UNV Holds 2nd Annual Students' Volunteerism Symposium

The second edition of the annual UNV Students’ Symposium on Volunteerism was held at the University of Nairobi on 22^nd November 2012. Hosted in partnership with the Organization of Student Volunteers from the University of Nairobi, the Symposium was held under the theme of Student Volunteerism for Development & Peace.

The Symposium brought together over 300 students from different universities in the country to share volunteer experiences and learn from each other. Institutions represented included the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT), KCA University, Daystar University, DALC Education, Moi University, Kenyatta University and Strathmore University among others.

The students spent most of the afternoon sharing their varied and rich volunteer experiences, ranging from medical outreaches, clean-up activities, to writing, photography and even music! Their stories highlighted the diverse nature of volunteerism, and the clarion call for the afternoon came from one of the presentations, titled My Little Thing, urging everyone to use their ‘little thing’ to make a difference.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion, with panelists including Dr. Ken Ouko, a renowned sociologist from the University of Nairobi, Johnson Ireri, a long-time volunteer programme developer and currently in charge of the university’s Alumni Association, as well as Billy Kanyi, a student volunteer and chair of the Organization of Student Volunteers. The session was moderated by UNV’s George Oloo.

Speaking while officially launching the event, UNDP Country Director Maria-Threase Keating pointed out that young people have a critical role to play in development, and encouraged the students to take up available volunteer opportunities to make meaningful contribution to society. Ms. Keating shared her own inspiring volunteer experiences, including her stint as a UN Volunteer.

University of Nairobi’s Principal of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, who represented the Vice Chancellor, pointed out that the university is fully committed to encouraging volunteering and volunteerism programmes for the students, and urged more support and uptake of such programmes.

UNV Programme Officer Dmitry Frischin encouraged the students to take up online volunteering as well as look out for opportunities for national and international volunteering. He lauded the support given by the University, and pointed out that UNV is looking into expanding programmes with the University targeted towards encouraging youth volunteerism.