Ashgabat hosted a vibrant volunteer festival to mark International volunteer day, celebrated annually on the 5th of December since 2017. The event, organised by public organisations of Turkmenistan with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in our country, brought together over 150 active young men and women.
The event took place in the «Iş Nokady» coworking centre, located in the «Arkach» business centre.
Opening the festival, Yuliya Zaytseva, first secretary of Embassy of the RF in Turkmenistan, congratulated everyone on International volunteer day, emphasising the growing role of volunteerism in modern society.
«Today, people who volunteer are becoming an integral part of our lives. Volunteers are present in virtually every area of our lives – social policy, healthcare, sports, culture, and the development of municipal and state organisations», – the Russian diplomat said.
As part of the program, 40 participants from various public associations across the country were divided into four teams of 10 to participate in engaging competitions. In one of them, the teams showcased their creativity by narrating excerpts from famous comedies, always using the words «volunteer», «kindness», «support», and «unity». Furthermore, during the quiz, the volunteers demonstrated their in-depth knowledge of the volunteer movement and the principles of helping others. Musical and magic performances enhanced the festive atmosphere.
This busy day was another reminder that volunteers around the world are young and old people who find the time and energy to help others, despite busy schedules of study, work, or personal concerns.
In Turkmenistan, the volunteer movement is regulated by national legislation. Volunteers in the country engage in social, cultural, environmental, and sports activities. Turkmen volunteers also provide support to the elderly and assist with events. The movement also includes young people aged 16 and older, students, and active citizens.
