03 December 2003

Rome: To celebrate the International Volunteer Day (IVD), FOCSIV, the biggest federation of Catholic organizaitons in Italy, organized an award ceremony, the "Oscar of Volunteering 2003" in the capital Rome.

The award was given to a young "White Helmet" volunteer in Kosovo. White Helmet volunteers work in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. This award represents a symbol to those who work hard in achieving global peace and human development. This year emphasized the contribution of young volunteers who have spent part of their lives in restoring peace in war-torn countries.

At the ceremony were attended by several representatives from the volunteering organizations. On behalf of the Italian Government, the Minister for the Relationships with Parliament, Carlo Giovanardi and the Undersecretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Office, Alfredo Mantica attended.

A film on Kosovo and the volunteer's experience was shown during the ceremony. The "Oscar of Volunteering 2003" also honoured the memory of Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

Read more about the "Oscar of Volunteering 2003" (in Italian)