International Volunteer Day 2016 Youths urged to volunteer |06 December 2016

Citizens, especially young people, are being urged to join a volunteer organisation of their interest and subsequently contribute to the development of our country.

The appeal comes from the chairperson of the Citizens Engagement Platform (Ceps) and President of the SADC Council of NGOs Jules Hoareau in his message on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day celebrated yesterday.

The full text of Mr Hoareau’s message reads:

“International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international commemoration in support of volunteers worldwide, mandated by the United Nations and celebrated every year on December 5. It is a day for volunteers and volunteer-based organisations to sensitise people on their contributions, to share their values, and promote the spirit of volunteerism in their communities.  In Seychelles, many volunteer-based organisations are contributing enormously in the socio economic, environmental, health and democratic advancement of our society. As we observe this day, I wish to highlight the imperative roles of the civil society sector in building capacity of citizens and in setting the new agenda for the implementation of sustainable development goals. Volunteer groups must act as agents of change and localise the new agenda by providing innovative areas of interaction between us the citizens and the government. We must also push for greater accountability, transparency and responsibility on the part of the government, the legislative and the judiciary. As volunteers, we can also unite and engage constituencies in taking the lead on issues affecting our communities. 

“As chairperson of Ceps (Citizens Engagement Platform of Seychelles) and President of the regional SADC council of NGOs, I would like to remind all volunteer-based organisations and volunteers  of their fundamental roles in engaging people at grass-root level in the development process and ultimately generating space for active participation of the citizens that will lead to: good governance, peace and security, social cohesion and prosperity of our country.

“Ceps, being the national platform for the civil society sector, has implemented different programmes such as the volunteer’s award, civil society manifestation and members dialogue with the aim of promoting understanding and giving recognitions to volunteers.  Many volunteer organisations in Seychelles are doing an excellent job in different spheres namely: environment awareness, gender, economic empowerment, health and social development, consumerism, rights and good governance,  etc.. However we have many challenges, one being a decline in the level of activism and volunteerism in general.  Youth involvement in volunteer activities is another challenge.  As we celebrate the IDV, I appeal to all citizens especially young people to join a volunteer organisation of their interest and subsequently contribute to the development of our country.

“I wish all volunteers a happy volunteers day and continued success in their noble tasks. Together as citizens let us be ‘united and engaged in building our nation through active dialogue, participation and action.”