10 January 2012

Pristina, Kosovo: A ceremony to celebrate International Volunteer Day was held in Kosovo on 5 December, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Red Cross of Kosova (RCK).

The ceremony started with a speech from Ms Osnat Lubrani, United Nations Development Programme Resident Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of the Law on Youth participation and Empowerment in Kosovo, which aims to engage more youth in volunteer work for peace and development.

June Kashio, Programme Officer of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme said a few words to introduce a five-minute video showcasing volunteers and the faces of beneficiaries to highlight the achievements of UN Volunteers and Red Cross volunteers in Kosovo over the years.

More speeches were delivered by the Head of Office of IFRC and the Secretary General of the Red Cross of Kosova, followed by a theatrical performance by volunteers of the Red Cross branch. The performance highlighted problems related to drug addiction, with a message for volunteers to help address this current issue in Kosovo.

The ceremony ended with a volunteering certificate award to seven Red Cross branches that participated in a joint pre-IVD campaign that took place in six different regions of Kosovo to promote volunteerism with UNV and IFRC.

The cinema was full with volunteers from all over Kosovo, United Nations representatives, members of the Ministry for Culture, Youth and Sports, NGOs and the media.

After the ceremony, a volunteer band played live music, and there was a share fair with stands by UNV, RCK and UNV’s NGO partner, The Ideas Partnership, who sold soaps and gift bags made by local women from Roma communities to support income generation.

The UNV stand also offered handmade bracelets and fabric bags made by local Roma women in support of their income generation project.

The day continued outside with the Red Cross Pristina branch offering a first aid demonstration, a theatrical performance, live music, and general information for the recruitment of new volunteers.

You can watch the five-minute video highlighting the achievements of UN Volunteers and Red Cross volunteers in Kosovo.

The video was produced by UNV in Kosovo, and co-sponsored by the IYV+10 project and the Kosovo Red Cross to mark International Volunteer Day 2011, as well as the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10).