BANDARBAN, 15 July -- On the occasion to celebrate the International Year of Volunteer (IYV) 2001, the Integrated Social Development Effort (ISDE) and Bangladesh Work Camps Association (BWCA) organized a 10 day long International Work Camp at Faitong, Lama under Bandarban hill district on 11 July. The Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban, Bishnu Pada Shaha, formally opened the work camps.

On the occasion Bishnu Pada Shaha the Deputy Commissioner highly encourage the work camp and the participants who contributing the volunteerism for the better interest of nature and environment. He emphasis to the theme of IYV 2001, "Think Globally and Act Locally". Shaha also planted saplings at the premises of Fitong Government Primary School. A number international/foreign and local volunteers attended the launching of the workcamp programme. Guests included Theresa Mellios and Nora Ruhlig from Germany, Hwang Soon Young from South Korea and Mr. Mazim from Venezuela. Another 80 local volunteers participated.

The opening ceremonies of the workcamp programme was presided by ISDE Director Mr. S M Nazer Hossain. Other gust speakers included Rafique Ahmed Chairperson of the Aziznagar Union Parishad, Advocate Illias Arif President Chakaria Bar Council, Mahmudur Rahman Coordinator, SHED-BINP, Mr. Mahmudur Rahamn Chakaria Press Club, Ms Teresa Mellios International Volunteer from Germany, Mr. Shamsul hoque BWCA and Mr. Gias Uddin of ISDE.

The main aim of the work camp was to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage the community to plant trees for protection of the forest.

For more information please contact:
Kahled Newaz Riad at: isde@ctg.dolphi.net
Golam Rabbany Hiru at: golam.rabbany@undp.org