France Volontaires has come a long way as a global force of goodwill since its inception in 2009. Operating under the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the organization serves as a hub that unites the French government, local authorities, and different associations in the pursuit of promoting international volunteerism and solidarity.
At its very core, France Volontaires is dedicated to spearheading volunteer and solidarity initiatives. It operates through its Volunteering Centres (Espaces Volontariats) located in over 20 different countries across the globe, serving as valuable hubs that offer resources and guidance to partner organizations and volunteers. Their activities include providing training, networking, and promoting international exchange.
In 2013, France Volontaires established a presence in the Philippines, and by 2017, its Volunteering Space in Manila received accreditation as an International Volunteer Service Organization from the Philippine National Volunteer Service and Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
Prior to the pandemic, the Philippines welcomed around 300 Volunteers for International Exchange and Solidarity annually. These volunteers were afforded the opportunity to partake in missions spanning from six months to several years, facilitating their engagement in diverse sectors including education, environment, culture, health, and social services.
France Volontaires stands out among international volunteer organizations due to its unwavering dedication towards reciprocity. Aside from welcoming foreign volunteers to the Philippines, it also sends Filipino volunteers to France. This reciprocal exchange enables young Filipinos to gain new skills and immerse themselves in enriching cross-cultural experiences.
To date, 22 young Filipinos have had the opportunity to experience this life-changing program.
To commemorate the dedication of volunteers and international solidarity, French Volunteering Day (FVD) is an annual event celebrated in 24 countries where France Volontaires is actively engaged.
This celebration serves as a platform to showcase the impactful work carried out by volunteers in various fields, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of France Volontaires’ partners in areas such as volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, development, and international solidarity.
This year, France Volontaires Philippines is hosting the French Volunteering Day on October 10, 2023, in collaboration with the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia. It will be held at the Tandang Sora Hall of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Among the honorable guests are France Volontaires’ Director General, officials from the French Embassy, and representatives from the National Government.
The central theme for this year’s celebration is “CROSS MOBILITIES, RECIPROCITY… FOR A BALANCED PARTNERSHIP!” emphasizing the importance of balanced partnerships in volunteer efforts.
In alignment with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, along with France Volontaires Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission, will deploy 11 Filipino youths. These youths will join a global cohort of 45,000 volunteers in the Paris 2024 Volunteer Program, working on diverse missions, all united by a common goal: ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone involved in the Olympic Games.
/VT/MF
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