disaster and flood in The Gambia, volunteers were among the first to bring assistance to marginalised victims of vulnerable groups.” she said.
Representative of the Lord Mayoress of Banjul, Isatou Njie, coordinator of National Rafaela Banjul, said the commemoration of the international volunteers day is a platform to celebrate people around the world, who dedicate their time and energy in volunteer service and use their professional skills in changing the world.
