i am interested in volunteer work.how can i help?

Interesting article on volunteering. Perhaps the UN should target final year graduates that would require the experience to assist their long term chances of getting a job, also sell volunteering as a skills development programme so that the volunteer sees in serving development there are some real practical personal benefits.I would be much more comfortable as an employer hiring say for example a project officer that had a good formal education and some real volunteer experience.

Best regards

Wesam

Small Micro Enterprise Promotion Service - Social Fund for Development (Yemen)

It was while helping my daughter with her geography assignment that i drifted onto this site. have spent the last three hours browsing. after years of wondering how to give back to society, i see light at the end of the tunnel. the baby years are behind and god has been kind. wlth an education and the luxury of spare time on my hands, i can personally assemble a motely group of similarly inclined women raring to go. any takers?

I once was a Red Cross volunteer here in Philippines in relief operation and blood letting program. I served also during Medical and dental clinic and i find joy helping the less fortunate family in the countryside and now I want to be part of the International Volunteer group in order to share my talent and services in a wider scope.

I'm begining to feel a most urgent sense of mission about today's world. Like I think, I'm becoming increasingly interested in volunteerism. How can I help?!!!

I have volunteered in the medical field at a small NGO in Cameroon, as it was the cheapest option I could find. It was not well coordinated. I find that well-established organisations require a large amount of personal funding from volunteers (not sure about UNV in particular). It is impossible for many to afford. This is unfortunate, as one's help is put to such better use via these programmes. Also, I feel that there is not enough awareness or "advertising" of volunteer opportunities among the general public. I think there are many more people willing to volunteer, who have not been given the opportunity with regards to awareness or finances.

Very interesting article, I think it explains the most common problem that people from under developed countries face. In spite of having a great willingness to share and volunteer they're facing such difficulties...

It is certainly true that the "less previledged" have no thought about volunteering. But if you think correctly most, if not all, of those people are the ones to be helped by many of the volunteer work programs.

Unfortunantly, in countries with high rate of "less previledged" it is difficult to engage a lot of people into volunteering.

I consider it an honour for having this opportunity to comment on volunteerism.

All my life I have been a social worker and a volunteer in different fields and capacity, this is possible because of my belief and conviction that, some of the most meaningful contributions a person can make are at the sacrifice of personal comfort and wealth. My views are that, to transcend one's ethnic and national boundaries in order to serve others is the characteristic of a humanitarian. Those who create bridges of understanding between cultures that promote world peace become world citizens. Therefore, my life is a life of gratitude most especially, when I have the priviledge to live for the sake of others through service.

Volunteering work is very satisfying. It provides an opportunity to test your knowlege and skill in a different environment. I have worked as UNV Specialist in Niue (south Pacific) and am willing to do more such assignments. Due to lack of money and resources I am unable to work for poor and unemployed women and youth of my country hence I joined the Online Volunteering programme as UNV Zambia on 5th December 2005. This is the best way to celebrate the International Volunteer Day.

I believe many people misunderstand what is meant by 'volunteering'; the Australian Overseas Service Bureau explained the philosophy at my first briefing before I set out on my first international placement as an Australian Volunteer Abroad. The philosophy behind being an AVA is reasonably simple; it is a process whereby a suitably qualified person from Australia chooses to live and in a developing country for a specified period of time, and commit to working along side a local counterpart with the purpose of transfering their skills and talents to that local person. Similar principles are the basis of the United Nations and UNV though there is not as much emphassis on the 'cultural' experience as there is when one is working as an AVA.

In both cases we receive a 'living allowance' which takes care of your basic needs whilst on assignment. As an AVA this living allowance normally is just above the local national wage for a similar position but the difference is the accommodation component is paid by the host organisation; one is able to enjoy a reasonable standard of living within the host country. It is a bit different when one is an international UNV: the 'living allowance' factors in all costs and is considerably higher than an AVA and often less than the salaries one would receive if the volunteer came from a developed country. Though the living allowances paid are often much higher for the international UNV should they be from a less developed country. This method of employment allows qualified and skilled UNVs from developing countries to participate in the development of other countries whilst working towards either permanent employment with the UN or gaining more experience in their fields to take home to their own countries.

Further to this mix are the national UNVs; they are recruited in country; they receive salaries that often are less than the international volunteers but normally well in excess of the local salaries paid for the same position. By undertaking the role of a national UNV; the volunteer often gains more experience within their given fields, they often have the opportunity to diversify into other areas of work and they have the opportunity to work with international professionals. Becoming a UN National Volunteer is often the springboard to becoming an international UNV; if one does a good job in these national positions it can open opportunities to nationals to work internationally.

In the past I have had the privilage of working side by side with national UNVs in one country and then later on down the track when joining a mission it is with sheer delight that your past collegue is now sharing an international experience. I have held many discussions in this regard and in many cases their whole life has changed as they open up professionally to a whole new experience of international volunteering.

