International Volunteer Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 40/212 to recognize the crucial contribution of volunteer efforts of individuals and organizations in securing peace and development. It is also an opportunity for the United Nations to connect civil society with government and inter-governmental agencies.
This year, on International Volunteer Day, the Global Peace Foundation Mongolia’s “My Club” online community was recognized as “Best Voluntary Activity of 2014” by the Network of Voluntary Organizations at a special program hosted by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program of Mongolia entitled, “Make change happen, volunteer.”
Global Peace Foundation-Mongolia’s youth division actively engages volunteers from universities around the nation as part of its leadership development program to cultivate productive and ethical citizens. Volunteers have creatively tackled issues such as literacy, strengthening families and preserving the environment.
One such innovative initiative is “Desk Book.” Desk Book members, mostly university students, have created ways to raise awareness and improve literacy. They visit elementary schools and kindergartens to host read-alouds, run awareness campaigns during occasions like National Book Day, and host a library buddies program.