Islamabad :“Pakistan youth are energetic and pose a great potential to be positively engaged in the development of process of the country”, Dr. Phillip Paul Goodwin, Chief executive, Voluntary Services Overseas International shared with the participants at the launch of Youth & Social Cohesion Programme launched by Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Pakistan, says a press release.
He further appreciated the efforts of VSO and said that the organization through its provision of Volunteer Management System has enabled Rescue 1122 to recruit and train over 1 million volunteers across the province.
The event was attended by wide range of stakeholders from every walk of life including Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Director General of Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122, Ms. Donne Cameron, Executive Progarmme Head, VSO, International,. Kimi Williams, Deputy Head of DFID, Hashim Bilal, Country Director, VSO Pakistan and other reputed guest from UN, INGOs, NGOS, Government departments along with VSO staff and youth volunteers graced the ceremony.
VSO inspires to work with youth and community volunteers to promote social cohesion and build communities resilience to shocks and stresses. Pakistan due to its geographic location and recent climate changes is prone to disasters and natural calamities such as flood and earthquake. In such context the role of communities and particular youth gains special importance to collectively respond to such events and minimize threats to life and economy. Moreover, through this programme VSO will work closely with Govt. and local partners to train youth and communities on the need for diversity and promotion of social harmony.
Established in 1987, VSO has engaged the skills and expertise of over 1000 international and Pakistani volunteers. The current programme aims to engage 7000 youth as primary actors of change in period of 3 years which will include involvement of national and also UK Diaspora volunteers and work in
Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.