By: Mohamed Jalloh
The Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) has on Tuesday 28th March 2023 engaged a plethora of Journalists across the country on the need to demystify the myth around volunteering and for the media to help in spreading the message of dignity in volunteering.
The engagement further hopes to work with the media in bringing about change by enhancing the work of volunteers by way of empowering people living in some of the world`s poorestcountries through the works of skilled staff and volunteers.
As an organization the VSO has worked in Sierra Leone for over 60 years in several districts across the country including Bo, Bombali, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun and the Western Area.
This is normally done a partnership with the international forum for volunteering in development.
VSO has further supported the development priorities of Sierra Leone since the 1960`s, working in education, health governance and secured livelihood sectors through supporting youth employability, entrepreneurship, women and girls empowerment, resilience, inclusion among others.
It should be noted that the VSO has been playing a leading role in enhancing the work of global standards for the volunteering in order to bring development to every sector.
The Global standard is a voluntary standard, with the aim of improving the outcomes of volunteering for development activities, and to further ensure that organizations that work through and with volunteers are both responsible and impactful in their practice.
The global volunteering standards helps organizations to be more responsible and effective by ensuring that primary actors are actively involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of projects and programmes designed to support them, meaning they are more responsive to their needs.
According to VSO standards a volunteer is a person who commits himself/herself to a sustained amount of time and effort in helping another person, group, or cause, typically through a non-profit organization.
It is worth noting that Volunteering can help you apply best skills, ideas, intentions and personal creativity, combine them with what others have to offer and bring about the changes you want see in the world.
One can further enhance personal growth, increase professional development, and benefit from the health factors volunteering adds to your life.
Another fantastic thing if you give a bit, you will receive in abundance.
