The first international symposium on developing a 'culture of volunteering' in universities and schools across the country was held in the capital on 29 April. Organized by the Emirates Foundation's volunteer programme Takatof, the symposium, titled 'Learning from the International Volunteer Experience', featured international delegates who stressed that volunteering is a critical aspect of an active civil society.  Visit site

If the Peace Corps wishes to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, it needs to send expertise, not just youthful zeal. That was what Ethiopian officials politely told Peace Corps country director Peter Parr when he approached them last summer with a proposal to send a batch of volunteers to work on the pandemic.  Visit site

The European Volunteer Centre (CEV) is a European umbrella association of 40 National and Regional Volunteer Centres across Europe, that together work to support and promote voluntary activity.   Visit site

Freelance journalist Alex Klaushofer blogs about "voluntourism", specifically the growing trend for young, affluent western Europeans to volunteer in developing countries. By doing good, honestly, do they make a difference?  Read entry

Volunteer-involving organizations in Ethiopia will hold an exhibit, "Let evidence speak", to express appreciation to volunteers' contribution to the country's development.  Read entry