MINISTER FOR TRADE and Development, Joe Costello, today launched a new initiative to encourage Irish people to volunteer in the developing world.
An online register to match potential volunteers to the most suitable placements is being set up as part of the initiative, while greater support will be provided to volunteers working in developing countries, the junior minister’s department said today.
The initiative is designed to encourage retired public servants and others to use their skills and experience to volunteer.
“This initiative is designed to streamline and focus our volunteering programmes and ensure that peoples’ skills are better matched to the needs of the countries and communities in which they will work,” Costello said today.
Volunteering has sometimes been seen as the preserve of the young. However, the recent early retirement of large numbers of public servants opens up new opportunities for these skilled individuals to share their experience in areas as diverse as education and health.
“I am confident that, through our new volunteering initiative, we will build on our reputation and maximise our contribution in the fight to end global poverty and hunger,” he added.
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