International Volunteer Day 2014 to be observed on December 5 at PILAC
Punjab Education and Youth Minister Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan urged youth and students to become volunteers for peace. Addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club, on Thursday, announcing the celebrations for International Volunteer Day, the minister said that the Punjab government in collaboration with local and international organizations also aims to start a programme for peace volunteers. In this connection government would also consult local and international groups.
The press conference was arranged in collaboration with Bargad organization for youth development and Umeed Jawan organization, to announce day long celebrations on the IVD to be held at PILAC Qaddafi Stadium. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif and many other dignitaries would attend the colorful event.
IVD is globally commemorated to bring youth issues and stories of volunteerism to the attention of the international community. It is to identify potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. This year’s theme is “Peace and Youth”. In this way, the idea is to create a counter-narrative against extremism using youth potential.
Sabiha Shaheen, executive director Bargad NGO, at the moment, said IVD is globally observed every year on December 5. Bargad has been observing this day for the last 12 years in collaboration with international and local partners and with the support of government at various levels. She said Bargad Volunteer Network is spread across the country and the organisation tried to include and engage maximum number of youth in constructive activities.