Namibia Red Cross values its volunteers
In marking International Volunteer Day this week,
the Namibia Red Cross Society urged communities to recognise the contribution by
volunteers to the country’s health and social development systems.In 1985, the
United Nations designated 5 December as International Volunteer Day to recognise
the value of voluntary service and the contribution of volunteers to alleviating
human suffering.”Voluntary service is one of the seven fundamental principles of
the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the backbone of national Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies. Our volunteers are at the heart of activities to
assist vulnerable people and the services they provide are essential to our
organization’s ability to carry out its humanitarian mandate auxiliary to the
Namibian government”, said Razia Essack-Kauaria, secretary general of the
Namibia Red Cross.The Namibia Red Cross Society has 3500 volunteers, who
contribute to the 97 million volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement.”Every day, our community-based volunteers protect human dignity and
carry community mobilization activities in water and sanitation, first aid and
HIV-related fields. Without their work, the Namibia Red Cross would not exist
and we need to recognize this contribution today”, said Essack-Kauaria.The
Namibia Red Cross Society remembered volunteers who passed away during 2005 and
nominated volunteers for service certificates to be presented on 16 December.At
the event, the Namibia Red Cross will also launch the sale of rubber armbands
for their Come closer anti-stigma campaign. The armbands, with fun messages
such as Hug! Hug! You cannot get HIV by hugging! and Play! Play! You cannot
get HIV by playing are sponsored by MTC and the profits will benefit volunteers
and children affected by HIV/AIDS.