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Volunteers seek direct return for helping others - UN

By Aamna Mahboob
With the rapid changes occurring in Sri Lanka the concept of volunteering is undergoing a rapid change and there is increasing pressure on people and communities to seek a direct return for helping others, the UN office in Colombo said at a media briefing on a roundtable discussion on volunteerism ‘Volunteering Everyone’s Business’ which will be held today.
The UN further said that now there are new opportunities arising with many businesses recognizing the value of social co-operate responsibility and the government and civil society exploring new ways to involve people and mobilize them to reach out and participate in voluntary work.
The UN resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP regional representative, Neil Buhne recalled the voluntary help by Sri Lankans during Tsunami and said that it was beyond region, religion and community. Sri Lankan people help voluntary in emergency times like recent floods and tsunami, he added.
The aim of this roundtable is to bring together the academics, development workers, government, institutions, policy planners, private sector, civil society and voluntary agencies. The roundtable is organized by UN Voluntaries (UNC) and voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).
In the roundtable conference they will discuss how any one can be a volunteer and what are the requirements to be a volunteer. Okama Ekpe Brook Coordinator of UNV Sri Lanka said people don’t know how they can be a volunteer to UN we will discuss how the private sector, not for profit. Community and the state can work together to strengthen involvement in volunteering for sustainable development and peace building in Sri Lanka: how can new networks be created; and how we recognize and reward volunteers who contribute to a positive impact in Sri Lanka.
Hugh Macleman Country Director of VSO Sri Lanka said that voluntary can save government money and that money can be used for other purposes of the country. “Economically voluntary benefits a lot”, he said.
Douglas Keh, Country Director of UNDP Sri Lanka and Kamal Adrechci was also present at the media briefing.

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