Today marks the International Volunteer Day (IVD). The day is celebrated every year on December 5 to raise awareness about the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world. There are millions of volunteers in Bangladesh and the contribution that they make to communities around the country are enormous. IVD is an opportunity to acknowledge, thank and shine a light on the important work of volunteers.
We have a large youth population, with over 60 per cent of the population under the age of 25. This young and dynamic demographic is the key to unlocking the country's immense potential. But for this, we require a concerted effort to promote voluntarism and youth development. Voluntarism, the spirit of selfless service, has long been embedded in our society. From community-led initiatives to national volunteer organisations, we have a rich history of collective action. Yet, there is a need to further cultivate this spirit, particularly among the youth, to address the challenges and seize the opportunities.
Promoting voluntarism among youth offers a multitude of benefits. It instils a sense of social responsibility, civic engagement and empathy. This fosters a more cohesive and caring society. Volunteers gain valuable skills and experience that enhance their employability and personal growth. Moreover, voluntarism contributes to addressing social issues and promoting sustainable development goals. Voluntarism, at its core, embodies the spirit of giving back to society without the expectation of material gain. In a country like Bangladesh, where community bonds are strong, fostering a culture of voluntarism can unlock untapped potentials for sustainable development. We can build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future if we can cultivate the culture of volunteerism. By investing in youth development and volunteerism, we can go a long way to resolve our social problems. In many countries in the world, volunteerism is practised institutionally from the students' school days. In my view, time has come for us to introduce such things in our curricula and make a better country not only for us but for the next generation.
Sumit Banik,
Public health activist and trainer,
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