The UNDP in cooperation with Jemstone Network, a media and development consultancy, is spearheading a campaign to search for the Jordanian Volunteer for the Year 2002. The Campaign aims to emphasize the contribution that volunteers can make to economic and social development by encouraging each Jordanian to do some voluntary work in order to benefit themselves, the community and the country at large.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the end of IYV 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, HRH Princess Basma said: "There is a proud tradition of voluntary work here in Jordan, which we should seek to preserve and further develop. This is where the idea of an annual award for the Jordanian volunteer of the year emanated. Through this award, we honor the voluntary efforts towards the development of Jordan and encourage the spirit of volunteerism in others."
Her Royal Highness also paid tribute to the many volunteers in and from Jordan who had contributed to making the year a success adding that "Our task now is to build on the foundations that were laid last year and to involve more people, especially youth, in voluntary work". Many volunteers who have been working in various sectors in Jordan attended the ceremony.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, His Excellency Minister Basem Awad Allah, highlighted the role of the government in creating a proper environment for volunteerism by rewarding creative initiatives that individuals come up with, carrying out media awareness campaigns on the benefits and importance of volunteerism, and supporting local NGO's in developing local communities.
It is estimated that in some parts of the world volunteer activity contributes to 8% - 14% of the Gross Domestic Product of the country. Besides this economic benefit, voluntary work plays a role in social integration, poverty alleviation and increasing employment.
The United Nations General Assembly, conducted a debate in December 2001, to mark the end of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001). Jordan was one of the co-sponsors of the main resolution. During this debate, the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, described volunteers as "a shining example of the brave and caring face of our humanity, in these troubled times".
To encourage volunteering in Jordan, Jemstone Network, in co-operation with UNDP, has established a volunteers web-site to match would-be volunteers with opportunities for volunteering. Jemstone network runs the community development website of Jordan -- http://www.jordandevnet.org.
Further details about the Jordan Volunteer of the Year Award, including the rules for entering, can be found in the volunteers section of the Jordan Devnet web-site.