International volunteer day - December 5th
International Volunteer Day (IVD) (originally and still known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development) (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make their contributions visible – at local, national and international levels – to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The International Volunteer Day is marked by many non-governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and supported by United Nations Volunteers.
Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme works closely with partners and governments to establish national volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism in countries. Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet.
The main focus of IVD 2014 is not only celebrate volunteerism in all its facets – but also pay special tribute to people's participation in making a difference locally, nationally and globally. IVD 2014 highlights the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grass-roots in decision-making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to: stronger governance, social cohesion, peace, love and sustainable development.
The Youth Cultural Center (YCC) from Bitola, with which ACTAC has long-term project cooperation in different sectors, putting a special emphasis on projects involving volunteers, especially the project "Local Volunteer Service" - on the occasion of the 5th of December International Day the volunteers award volunteer awards in Republic of Macedonia. The goal is to give public recognition to volunteers who are involved for the benefit of their community, help others, and promote solidarity, humanity and all positive values of volunteer activities.
The association has an active core of 15 volunteers and hundreds of friends and supporters. In 2017, "Small heroes" realized informative meetings for raising awareness and informing children about how to treat animals in all state kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in Bitola. This year 120 animals were vaccinated and provided the opportunity for vaccination and medical assistance the many homeless animals. The volunteers of "Small Heroes" are an example of how love for animals and a little initiative can make a visible and significant community movement.
Biljana is a young girl from Gostivar who recognizes people from the city and the surrounding villages as an initiator and implementer of numerous volunteer humanitarian actions and activities. Biljana dedicates much of her spare time to community engagement and providing assistance and support to persons with low social status, elderly and frail people, socially endangered families, and children and youth with various disabilities and special needs. In addition to helping organize humanitarian activities, she personally takes care to provide access to these people and families to social and medical support and services.
Congratulations to the award winners and happy Volunteers day to all volunteers in the world!
OTV Prilep