The annual International Volunteer Day is here again and every year there is always something to push for in line with building a world we picture and seeing to the realizations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is originally and still known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development) marked December 5 every year. It is an international celebration/day which started in 1985 and is observed by the United Nations. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make their contributions towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) at local, national and international levels.
In this changing world characterized by unrest in several countries especially African countries, so many aids are needed, so many hands are called for but in most cases none is received. At every point in time, volunteers are needed in different organizations either to help restore peace to troubled society, provide medical aids, orientate, or even help rebuild such societies as seen with the RedCross, scouts and many other groups.
Volunteering also has been adopted in different organizations as a form of temporary employment for development of the organization and also skill development for volunteers in chosen fields. In media, technology, banking and finance, aviation, governments and so on, young people are given the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and skills while they render services which sometimes involve monetary returns and in some case does not. The most noticeable end game in the case of such volunteering opportunity is full time employment as it has been noticed over the years.
Well, the truth is, volunteering is a selfless service, “Volunteers don’t have the time but they have the heart”, they see to the needs and execution of projects which in most cases would be impossible without such hands. It really is not about what would be received in return it is about the fulfillment that comes with being part of something big. It is also about the desire to get the work done even when there are no monetary returns.
Millions of Nigerian Youths are unemployed today and many have stayed searching for desired jobs without success. However, not many of these unemployed youth are aware of the opportunity that volunteering gives. Personally, I understand the need to get financial benefits for services rendered and also the zeal of wanting a job to call one’s own. I also understand how many organizations or employers treat volunteers without respect and dignity. With these challenges however, the knowledge derived from every volunteering experience remains the goal.
Many top organizations today would choose to offer their in-house volunteers jobs than make open their vacant positions because in the months or years of having them around, they watch them grow and come to understand their unique features and skills. This really is a very good opportunity because “you cannot underestimate the power of volunteering; it has opened doors for so many people”.
This is another opportunity to make the decision and join the train as millions of people around the world continually render their selfless service for the attainment of peace, progress and growth. The world we desire begins with you and I stepping forth as real agents of change. Volunteers act first, take that step today!
You can join the conversation across social media platforms with the hashtag #IVD2017 #VolunteersActFirst.
© 2017
