23 August 2007

Pakistan’s Prime Minister awards UNV a shield of commendation
“Volunteerism is a recognized way to mobilize the nation and the people,” Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, awarding UNV and UNDP a shield of commendation in recognition of their outstanding and meritorious services in earthquake-affected areas in Pakistan.  “This award is a great recognition and motivation for all UNV volunteers who worked selflessly around the clock since the earthquake, leaving behind their families to help others who desperately needed assistance,” said UNV Programme Officer Naoko Takasu. “Their strength and dedication is commendable.”

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World Volunteer Web wins Web4Dev Award 2006
World Volunteer Web won the 2006 Web4Dev Award for excellence in website design and development.  WVW is an online hub where the volunteer community can network, share information and coordinate activities to promote volunteerism in support of the Millennium Development Goals.  It is managed by UNV, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, CIVICUS and other organizations.  WVW is the global focal point for International Volunteer Day, celebrated worldwide on 5 December.

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Mboole Rural Development Initiative receives Red Ribbon Award
The Mboole Rural Development Initiative (MRDI), a community-based HIV and AIDS project supported by UNV in Zambia, won the international Red Ribbon Award for outstanding community leadership and action on AIDS.  Originating as a single village endeavour initiated by 12 youth, the project focused on providing orphans with school uniforms and supplies to enable them to continue their education.  MRDI has since expanded to include 16 villages where youth learn skills like tailoring and carpentry in micro-edit enterprises that supply the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.  With 15 sewing machines, about 60 school uniforms are being produced per day.

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Outstanding UNV volunteers receive Excellence Awards
Six UNV volunteers in Trinidad and Tobago were awarded the UNDP Excellence Awards for their commitment as ambassadors of volunteerism for development by Ad Melkert, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator.
The recipients were Dr. Patthabi Rama Rao Valluri and Dr. Bikshit Kamal Guria, for their support of the International Volunteer Day 2006 Medical Camps; Dr. Clement Onuoha and Dr. Veena Murlidhar, for promoting the Walk against Child Hunger; Mr. Mohamed Nourain (on behalf of UNV engineers architects) and Dr. Floriza Mendoza for promoting volunteerism.