09 August 2004

Sao Paolo: The United Nations Volunteers programme in Brazil recently launched the "8 Ways to Change the World" information kit aimed at educating students about volunteerism and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The kit intends to provide teachers with an overview of the MDGs, help them teach and raise awareness on the significance of volunteering in achieving the Goals.

Organizers, which include UNV, UNDP, UNESCO and the Brazilian volunteer agency Faca Parte, hope that by targeting young people, momentum will build within other sectors of society and translate into a broader understanding and commitment needed to realize Brazil’s own MDG targets.

"Young people’s participation in volunteerism focusing on the MDGs will be fundamental in helping Brazil achieve these objectives," says Lucien Munoz, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Brazil. "It is this group that constitutes a social capital capable of promoting transformations with renewed ideas and enormous energy."

UN Volunteer Suzanne Locke, the campaign’s coordinator, says schools are encouraged to involve students in youth-oriented volunteer programmes focusing on one or more of the MDGs. "By participating in this campaign, students will have the opportunity to increase their self-esteem and understand the importance of good citizenship as a means to positively impact their day-to-day lives."

She says the kit’s organizers strongly believe its impact will go well beyond the immediate. "They will also be able to learn skills that can be used later in life such as how to work in a team environment, and how to implement projects with limited resources."

"We are thrilled to be a part of this campaign and understand the importance of volunteerism in achieving the MDGs," says Milú Villela, President of Faça Parte. "We consider youth volunteer programs a strategy for social development in Brazil, and focusing efforts on the MDGs will accelerate the development process."

The launch also coincides with the country’s first national week for Solidarity and Good Citizenship. Various events and activities are scheduled to take place aimed at promoting the MDGs.

Image shows Goal number 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

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From: United Nations Volunteers programme