Minister of State for Labour Affairs and Public Sector Reform, Dara Calleary, from Ballina, who spent part of the summer recess volunteering in Mozambique, is encouraging people to become involved as volunteers with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas ), which is currently seeking new participants.
Deputy Calleary travelled during the summer to Mozambique where he worked with people living with HIV and with Aids carers. While there he visited the Mozambican parliament, and met with ministers and politicians. He also met with the Embassy of Ireland's staff and Irish Aid development specialists.
The Fianna Fail Minister plus Lucinda Creighton TD, along with Senators Fiona O’Malley and Dominic Hannigan, all participated in VSO’s “Politicians for Development Programme” in Africa and Asia during August and September 2010. The programme enabled Oireachtas members to use their experience as parliamentarians to help organisations in developing nations with social, health and municipal projects.
Speaking of his volunteer experiences in Africa, Mr Calleary TD said:
“I would urge anyone who has previously considered doing some overseas volunteer work to just do it. During my time in Mozambique I saw at first hand some of the extremely tough conditions some people are forced to survive in.
“However, I also witnessed the resolute nature, determination, and good humour with which people live and how they manage to overcome difficulties to lead productive lives. I learned a great deal during my stay and urge others to get involved and become a VSO volunteer.”
VSO volunteers are experienced professionals in health, education, and business who share their skills with local partners in 44 countries and help to change lives.
Castlebar native Malcolm Quigley, director of VSO Ireland, welcomed the increased uptake of volunteering among professional people.
"“Research shows that professionals who have volunteered with VSO come back refreshed, more motivated, more resourceful, more flexible, and more confident. All refer to the richness of their experience overseas and how it has helped them to be more understanding of different cultures and how to be resourceful with few resources. We welcome applications from business people, health workers, and many other professionals who want to do something different with their lives."
For more information on becoming a VSO volunteer see www.vso.ie
