iVolunteer Day

On International Volunteer Day (December 5th), 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).

Children reading "Water for Life"
Thanks UNV Rocco Nuri

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 governments, 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.

MDGs EnvironmentGame
Thanks UNV Rocco Nuri

From the eight global MDGs, three have been chosen to be concentrated on the day:

·     Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

·     Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

·     Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

In addition, 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.

It really was a great day (very exhausting for us all) but we have fun with the kids, the UNVs from all over Yemen got to meet each other and bond. We taught the kids about the MDGs but in a fun and interactive way. 

Good Day and Good Luck