Guatemala: “It has been a meaningful experience to learn from adolescents through a process of conversation in terms of what their needs and wishes are,” says Julia Noethiger, a UN Volunteer assisting UNICEF with advocacy efforts for adolescents. Julia was involved in national workshops where she engaged with adolescents and discussed their issues: for example, she spoke with them about their problems, their dreams, and possible solutions to their concerns. Read

Egypt: “I found it a pleasure to see those children having the opportunity to learn, play, express their feelings, and participate in different activities as the others do," says Samar Wahba, UNV Education Specialist with UNICEF Egypt. Samar monitors and evaluates an early childhood development project designed to increase kindergarten and school enrollment and improve the quality of education. Read

Rwanda: “When I give a ball to a child, I know I can change that child’s life for the better,” says Antoine Deliége who works closely with Right to Play International to implement a UNICEF-funded project which uses sport to promote healthy child development. Read

Japan has a long tradition of strong support for the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and volunteering, in general.

Last week, UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri visited the earthquake and tsunami stricken town of Minami Sanriku cho and spoke at the opening of the 20th Japanese National Volunteer Festival Tokyo.  She offered her deepest sympathies to the people of Japan and expressed her great admiration for the millions who are engaged as volunteers throughout the country. Read

Internationally acclaimed singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Angélique Kidjo, joined forces with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme this week.  Ms Kidjo dedicated her song ‘Agolo’ to volunteers everywhere, ahead of a 5 December UN General Assembly Session on volunteerism which will be the culmination of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. Read

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: “The volunteers were able to build meaningful relationships with elderly members of the nursing home and broaden their own understanding of various elder-related issues. The initiative aims to promote awareness of volunteerism, philanthropy and community service. The very fabric of Kyrgyz society depends on the efforts of individual citizens to voluntarily reach out to those in need and lend a helping hand.” Read

Pristina, Kosovo: Lack of awareness about environmental issues is widespread in Kosovo. Plastic bags and other waste are often indiscriminately thrown away, polluting soil, rivers and underground water. UN Volunteers are helping to draw attention to these problems and encouraging more environmentally-friendly habits among citizens. Read

Bonn, Germany: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and volunteer involving organizations know that volunteerism contributes to peace and development around the world, but how do we demonstrate this?  A new handbook, Assessing the Contribution of Volunteering to Development is designed to help development practitioners get the evidence they need. Read

Bonn, Germany: The German Foreign Minister, Mr Guido Westerwelle, visited the UN campus in Bonn today.  He was welcomed by the Chair of the Consultative Forum of the Heads of UN Agencies in Germany, Ms Flavia Pansieri, together with the heads of the United Nations agencies in Bonn.  The Minister asserted the commitment of Germany to the UN agencies in Bonn and their work on sustainable development. Read

Bonn, Germany: Price swings represent a major threat to food security in developing countries. Hardest-hit are the poor. According to the World Bank, in 2010-2011 rising food costs pushed nearly 70 million people into extreme poverty. This year’s World Food Day theme “Food prices – from crisis to stability” has been chosen to shed some light on this trend and what can be done to mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable.

The following three examples show how online volunteers contributed to the activities of development organizations working in the area of food and agriculture.

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