UNV volunteers and staff from 30 countries submitted more than 50 entries to the IVD 2009 story competition. Read

UNV volunteer Camelia Tri Lestari gazes from the window of the United Nations building at the calmness of the natural environment outside. But inside the meeting room, the atmosphere is lively. Read

Cobblestone road construction is indeed a success history in Bahir Dar. All the environmental, economic and social achievements have proved its effectiveness in the fight against urban poverty. As a UNV volunteer, it makes me proud to be part of the leading actors that have brought this success and above all it has proved the strong determination of UNV volunteers to serve the community. Read

I have learned through out my time as a volunteer that involving the refugees in natural resource management can greatly improve sustainability and promote a sense of ownership and responsibility. Read

My blood is positive of development and charity activities. If I am living without this work, I am always thinking that is a big gap in my life. So volunteerism is a cornerstone for development work. Therefore being a volunteer is the right position for me to implement development and charity activities and bridge the gap in my life. Read

Though refugees escaping conflict at home have it tough, there are still ways to minimize their impact on the environment. Shiferaw Mekonnen from UNHCR explains how voluntary efforts led to halving the amount of firewood needed by refugees in Tanzania, and how they planted millions of seedlings to help replace the forests. Read

I brought back with me the greatest gift - being a volunteer with UNV gave me the opportunity to know and learn from the inside about such a different and interesting culture. Read

Local NGO Young Volunteers in Action (Y-via) sent positive health related messages to their peers through a one-day clean up activity supported by UNV. On the day of the activity we were blessed by bright sunshine. It was also the opportunity to launch the theme of International Volunteer Day 2009 – ‘Volunteering for Our Planet’. Read

"I have dedicated my spare time and money to teach these 30 people how to play volleyball. I was finally able to create not only a good team of players but a tight-knit group, which also allowed me to explain my role as a UNV volunteer in Chad and how important this experience is for me." Read

Every time I think I understand a situation, my perceptions are challenged again… I don’t think the learning will ever end! Read