International Volunteer Day

More babies are being delivered safely in Cambodia, more children are getting a basic education in Papua New Guinea, and farmers in Ghana have increased rice production, all thanks to the work of more than a thousand Australian volunteers.

Through programs such as Australian Volunteers International, Volunteering for International Development Australia and Australian Business Volunteers, Australians are volunteering in 29 countries across the world including Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, with expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean expected to begin next year.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said that on International Volunteers Day he wanted to acknowledge the very real difference Australian volunteers were making to people’s lives overseas.

‘In the past 45 years, AusAID has supported 12,000 volunteers. Today we are funding 1,150 placements. From young Australians spending a year after university through to business executives, these Australians are giving their time and experience to create opportunity and a brighter future for some of the world’s poorest people,’ said Mr Rudd.

‘As well as building strong links between Australia and developing countries, Australians are also learning how much volunteering gives back to them when they share their skills and knowledge with people from other culture.’

This financial year, the Government has committed $42 million to deliver Australian volunteer programs, as part of the Government’s overseas development assistance program aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.

International Volunteer Day, 5 December, has been recognised by the United Nations and celebrated worldwide since 1985. To find out more about volunteering overseas go to http://www.ausaid.gov.au/partner/volunteer.cfm