The International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an annual international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985, which offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make their visible contribution at the local, national and international levels, towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IVD is marked by many Non-Governmental Organizations including the Nigeria Network of Non-Governmental Organizations, Red Cross Society, CSO’s, CBO’s among others. It is marked and supported by United Nations Volunteers on the 5th day of December every year.

The United Nations volunteers work closely with partners and governments to establish National Volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism. Through the online volunteering services, volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting development activities over the internet.

The main focus of the IVD celebration is not only to celebrate volunteerism in all its facets, but to also pay special tribute to people’s participation that lead to stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development. It is a unique opportunity for individuals and volunteer involving organizations to work with governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, non-profit institutions, community groups, academia and the private sector.

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebrated every year inspires volunteers through their contributions and enlightens them on volunteering activities and its numerous benefits. This event attracts millions of people in communities around the globe.

The Association of Community Social Volunteers International (ACSVI) in conjunction with the United Nations celebrated the IVD in 2016 to recognize the effort of volunteers who have contributed immensely to the socio-economic development at local and national levels in Nigeria.

ACSVI Volunteers posing for a snapshot during road show awareness campaign in Karu LGA

of Nasarawa State during the 2016 UN International Volunteers Day celebration in Nigeria

The International Volunteers Day 2016 as observed by ACSVI on the 5th of December was marked by two activities, the first being the outdoor activity and closely followed by the indoor activity. On the day of the event, participants were gathered at the Association of Community Social Volunteer International’s Field office by 9:00am for the outdoor activity during which they marched and sang in group on major Roads in Nyanya Sub-Urban District and Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The participants shared handbills to motorists and passersby to create awareness on volunteerism. After the road show, the participants marched to Freshland Hotel in Karu for the Indoor activity.

The indoor activity was interactive as it featured questions and answers from volunteers and invited guests. The event also witnessed handsome contributions from volunteers. The climax of the event was the global applause orchestrated in recognition of volunteers all over the world. Many volunteers from CSOs, CBOs and NGOs participated in the event. The media crew from African Independent Television (AIT) and Independent Television (ITV)were also present to grace the event.

ACSVI Volunteers at the indoor event of the 2016 UN International Volunteers Daycelebration in Nigeria at Freshland Hotels Mararaba, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.