Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2008

With support from GIVE Network and other volunteer-involving organizations, Nigeria witnessed the celebrations of the International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2008 in five states--Lagos, Edo, Kwara, Cross River & Gombe. The International Volunteer Day (IVD) was declared by the United Nations in 1985 and December 5 of every year was chosen as a day dedicated to recognize and appreciate the efforts and contribution of volunteers and increase public awareness on their contribution to society.

The first "
Lagos Summit on Volunteerism and Social Responsibility" organised with the theme 'Volunteerism towards Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)' was aimed at increasing awareness and participation on volunteerism by providing information and promoting the values of volunteering towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Highlights of the Lagos Summit
  • Special Address by Dr Kola Kasali, Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Lagos State represented by Mr Adekunle Odubiyi
  • Key note Address by Mr Yemi Osilaja, Country Director, HOPE worldwide Nigeria & Member, Board of Trustees, GIVE Network
  • Panel discussion with civil society experts on key MDG themes (health, education, poverty, gender)
  • Dance drama by the Crowne Troupe of Africa
  • Active participation of about 160 individuals and organizations and 21 representatives of print and electronic media.The Daily Independent (11 December) has a detailed coverage on the event.
  • The Summit was recognized online as the key celebration on IVD in Nigeria on the following two international websites: Taking it Global; World Volunteer Web.
  • 11 organizations displayed their work and impact through colourful and attractive exhibitions.
  • Six partner organizations nominated one volunteer to receive the Volunteer Recognition Award. The six volunteers (three male and three female) receiving the award also shared their experiences on volunteering.

About Us

Based on the need to address many of the challenges confronting volunteering development in Nigeria, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Nigeria, organized a forum comprising representatives from a number of volunteer-involving organizations in July 2005 to discuss issues and challenges of the volunteering community in Nigeria. It was during this gathering that Greater Involvement in Volunteering Effort (GIVE) was formed.

GIVE Network is a civil society group of volunteer-involving organizations promoting volunteering as a key to sustainable national development. Since establishment, GIVE has been working in partnership with relevant stakeholders to

  • To develop and strengthen volunteering organizations by building their capacity on Volunteer Program Development and Management.
  • To encourage and develop multi-sectoral cooperation/ partnerships to support volunteering efforts.
  • To increase awareness and participation of volunteerism by providing information and promoting the values of volunteering to the general public.
  • To advocate to policy makers for a favourable legal environment to sustain volunteering.
GIVE Network is officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Civil Society Network for Volunteering Development. The Network has organizational and individual members in various parts of the country.

Contact Us:
National Secretariat: #230 Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos State, Nigeria
Tel: +234-1-890-1677; Email: givenigeria@gmail.com