Now I can understand the comments about nationals needing to earn a living, this is the case everywhere. How can one give of their time and expertise freely when they cannot sustain life? As discussed this is not the case when one becomes a national volunteer with the UN; it is a heartfelt philosophy and commitment to the principles of volunteering - it is your commitment to give of your time and expertise for a reason. Often times that commitment takes you away from your family and loved ones to assist in times of conflict, development etc and when one gives their time to this commitment one receives a very fair living allowance.

Many mix up this type of volunteering with community volunteering - often totally unpaid, or a pittance paid and local, it is different and potential volunteers need to really understand those differences. There are so many wonder dedicated people out there from all nations that would love to give of themselves to the role of volunteer but hold back because they truly do not understand they will receive an allowance that will take care of their needs and those of their families.

Cheers

Sandra

I love to volunteer. How can I help?

There is no solid yes or no, good or bad, right or wrong, if we are questioning the sincerity/motive of the volunteers. They are the ones who can measure their depth of sincerity and priority in their lives. Despite the money issue, these volunteers sacrifice their time, away from their family and loved ones, their comfortness and feeling secure, to be in a place which needs help, and that is a courage to value. What's more important is how these volunteers doing their job. If they are doing a good job, why we should question their motive? We all need money to survive. Those who had a job which gives just enough money to live, and yet still able to help others, are the lucky ones.

Let's not look at volunteerism in a cynical and cubical way. These volunteers sacrifice other things which for most people are the most important thing in life. Instead of judging, ask yourself if you are willing to make a difference for other people's life. I believe, everyone who come into our lives give colors, and doing a volunteer's work is about giving color of hope and joy for those in need.

In Sudan, volunteering is part of the culture for most of the tribal systems in the country. Efforts should be directed twords organizing this natural resource and link it to the existing systems in a useful manner, but in an easy way speically in the rural areas.

Q: What is the role of the governments in enhancing the civil society to be part of the system??

We all do speak the same when we ask about volunteerism and the increasing unemployment in various countries despite some of them having a good track record economically. But, I do raise a challenge to all, both poor and rich, employed and unemployed; shall we ever stop complaining and come up with solutions or offer some direction and hope in all these? I come from a very poor family and I have known what it is to sleep hungry, not to be able to go for higher education due to no school fees, not to get quality medical care because you cannot afford,.....and other many things. But, I have always dedicated my time and energy to do volunteer work in various parts of Kenya.

Is it not possible for us all to think about what can we do? Can the UN provide incentives for voluntary work without it being necessarily for UNV? Can the financially priviledged offer to support the unfortunate and disadvantaged members of the society to be able to offer volunteer services? There are many solutiions. But who is going to take the first step? There are several youthful men and women I have encountered here in Kenya who are willing to offer voluntary services but the initial cost is not within their means; any one out there who can do something for them? Some of them have been not been fortunate to get quality education; can't anyone offer to be their mentors in the field? I do believe voluteerism is also a tool for education one way or another. The experience holds much weight than the theories we have in the volumes and volumes of books in this world. Whoever is interested in helping out, I am here and ready. Let's all help each other and not complain what we cannot do nor what is not right. Let's all look at the bright side of things and see what we can do. And do it!

I agree with the notion that economic constraints are preventing millions from displaying their God given talent or interest. Using myself as an example, I'm a young university graduate with the strong desire to give back to society through volunteerism but the finance to realise this dream substantially is lacking. So I advise that if something is to be done about people like us then it would be a step in the right direction to help many realise their dreams. Because somebody like me really wants to help.

I am a 24 years old Nepalese woman, now in Beijing doing volunteerism for International Network for Bamoo and Rattan (INBAR). I am very interested to do more volunteerism in the days ahead. As a volunteer, I find our community needs the youths like me, who are really dedicated to serve in real sense... After reading this article, I am ready to serve for those marginal and deprived society. I agree volunteerism can be the skill developing tool to pursue one's career towards betterment... Also, I agree that volunteers should be promoted through govt. incentives and other supports...

this is a very interesting article. As a young poor medical assistant, my aim is to access primary cure to my population in the countryside. And I have been undertaking this project since 1997, when I was a student, with my own ressources. My main objective is to become one day an international volunteer. Because I'm working in my region voluntarily to help my population in health.

I'm a fireman in Brazil and interested in volunteer world. How can I help?

I am interested in volunteer work. How I can help?

I am a volunteer of the United Nations since September 2005 in the field of the NTIC. I work with a ONG which supports associations in the fight against AIDS. We are two volunteers and the company is very satisfied with our contribution since we develop a Web site and set up a database. It should be known that many people include/understand the direction of the volunteer badly and it would be necessary that in the case of Yemen there is a sensitizing of the population. Indeed if people are interested in volunteering, on one hand that could lead them to contribute their share to the development of their country and on the other hand to satisfy their daily need with their per diem. I wish good and happy year 2006 to all the volunteers of the whole world. Thanks.

