Rikuzentakata, Japan: The sign on the wall of the school hall that is now home to hundreds of Japan's tsunami homeless reads: "Let's all support each other. One for all and all for one."

The rescue centre at Daiichi middle school in Rikuzentakata is testament to that spirit of standing together in the face of an incomprehensible tragedy. Staffed by 21 volunteers, many of whom lost homes and family members themselves when the devastating power of the sea crashed into the city on Japan's northeast coast, it runs on hope and determination.

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Hong Kong SAR, China: The Hong Kong Post announced that a set of special stamps on the theme of volunteerism will be released for sale with associated philatelic products on 29 March.  Visit site

Colombo, Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, efforts are underway to ensure the International Year of Volunteers +10 gets all the visibility needed - from online to the cricket creaseline...  Read article

Uttar Pradesh, India; Islamabad, Pakistan: Harish Chandra Verma, 25, lives in Fatehpur in India's Uttar Pradesh. "Women in our society are the worst sufferers when it comes to gender-based violence," he says. "Women don’t have a right to do what they wish for…” But he feels that projects which use volunteers as advocates for change, are beginning to alter people's mindsets.   Read article

Jakarta, Indonesia: Volunteers in Indonesia had the chance to lay on a real-life 'High School Musical' with the help of actress Monique Coleman. The 30-year-old star of the popular Disney franchise visited Indonesia on 21-22 February as part of a world tour to promote the International Year of Youth.   Read article

Bonn, Germany: The global volunteer community have joined hands for a “north-south-east-west” sharing of experiences.  Read article

Bonn, Germany: Delegates from five continents will congregate in Bonn this month to prepare the ground for a world coalition of voluntary organizations.  Read article

Port Vila, Vanuatu: The rain hardly stops in Vanuatu. It’s pouring as usual when Jayleen sets out on her daily walk among thatched villages to talk to the local Ni-Van youth face-to-face about HIV and AIDS. She is a Peer Educator who volunteers her time and energy to fight the roots of the disease: ignorance.

Volunteering is perfect for tapping into the idealism and drive of young people, and gives them a real space for participating in community development. This year, 2011, not only marks the International Year of Youth but also the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to put words into action and make the potential of youth a reality.

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Manila, the Philippines: As the Philippines Government beefs up its efforts towards the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets, President Benigno S. Aquino III promoted 2011 as the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers in the Philippines.   Visit site

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Foundation in association with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in India and Anant Vikas Trust is bringing out a
special issue of "The Peace Gong--the children’s newspaper" based on the four objectives of IYV+10: recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of Volunteerism.

In view of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets, the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+ 10) offers an opportunity to celebrate but also to assess the progress made towards achieving the objectives of IYV. The aim of this issue is to capture the voices of
children across the world on VOLUNTEERING to facilitate efforts by children for a peaceful world.

Download this PDF to read more about contributing to this special edition.

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