On the occasion of International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2019, we will have diverse activities in Kousseri and Yaoundé. The programme includes a mobilization walk, sensitization for girls and women about the environment and climate change, planting trees and a sports tournament. In addition, there will be a discussion about inclusion with youth, non-governmental organizations and volunteer-involving organizations: How can volunteers contribute towards an inclusive future in Cameroon?

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day 2019, we have organized a qualifying training for twenty-five women/girls with disabilities in Tillabéry. We will also have a food and clothing donation for girls and women prisoners at the Tillabéry prison. The official ceremony will be attended by the Minister for Regional Planning and Community Development and the Regional Manager, West and Central Africa Office of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day 2019, we have organized a day of action, including an inclusive basketball match, a public clean-up, experience sharing on volunteerism, a conference on volunteerism as an instrument for social inclusion. When: 30 November to 5 December 2019, Blue de kaloum, Conakry, Guinea

For International Volunteer Day (IVD), the Regional Office of East and Southern Africa of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is organizing a volunteer festival. The festival is co-hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya and the UNV Regional Office. At the event, we will launch the Volunteer Awards. When: 5 December 2019, 10:00-17:00, Nairobi Railway Club

To mark the theme of International Volunteer Day 2019, Volunteer for an inclusive future, volunteers from Senegal is organizing a sensitization day on gender-based violence with sixty high school students in Guédiawaye. We will showcase a film produced for IVD and engage in discussion with volunteers and partners, including UN Women, the Association des Femmes Juristes and the African Leaders Factory Initiative. When: 4 December 2019, Guédiawaye, Senegal  

What is a regular day as a UN Volunteer for you?  I work as part of the External Relations unit at UNHCR in Dundo, Angola. However, I cover more areas, and am in the field regularly.  I oversee the general reporting in Dundo, and this includes thematic reports such as on shelter and mental health. I am also responsible for internal and external communications, particularly with partners and the government. I manage media relations and I am the focal point for interagency meetings.

As part of his assignment, Hamma supports the implementation of humanitarian assistance activities to ensure compliance with relevant IOM donor policies and procedures. He has had an impact through the delivery of technical guidance and compliance monitoring to project partners, technical advisors, IOM personnel and implementing entities. Hamma also liaises with the programme manager to coordinate a working group on shelter in the regions of Tahoua and Tillabéry.

The activities I am engaged in at the Child Protection Unit are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically with SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The unit’s work in Malakal meets one of the major targets specified under this goal, which is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against, and torture of, children. 

Serving with the IOM Durable Solutions Programme, Leena recognizes the opportunity to consult people with various backgrounds as a real asset in her daily activities as a UN Volunteer. She sees the diversity of their ideas and opinions as a rich resource to build cohesion and sustainable solutions. Volunteerism strengthens civic engagement, social inclusion, solidarity and ownership. It also builds capacities, ownership and connections between local communities and national authorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ouagadougou, 19th November 2019  This meeting is timely, the Sahel region being in focus with many challenges related to peace and development. Among the solutions and initiatives, volunteering is positioned as a solid value, hence the theme: "Volunteering contributions to peace and development in the Sahel".