18 March 2004

Caserta, Italy: The organization Servizio Volotariato Giovanili or Youth Voluntary Service (SVG), celebrated International Volunteer Day with the theme "Voluntary service, synergies, participation, culture: A future of civil commitment in ethical growth" in Caserta, Italy.

The IVD celebration was an opportunity to stress the contributions of volunteers in the province and to improve relations with stakeholders -- UN and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, among others -- and build the capacity of volunteers.

Riccardo Ventre, President of Caserta Province, committed his administration’s support in organizing volunteer-related training courses for SVG and other volunteer-involving organizations within the province.

Representatives of all the Voluntary Civil Protection Associations and government agencies were present during the celebration to show their commitment and appreciation to volunteers’ contribution to civil protection.

As part of the celebration, awards were given to Volunteers of the Year 2003. The winners included high school teacher Pietro Piscitelli for his active commitment in helping children with sight disability during emergency evacautions in schools. Another award went to La Carovana dei Sorrisi (Caravan of Smiles) for providing "smile theraphy" to children in hospitals.

Other awardees were Italian Carabinieri and Army handed over to the Major Vincenzo Lauro in memory of Italian soldiers died in Nassirya and Elementary School Teacher Clementina Simone for her commitment to educating children on how to evacuate during emergencies.

A special award was also given to Massimo Giaquinto for his exemplary work done to SVG.

The event was also attended by Luca Brusà from the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, Ernesto Calcara head of the Civil Protection Department of Campania Region; Alfonso Piscitelli, President of Civil Protection Agency in Caserta; Giovanni Barone from the Civil Protection National Department in Rome and Marta La Ponzina, former head of the Voluntary Service of the National Civil Protection Department.

During the day, SGV and the La Carovana dei Sorrisi (Caravan of Smiles) agreed to work together in the future, specifically in cases of emergencies. The Caravan of Smiles is a group of people who dress up as clowns bringing relief to sick children and children in evacuation areas.