International Volunteer day celebrated in Albania

TIRANA, Dec. 5 – Each day, millions of volunteers make a statement that, despite everythingذoverty and hatred, apathy and the seeming intractability of some of the challenges we faceذeople can change the world for the better, said U.N. head Kofi Annan on International Volunteer Day. “Volunteer efforts can help fill the gap between declarations and delivery, and supplement broader national and international efforts to achieve the Goals. Volunteerism is, of course, its own reward. But International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to remind all who seek selflessly to improve our world that their contributions are recognized,” he added.
United Nations Volunteers/United Nations Development Programme (UNV/UNDP) in Albania, the Albanian Red Cross, the Regional Environmental Center, the Albanian Youth Council, the Peace Corps and MJAFT! hosted a series of activities to celebrate International Volunteer Day 2006, including environmental activities and the planting of the symbolic “Keep the Promise 2015” Tree, with the students of the “A.Z.Cajupi” high school of Tirana. Other events included a roundtable of volunteer-based organizations in Albania, with the main theme of “what should be done to further encourage volunteerism in Albania”, and an Exhibition of Students Show, with performances focusing on volunteerism in Albania and volunteerism. The annual “International Volunteer Day” (IVD) was proclaimed by the United Nations 20 years ago and has played a central role in drawing global attention to the work of volunteers all around the world. IVD is dedicated to volunteers working in communities around the globe, and celebrates the efforts of those who have made an important contribution to society through volunteer service. (Tirana Times Staff)