5 December 2014
AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
The Australian High Commission will today join Australian Volunteers based in the Solomon Islands and their local counterparts to celebrate International Volunteer Day.
Each year there are around 60 new Australian volunteers coming to work in Solomon Islands under the Australian Government funded Australian Volunteers for International Development Program. They contribute to the development of Solomon Islands in a variety of fields from medical to legal, the media, education, environment, sports, finance and many other areas.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Andrew Byrne acknowledged the contribution of Australian Volunteers in Solomon Islands.
“Australian Volunteers use their skills and experience to help government, non-government organisations, schools and community groups. And through their participation in work, sport and community, they foster links and friendship between Solomon Islands and Australia, ” said Mr Byrne.
“The volunteers make a great contribution to local organisations through the transfer of their knowledge and skills, but also play a big role in promoting development in Solomon Islands.
“I know that volunteers learn as much from their host organisation as they share with local counterparts so there are mutual benefits for everyone,” said Mr Byrne
Mr Byrne also paid tribute to the volunteer’s host organisations.
“For every volunteer, there is a ministry, NGO, sporting group or charitable organisation that supports and nurtures our volunteers. These wonderful organisations enrich our volunteers’ experience in Solomon Islands and their contribution on International Volunteer Day also needs to be acknowledged.”