2011: International Year of Volunteers
Youth volunteers under the spotlight
Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) celebrated International Volunteers'
Day (December 5) with various programmes and activities across the country, under the slogan "FIND VOLUNTEER INSIDE YOU." The organization organized art competition among school children, essay and poem competitions among NRCS youth volunteers in the capital city, Kathmandu and similar activities across the country.
The youth volunteers of the Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) of Kathmandu, were literally under the spotlight during the International VolunteersÊ Day celebrations in Kathmandu. To mark the day, over 500 volunteers marched in the cityÊs major market place before gathering in a theater, where the youth volunteers enlivened the stage by showcasing their talents. Mukunda Pradhan, the president of the Kathmandu Red Cross branch highlighted the actions of the branch for the protection of the volunteers In addition to being the main attraction of the event, the volunteers were also the guests of honor. Five young volunteers received special prizes for their outstanding humanitarian services during the year 2011, and 30 other volunteers were also rewarded for their contributions. Delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross were also present during the ceremony.
Dev Ratna Dhakhwa, Secretary General of the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), highlighted the organizationÊs activities for volunteer protection and promotion of volunteerism. „Volunteers really have carried out a tremendous job of saving lives and changing minds in Nepal," said Sanjeev Thapa, chair of NRCS.
At the event, NRCS also organized art, essay and poem competitions among the volunteers in the capital city. Similar activities took place across the country. For instance, in Parsa district, a local branch of NRCS held an art competition and a speech contest on the theme of ÂFind the volunteer inside youÊ. Similarly, a mega blood donation program was orgnized in Kathmandu and Surkhet.
Over 90,000 volunteers of different age are engaged in Nepal Red Cross Society. The organization had published an appeal in January 2011 for making the year for the volunteers. Radio programs and publications of NRCS gave regular space to 'voice of volunteers' as a part of the campaign throughout the year. Fourty district chapters carried out different activities relating to the year. This year's different days such as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8 and Blood Donor's Day in June had special activities to promote volunteerism.