01 December 2000

BONN: More than 100 countries on six continents celebrated the global launch of the International Year of Volunteers on or around 5 December, which is also the annual International Volunteer Day (IVD). IYV celebrations were held in all corners of the world-from the tiny island of St. Helena to the United States. IYV made headlines in national newspapers and television stations. Heads of States like President Jorge Battle of Uruguay attended opening ceremonies, celebrities like Jamaican Reggae artist Tony Rebel added to the excitement and role models like Madame Sira Diop of Mali inspired future volunteers.