Monrovia –The Liberian National Red Cross has called for increased recognition, support and protection of volunteers around the world, especially community-based volunteers.
Report by Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
The call comes as the Liberia National Red Cross joins the rest of world to celebrate International Volunteer Day.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, 4 December in Monrovia, Liberia National Red Cross Secretary General Saybah Tamba said this years’ celebration focuses on making communities more resilient against hazards including natural disaster, economic stresses and political shocks.
“International Volunteer Day 2018 focusses on the values of volunteerism and appreciation for local volunteers, including marginalized group and women who make up nearly 60 percent of volunteers worldwide, and their impact on building resilient communities,” Madam Tamba said.
International Volunteer day is celebrated on December 5 each year in recognition of the bravery and achievements of community-based volunteers whose selfless efforts have help to reassure its commitment to humanity.
Madam Tamba noted that volunteers are mostly victims of crisis they respond to and their courage and solidarity must be recognized.
She said the humanitarian world is becoming more complex and volunteering in these contexts becomes challenging and dangerous, but volunteers often make a significant and meaningful difference.
She expressed as sadden for these volunteers to come from some of the poorest communities and are often faced with their own challenges and trauma.
“Time and again, it is the volunteer who roll up their sleeves, wrap reassuring arms over the shoulders of distressed neighbors and put their hearts into making things better,” Tamba asserted.
“They are often as vulnerable as the people they support. Therefore, we need to support them.”
In the face of Natural Disaster that continues to take place around the world, Madam Tamba said Volunteers are one of the greatest resources in addressing crisis.
She furthered that the tireless efforts of volunteers during emergency and life-threatening circumstances and hours of work have not gone unnoticed, because some have died on duty while others have suffered from physical and emotional injuries while helping affected communities.
At the same time, the Liberian Red Cross Secretary General also call on volunteers to have close collaboration with their local authorities and networks as well as accessing opportunities including training, insurance and supplies while serving.
“Today, the Liberian Red Cross is present in every district and all of the 15 counties through its network of over 3,500 communities-based volunteers, who are often on the frontlines of humanitarian emergencies,” she said.