The Second Anniversary of the Ethiopian Volunteers Day was celebrated on May 17, 2008 at the Volunteers’ Square in Nefas Silke Lafto Sub-city near to Furi Harbo River, the juncture of Mekanisa to the adjecent ring road in the presence of hundreds of invited guests, representatives of organizations, volunteers and other interested group.

The day was celebrated under the motto, ‘Lets Protect the Youth from HIV by involving them in Volunteerism’ which is hoped to encourage and inspire Ethiopian youth to emulate positive role model.

It has been learnt that the day was observed not only to honor the pioneers in the volunteer movement, but also to build a sense of volunteerism to the future generations.

In the ceremony, representative of volunteer organizations delivered speeches.

After series consultation and discussions with pertinent bodies, May 17 was chosen to be Ethiopian Volunteers Day by taking into account CRDA’s establishment as the first NGO as an expressinon of Voluteersim in May 1973/74 and its notable endeavor in saving millions of live and contribution to development. On May 17, 1973 thirteen NGOs willingly organized themselves and founded CRDA to provide emergence relief to people in drought affected areas in Ethiopia. The event was observed at the CRDA on the same day the days afterward with some mini events.

In another development, Ethiopian Volunteers Association has finalized its project to erect the monument at the Volunteers’ Square in Nefas Silke Lafto Sub-city to mark the magnificent contributions of volunteers in the country.

It is believed that the monument will serve to inspire commitments in all those who visit the square over generations to come.

Christian Relief and Development Association /CRDA/ and Ethiopian Association for Voluntary Service /EAVOS/ are working closely to erect symbolic sculpture at the volunteers’ square, the Third Square on the Ring Road of Nifas Silk-Lafto Sub-city, Furi Harbo River, A. A., with the aim of promoting volunteerism and volunteers’ in Ethiopia.

The place was named as volunteers’ square last year May 17, 2007, and a cornere stone was laid by H.E. Ato Tefera Walwa, Minister of Capacity Building, to encourage the culture of co-operation at the ground level and promote volunteerism in the country.


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