Volunteerism needs Legal Framework

A legal framework to govern volunteerism in the country would help to streamline voluntary work, Boniface Rucagu the Chairman of the national Itorero has said. Rucagu made the remarks while officiating at the 4th national conference on volunteer services. The conference aims at sensitising government officials about the importance of volunteerism in development with the view of creating a foundation for the establishment of a legal framework to promote and encourage volunteerism. The conference that was organized by LOV-RWANDA was held at the Hotel des Mille Collines, attracting stakeholders that included; government officials from different ministries, the private sector and international organizations mainly those offering voluntary services. Rucagu put it clear that Rwandans have always voluntarily participated in developmental services; adding that what is required is recognition of their efforts by setting a clear move for encouragement. “We are carrying out Umuganda, engaging in reconciliation activities, administration services like at the cell, and Umudugudu level among other responsibilities,” he said. According to Rucagu, if a clear stipulated guideline or policy is approved and published in the official gazette; voluntary work will play the same role like in other countries. He also said that this law will outline who does the service and how it is to be carried out. Also present was United Nations-Rwanda Representative and Country Director, Balde Abdoulaye, and Marg Mayne, Chief Executive VSO an international NGO . Participants shared experiences on voluntary work, noting that to ensure the success of volunteerism, there should be a lot to motivate the volunteers. “Volunteers should be ready to learn as well as pass on skills to others, but their motivation should be more than money,” Marg Mayne noted. According to Balde Abdoulaye, in 1970, the United Nations adopted volunteerism and it has been in Rwanda for the last 35 years. Ends