The government has launched the IVD Bangladesh Volunteer Award 2020 initiative.
To felicitate the of volunteers’ unfettered support in times of need to the nation and people, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, in association with the Department of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, UNV Bangladesh and WaterAid has launched the initiative.
The 5th of December is celebrated as International Volunteer Day (IVD) around the world to promote and support the spirit of volunteering.
In observation of the day, the IVD Bangladesh Volunteer Award 2020 will acknowledge 15 of the country’s most dedicated and hardworking volunteers, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
The theme of the award initiative is “Volunteer for Covid-19 Response and Recovery”.
The initiators have asked for applications from enthusiastic volunteers with a detailed guideline to evaluate their potential.
On the occasion, Minister Md Tazul Islam of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives said: “Over the years, volunteers have been playing an important role over socio-economic development for the country. During Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of volunteers came forward to support the country. This is important to recognize the untiring efforts of our great volunteers.”
“Youth volunteers played a great role during the pandemic and they deserve to be recognised their valuable efforts. The practice of recognising volunteers will inspire more volunteering activities in our society for good cause,” said Md Zahid Ahsan Russel, State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports said.
Ms Hasin Jahan, WaterAid country director, said: “The award initiative aims to uphold the spirit of volunteerism among the youth of Bangladesh. Covid-19 hit us with a difficult challenge and youth enthusiasm we have stood stronger so far. I know this joint initiative will play a crucial role in bringing out more and more devoted volunteers towards response of any crisis.”
Volunteers have acted greatly against the threat posed by Covid-19 and volunteering has come in many forms during the pandemic. Hence on this occasion of International Volunteers Day-2020, we want to thank, recognize and celebrate the efforts of the valuable volunteers of and honor the inspiring volunteer efforts in the country, said Md. Aktar Uddin, country coordinator of UNV Bangladesh.
The top five volunteers will receive prize money of Tk 100,000, Tk 75,000, Tk 50,000, Tk 30,000 and Tk 20,000 respectively, besides crests and certificates.
The 6th to 15th prize winners will also receive crests and certificates, said the release.
Applicants primarily have to submit their personal information, along with activity description and few more details as per guided instruction, which can be found at www.unvolunteersbd.org or www.wateraid.org/bd and DYD’s Facebook page /departmentofyouthdevelopmenthq also.
The application form is available at - https://rb.gy/kwcv9o. November 19, 2020, marks the deadline for submission.