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UN Volunteers in the Caribbean joined counterparts around the world to observe International Volunteer Day

06 December 2023

A group of people posing for a photo in front of a school — Caption: #IfEveryoneDid: UN Volunteers in Barbados pose for a photo in front of a rural primary school where they spent their International Volunteer Day planting new trees, cleaning up the community garden, and helping prepare food for local families in need.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

International Volunteer Day Celebrated in Barbados and Across the Eastern Caribbean

Bridgetown, December 7, 2023: International Volunteer Day, was observed in the Caribbean and around the world on December 5, with countries and communities celebrating the spirit of volunteerism under this year’s theme: “If everyone did…”

More than a billion volunteers around the world act for solidarity and humanity for people and planet. International Volunteer Day recognizes the value of volunteerism in peace and development.

In Barbados and across the Eastern Caribbean, under the UN Volunteers Programme (UNV), national and international UN Volunteers are supporting United Nations partners in critical work on climate action, gender equality and food security, among other global issues.

a group of people digging a hole the ground with shovels — Caption: UNVs Terrell Davis,Tracy Marshall and Elisaveta Gouretskaia, dig the hole to plant the first breadfruit tree of the project on the school grounds of the A DaCosta Edwards Primary School, in Belleplaine, St. Andrew.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

At the UN Multi-Country Office in Barbados, UN Volunteers celebrated their special day by volunteering with the Slow Food Movement, a local organization dedicated to developing food security initiatives. The volunteers planted new trees, helped clean-up local community gardens, and helped to prepare raw ingredients for soups to be delivered to Barbadian families in need.

women standing next to a table of freshly prepared vegetables — Caption: (From left) UNICEF UNVs Nathale Clarke-Lewis and Kimberley Skinner, with OCHA UNV Carol Sanchez stand next their freshly prepared ingredients for soups be delivered to Barbadian families in need outside of the kitchen at Slow Food Barbados, in St. Andrew, Barbados.

Photo: © UNICEF/Troy Barker

Before departing UN House on the popular Bajan Open Bus, for the day’s activities, the UN Volunteers chatted with UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, and other UN Heads of Agencies. They were praised for their dedication, hard work, and passion.

a group of people holding SDG cards — Caption: Together for the SDGs: UNV nationals of Barbados, Columbia, Germany, Grenada, and Ireland, are joined by members of the UN Sub Regional Team (UNST) with their respective SDGs. UNST members include (at centre second row) UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq, UNICEF Representative Pieter Bult (first row, centre), World Food Programme Representative & Country Director, Regis Chapman (second row, left), UNV Coordinator for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, Nuala Lawlor, (second row, second from left), and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Stephanie Ziebell (second row, third from left).

Photo: © UNICEF/Troy Barker

“We as the UN certainly benefit from your work and it’s always great to see the level of passion that you bring to the job. I also started as a volunteer with the Red Cross many years ago and it is important that you keep this experience with you. It always keeps you grounded throughout your career. I am happy to see that we have a growing group of volunteers in the region, and I hope that this continues. It’s your day today celebrate it and keep up the good work!” Mr. Trebucq advised.

Carol Healy, an Irish UNV working with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as an Assistant Gender Analyst, said the opportunity to engage with and work alongside fellow Volunteers was both inspiring and transformative.

a woman in a white t shirt sits in a bus and smiles during conversation — Caption: Carol Healy, an Irish UNV, works in Barbados with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as an Assistant Gender Analyst.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

“The day left a lasting impression and left me feeling reenergized and filled with a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future of the UNV programme and its contributions to the broader UN system. The experience also served as a reminder of the profound positive impact that volunteerism can have on the global stage and is a testament to the dedication and passion of individuals committed to making a meaningful difference,” she added.

The IVD theme for 2023 centred on the power of collective action – if everyone did. The underlying message is that if everyone volunteers, the world would be a better place, and furthermore, if more than eight billion of us did, there would be limitless possibilities for sustainable development, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.

In his message to mark the occasion, Executive Coordinator for the global UNV Programme, Toily Kurbanov, stated: “Today I say to all volunteers around the globe: Thank you. For choosing to improve the world. For finding inspiration to act. For creating solutions. For keeping our hopes alive. And to the world our message is: Imagine what we could achieve if all joined in. And volunteered.”

Volunteers dream not of lofty ambitions but of solutions to improve the lives of people around them.

a person holding a block — Caption: Molly Lynch, a UNV with UNICEF, holds one of the blocks to the Community Garden at A DaCosta Edwards Primary School during the rebuilding aspect of the garden project.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

The Barbados-based UN Volunteers are nationals of Barbados, Colombia, Canada, Germany, Grenada, and Ireland. For more inspiring stories about volunteerism in Barbados and beyond, visit https://unvolunteers.exposure.co/decide-to-join-the-united-nations and follow the social media campaign: #DecideToVolunteer #IfEveryoneDid #IVD2023

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Media Contacts:

Nuala Lawlor

UNV Coordinator for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean

Email: nuala.lawlor@unv.org | Mobile: + 1 246 232 0867

Carol Gaskin

Communications and Advocacy Officer

UN Resident Coordinator Office

Email: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org | Mobile: + 1 (246) 832-6110