by Kanako Terui

28 September 2007

Pristina, Kosovo: As a Fully Funded Japanese UNV, I was assigned as a Programme Officer in Kosovo.  This is my first UNV assignment and it has been a great opportunity for me to learn more about volunteerism.  Since the beginning, the most occupying task has been related to formulation of the Youth Project.  Finalizing the UNDP/UNV project document was indeed a learning opportunity as this was a new experience for me. 

Although I was thrown into the middle of a process that started before my time, with strong support of Kosovo UNV Country Operation Assistant (COA), I could survive and was able to finally implement the project.

In addition to the Youth Project, together with the COA, I have organized several activities where many local volunteers participated.  Despite the difficulties these volunteers have (such as lack of financial and institutional support, no recognition of volunteerism or volunteer actions), they are so enthusiastic to volunteer in their community. 

UNV Kosovo is now talking about volunteerism legislation to be seriously considered by the national partners.  I have met several people from different organizations to talk about this issue, and interesting thoughts have come up among us.  So this should be my next topic to mainly work on, and will surely generate some excitement! I have been working almost entirely on youth development and volunteerism.  I have read, seen and discussed so much about volunteerism since I came here.  I have been interested in volunteering, so the concept of volunteerism is really making sense; however, I have found it is not that easy to convince people who do not recognize its potential and impact.  I keep thinking, how can I communicate more effectively with people, using which expressions/language can I convince people to be more interested in volunteering and accept it as a potential starting point for community development efforts in their own world.