SOLIDARITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING:CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY (IVD), SUPPORTING THE VULNERABLE

Volunteers facilitate and support people’s engagement in planning, implementing, and monitoring the SDGs by raising awareness, inspiring, and engaging in grassroots efforts.

Volunteerism harnesses the power and participation of individuals and communities to empower those who are furthest behind.

To achieve the SDGs, engagement of Government, United Nations, Volunteer Involving Organizations and Civil Society is essential.

In Rwanda, volunteerism is embedded in the Rwandan culture, tradition and featured through self-help and activities to care for the weak and rendering community service.

The main motivation behind volunteerism in Rwanda is to alleviate socio-economic constraints experienced by individuals or their communities and improve their quality of life.

On 5 December 2022, UN Rwanda together with the government celebrated the International Volunteer Day (IVD) in Gicumbi district, in a national event that brought together government officials, civil society, development partners and youth from various backgrounds.

The youth in the community joined by many other volunteers understood the theme of the year “Solidarity through volunteering”; they combined efforts to support a vulnerable old woman with iron sheets for her house that they will construct themselves. Through their kindness and support, they helped her maintain a positive outlook and to remain engaged and hopeful in her community.

Through their sense of selfless service, they showed the best of humanity. Their actions stood as a reminder to act together for the future of the planet and specifically, in the case of Rwanda, the “Rwanda we want”. Their spirit of giving inspire acts of solidarity and enriches all.

Volunteers are true champions of UN’s work to advance peace, sustainable development, and human rights.