17 November 2003

Senegal: Member organizations of the Post IYV Committee in Senegal will organize a series of activities including a drawing contest for children; an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) workshop; and a blood donation campaign to mark International Volunteer Day.

Beginning November, primary school children in Senegal’s capital, Dakar and urban suburb, Guediawaye, are encouraged to join the drawing contest where they will be asked to creatively express their ideas on volunteerism. The judges, comprised of members of the post IYV committee, shall pick three winning entries. Other selected drawings will be included on the exhibition which will open on IVD itself.

On 4 December, a workshop on the role of volunteerism in bridging the digital divide and the potential of ICT in contributing to development will be conducted. As well, the Senegal Association of Voluntary Blood Donors (ANDOBES) will organize a blood donation campaign to heighten the awareness of the Senegalese on the benefits of donating blood and to encourage them to donate blood as a ‘gift’ to help extend lives.

Literacy volunteers, who are heavily involved in educating the people in the rural areas of Senegal, will also be recognized on 4 December. A certificate of appreciation will be awarded to the volunteers who have worked hand in hand with the Senegal Ministry of Education to compensate the lack of teachers in the country.

On 5 December, government officials, dignitaries, and representatives of the United Nations will gather to officially inaugurate IVD. A speech by Ad de Raad, UNV Executive Coordinator a.i. will be read by Senegal UNV Programme Officer Francoise Deutsch and highlights from the ICT workshop will be reported. Dignitaries and volunteers will pay their respects to the late Sharon Capeling-Alakija (1944 -2003), UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator, by observing a minute of silence in her memory.

A website that will serve as the networking and volunteerism resource hub for volunteer organizations in Senegal, will be officially launched on IVD. This will be followed by the awarding ceremony for the children’s drawing contest and official opening of the exhibition highlighting the projects and achievements of volunteer organizations in Senegal.

Celebration of the Day will close with an oath taking ceremony of the new Peace Corps volunteers. This year, Peace Corps will celebrate its 40th year of actively supporting Senegal in pursuing development.

Following IVD, a rap concert led by Daara J will be held to promote volunteerism among youth.