Suggestions for Increasing Volunteerism in Maldivian

Volunteerism was an integral activity on the islands and district communities of Maldives. It had contributed to the unity, development and life in the communities. It ranged from physical participation to contributions in kind, for the island development projects, daily activities such as keeping the island clean, beaching of sea going vessels, celebrating festivals, building of mosques, schools and social events. It also contributed in keeping peace and law and order in the communities.

The kinship and traditions were the contributing factor in volunteerism. However the promotion values for materialism, eroding ethical values, decreasing community spirit has reduced tremendously the volunteerism in Maldivian communities.

Probably with change of time and in lifestyles the traditional manners of volunteerism will not work and is not suitable anymore. Now it has to be driven by development and problem solving the needs at island, provincial or national levels. There is a new spirit volunteerism that could be tapped, with the emergence new volunteers as different youth groups and NGOS in civil society.

The need to encourage and organize, island, regional and nationally based, volunteerism, especially among the youths of the country, for peace, cost effectiveness in promotion of socio-economic activities, unification into regions, developing skills and promotion of democratic values is immense. We should undertake positively advantage of presently existing interest in the country.

Main Objectives

1. Encourage youth participation in volunteerism
2. Provide opportunity for youth to contribute in voluntary work of their interests.
3. Promote talented youth in the development of communities.
4. Create volunteer service groups.

Suggested Methodology

1. Conduct a study on need for volunteerism in Maldives.
2. Provide training for youth in the essential fields of community development.
3. Expenses for training youth leaders shall be sought from UN and other organizations including the private sector
4. Evaluation of volunteers will be carried out before posting.
5. Post the trained youth with appropriate NGOS.