By Liapeng Raliengoane
MASERU – The United Nations (UN) Volunteer program commemorated the International Volunteer Day (IVD) today.
The IVD commemoration urges the world to take measures to heighten awareness of the important contribution of volunteer service, thereby stimulating more people in all walks of life to offer their services as volunteers, both at their homes and abroad.
Speaking at the event, region portfolio Specialist Yui Yuichiw Sakai said the first celebration of IVD took place in 1986. He expressed gratitude to all volunteers in Lesotho.
One volunteer from Red Cross Society Lesotho Mothibeli Tšokoliso indicated that 2022 marks his 10 years anniversary as a volunteer and an important lesson he has realized is that, volunteerism is a back bone of many organizations.
Through volunteerism, Tšokoliso said he has also learned to respect humans and has upgraded his networking as he travels around the world.
UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho Amanda Khozi Mukwashi stressed the importance of volunteerism. She related her own personal journey which was grounded on volunteerism.
“My journey has been grounded on volunteerism. I have never stopped volunteering, every year I make sure I mentor a young black African girl,” she revealed.
Marked annually on December 5, IVD is an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It is meant to increase awareness of the important contribution of volunteer service to sustainable development.
This year’s theme is “solidarity through volunteering” and it is drawn from an appreciation of the multiple crises facing the world today as reflected in the 2022 Sustainable Development Goals Report. This campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism.