by Vero Balderas Iglesias, Communication Specialist, UNV Banda Aceh

06 December 2006

Banda Aceh, Indonesia: Up to 100 people, many of them affected by the 2004 tsunami, participated in a ‘Volunteer Awareness Campaign’ organized this past Saturday, December 02, 2006 by United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in Banda Aceh. The event paved the way for the annual commemoration of the International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5th, a date proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 to bring together volunteers from all walks of life, and draw attention to their important contributions to social development and peace building.

UNV’s campaign morning session included an open dialogue at national NGO TRIBAL’s headquarters, in which international and national UNV volunteers shared their experiences with a group of Acehnese women who are currently participating in different livelihood programmes. Representatives of other non-governmental organizations, including ‘Aceh Relief’ and ‘Pulih’, also attended the event.

“It’s important to show appreciation to the work that volunteers carry out because this will strengthen that same volunteer spirit within the local communities,” TRIBAL’s Project Coordinator, Mutiara Simanjuntak, pointed out. International UNV volunteer Aishah Moho Amin explained to the audience the importance of the contributions she has made to her host agency UNIFEM, by working as a Reporting and Information Officer. On his side, Liberianborn John Constance promoted Volunteerism by elaborating on the benefits this kind of activity has brought to his own life.

“In 16 years I had never worked without a salary but then I decided it was important to share my knowledge as a volunteer. From my country it takes almost three days to reach Indonesia but I thought people would appreciate this effort and feel encouraged not only to volunteer abroad but in their own countries,” John explained. Edy Fradinata, Ruhama Ahdy and Sarip Aklan backed up John’s comments by sharing their own experiences while working as national UNV volunteers.

“You are most welcome to apply on-line to become a UNV volunteer,” Sarip said. “I myself have been able to contribute my skills as Programme Assistant and try to ensure that when the UNDP project I work for ends, the beneficiaries will stand by themselves.”

But if participants felt encouraged during the morning session by the professional advantages of Volunteerism, the playful environment that reigned during the afternoon event held at the ‘Yayasan Penyantun Islam Stui’i' orphanage certainly showed the most friendly side of Volunteerism.

After conveying her message on the importance of Volunteerism, cheerful UNV Project Coordinator SKL Walia alongside other UNV volunteers, showed almost 80 orphans how to carry out some group activities. These included decorating containers that would later be filled with toiletries donated by the Aceh UNV volunteers. Group songs and dances were performed after IVD packs (containing UNV background information in Bahasa Indonesia, as well as branded promotional items) were handed out to the orphans.

Small snacks and refreshments were also enjoyed by the teens who were keen to share the lessons they learnt through the UNV Volunteer Awareness Campaign.

“Anyone who can help those in need should do it without expecting anything in return” was the comment of 14- year-old Dedi Miswar. “I will myself apply one day to become a UNV volunteer,” said 17-year-old Sudirman. “It’s such joyful work.”

“When I'm sad, my friends cheer me up and I feel better.” Husna says with a smile. The nine-year-old lost both her parents and three siblings after the 26 December tsunami. Although her story was one of great sadness and pain, wounds are healing and hope has reborn in her heart thanks to the support of teachers and classmates alike. She might not know the dictionary definition for “Volunteerism”, but in more than one way she has already experienced its benefits.