13 December
2011
Volunteerism for development takes centre stage on international
volunteer day and IYV+10
5
December 2011, Saint Michaels – The
United Nations in Lesotho, together with the Ministry of Gender and
Youth, Sports and Recreation and volunteer involving organizations
around the country came together to celebrate International
Volunteer Day and the 10th Anniversary of the
International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) at the Bishop Allard
Vocational School in Saint Michaels near Roma in the Maseru
District.
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Students of the
Bishop Allard Vocational School |
Students singing
to entertain guests at the celebration |
The day formed the
culmination of year long activities involving United Nations
Volunteers (UNV), local volunteer organizations such as the
Christian Council of Lesotho, MDGG group, Lesotho Dance Sports
association (LEDASA) and Bishop Allard Vocational school, where over
150 volunteers were mobilized to promote youth volunteerism and
advocate for the advancement of the MDGs.
During the 10th
Anniversary year, three homes for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in
Berea and Leribe and a school in Ha Khari, Maseru District were
rehabilitated through volunteer efforts. In addition, thanks to
funds raised by volunteer dance groups through LEDASA, three sewing
machines were purchased for students of Bishop Allard to further the
scope of vocational training courses.
Speaking during the
day’s celebrations, Dr. Ahmed
Magan, UNICEF Representative in Lesotho and UN Resident Coordinator
a.i highlighted: “Volunteer activities, including those that are
being showcased today, are providing both long term benefits and
self realisation for the individual volunteer, but make also making
a lasting contribution towards community development.”
Dr. Ahmed concluded
by commenting: “Volunteerism is more than a tool for development;
its underlying values of solidarity, commitment and humanity that
are key to moving Lesotho towards a more sustainable and prosperous
future.”
Also present at the
event was Hon. Mathabiso Lepono, Minister of Gender and Youth,
Sports and Recreation, who praised the volunteer activities that had
taken place during the year.
The Honourable
Minister also took the opportunity to highlight national efforts to
mainstream volunteerism, commenting: “The foundation of the Lesotho
National Volunteer Corps, through the UN’s support, marks a
milestone in our efforts to promote volunteer work in Lesotho. The
programme has benefited close to five hundred jobless graduates to
date, who have worked in the public and private sectors; and
received a monthly stipend. This experience has increased their
employability and potential contribution towards development in
Lesotho.”
The Honourable
Minister concluded by commenting: “The Government will continue to
uphold the ideals of voluntarism, as an engine for development, and
work closely with our partners, including the United Nations, to
drive volunteerism for development in the future.”
The day’s
activities included the Launch of the World Volunteer Report,
testimonies from beneficiaries of volunteer projects in Lesotho,
traditional music and dance and the unveiling of a photo exhibition
on volunteer programmes in the country. |