Faire le volontariat, c'est d'abord la volonté, l'engagement, le pitié sent quand on voit des personnes très malheureuses. Ce pitié varie d'une personne à l'autre et parfois dépend de l'émotion de quelqu'un. Quelques fois faire le volontariat c'est un don car il y a des gens qui se consacrent beaucoup à la volontariat alors qu'ils ont peu de moyen et travail intensement pour sauve des gens en situation très difficile. Moi, je prend un exemple pour mon pays. Des gens qui se sont donné durant la période de crise de guerre pour sauver des enfants en situation difficile, sont des gens de faible moyens. Mais quand même pour faire le volontariat il faut une certaine motivation, car on ne peut pas aider ceux qui souffrent alors qu'on souffre aussi. Faisons alors le volontariat un rêve pour sauver beaucoup de personne un situation difficile pour transformer notre monde un paradis. Agissons ensemble les riches et pauvres, mettons nous ensemble nos talents pour sauver l'humanité. Que Certains donnent leurs forces physiques et d'autres donnent des moyens. Merci, beaucoup

Very intersting article, many people want to volunteer the major problem that faces them is where and how they can volunteer for example here in Egypt it's still very unclear and vague. And the concept of volunteering is very new to the Egyptian culture so the UN and other international organizations and NGOs should focus on creating channels for volunteering.

Trés touchant ces témoignages de volontariat mais je trouve que le volontariat n'est pas accessible pour qui veut faire une oeuvre humanitaire.Je vois ces demandes trainer sur les casiers et nombres de personnes qui ont besoin d'étre soutenues ,pour moi le volontariat est un don n'est pas volontaire qui veut ,mais qui peut il faut qu'ensemble nous arrivons à faire l'union entre le riche et le pauvre pour pouvoir sauver l'humanité et que les personnes de tout ordre et de tous genres puissent participer à leurs maniéres à travers leurs capacités au développement mondial et à la paix .Je félicite tous les volontaires du monde entier pour leur engagements,leurs disponiblités,et leurs services .et je souhaite de tout coeur que la lutte menée pour la paix sois atteinte,FÉLICITATIONS .je veux aussi que le volontariat soit accessible pour toute personne voulant s'engager pour l'humanité.MERCI

Interesting article. About the Yemen volunteer rate that got dropped, what if the UN recruit some local people to act as UN cadre and help UN/local government community development programme. For the volunteers, UN can give some benefits. I think it is much better if UN recruit university students (since it is easier to train educated people) and make this project as their freelance/part-time job. That way, not only helping the community with programs/aids but also giving experiences and extra money to the students. Beside, I believe that local cadres/volunteer are better supported by community than int'l ones.

Interesting article, I studied Egyptian Voluneers' work, and I concluded many findings, i think it similar like findings that article concluds. Anyway, i think that NGOs have to work together to enforce Volunteering culture as a whole, and also look at voluteering policies.

Dr.khaled abdel fatah, sociology Dept. , faculty of arts, helwan university, cairo

Several voluntary activities are done in my country by the community in general, and by the youth in particular, but are never valuated as such. I may take the example of the town where I live; it is built on volcanic lava, so that avenues are too diffucult to build. Most of the areas are voluntarily made accessible by their inhabitants. Huge physical efforts are released and own materials used, but all of those are not given value.

The commitment for such activities was born in 1970s after late second president of my country imported from China in 1972 a "bad" example of volunteering; I say 'bad' since it was based on the opposite of volunteering, being actually a compulsory work of each Saturday morning. Nowadays that model of community work is supposed to have disappeared from the country many years ago, but remains in some developing towns.

To end, let me say that generally, people in DRC do not know about large volunteering, and one could not imagine to be hired as volunteer in employement, nor employers could think about hiring volunteers.

I like to be volunteer. I have worked more than 4 years in a hospital as paramedical staff.

All success is not accompanied by wealth and what is keeping me alive today is my desire and ambition to reach success---Success that will not bring me anything but thanks from the waiting multitudes.

Volunteerism is a divine but noble occupation. I work as a Consultant(Volunteer Service) and as an International Volunteer for over ten (10) years. VOLUNTEER WORK IS WORK EXPERIENCE...It is not for fortune. It is not for fame. It is not for only personal gain. It is for love of fellowman or just to lend a helping hand. It is not for medals worn with pride. It is for feeling deep inside, of helping others far and near---that makes you want to volunteer. God Help Us, All.

I am currently a college student here in the U.S. I am looking forward to doing any volunteer work or internship in Yemen for my summer break with a health organization. Does anyone know how I can do this, or whom should I contact?

I'm interested to know more of your mission work in Yemen. I worked in Indonesia in the orphanage, let me know of your work because I'm interested to work with you. Thank you!

I want to be a Volunteer.