IN observance of International Volunteer Day, which was commemorated on December 5, members of the U.S Embassy’s Youth Action Network (YAN) visited four schools in Georgetown to discuss the value and benefit of volunteerism, and to encourage students to become agents of change in their respective communities and schools.In a release, the US Embassy said students attending the sessions expressed strong desire to become engaged and make a difference in their communities. The schools visited were Marian Academy, Charlestown and North Georgetown Secondary, and the Tutorial High School. The YAN is committed to raising awareness on issues affecting youths in Guyana, and promoting advocacy by motivating youths to volunteer and take action to effect change.
As part of its mandate to give motivated youths opportunity to promote their involvement in volunteerism, the YAN undertook several community service activities this year. Some of these projects include a food-and-clothing initiative for the homeless in Georgetown; participating in the International Coastal Clean Up; and improving the environmental conditions of three youth friendly spaces in the county of Berbice.

International Volunteer Day 2015 was observed under the theme “The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!” International Volunteer Day is a celebration of people serving as agents of change in their communities, and working towards global peace and sustainable human development. It provides a chance for volunteer-involving organisations and individual volunteers to promote their contributions to development at local, national, and international levels.