Papua New Guinea July 12th National Volunteer Day

The National Executive Council has approved July 12th as the national volunteer Day, which will be officially observed from next year. Moresby South MP and Minister for Community Development Dame Carol Kidu can National Volunteer Service (NVS) director Mark Mondia made the announcement yesterday. Dame Carol said there was potential out there for development through volunteerism and the country could be moved forward through skills from retired public servants and others who have the heart for the rural people. Mr Mondia said the NVS has achieved another milestone in its history with the approval of a day to be celebrated every year in PNG. Cabinet gave its approval during its meeting in Manus last month. “The news comes as a great accomplishment for NVS as it works towards recognizing its volunteers who have and are continuously bridging the gaps in providing much-needed services in health, agriculture, adult literacy, project development and administration in rural areas,” Mr Mondia said. Since it’s inception in 1990, the volunteer service has recruited more 699 skilled locals to work in the areas of health HIV/AIDS, education and adult literacy, sports development, agriculture and livestock, eco-tourism, eco-forestry and aquaculture and other skills-oriented trades. This year’s celebrations will focus on the global fight against rising sea levels with activities to include planting of mangrove trees at Taurama Bay in the Moresby South Electorate. Soldiers from the Taurama PNG Defence Force quarters are also expected to participate. Dame Carol also urged all schools and business houses to plan their own activities to commemorate National Volunteer Day. This year’s theme is “give a hand and see the different”.


National News Paper: July 8th , 2008.