N'Djamana, 15 January 2009 --Chad: With the participation of civil society and the Government, UNV in Chad organized two events in N'Djamena to celebrate the 24th International Volunteer Day (IVD) and promote the spirit of volunteerism especially among youth, who represent almost half of the Chadian population.

The first event was a conference organized in the morning with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Planning, the UNDP Resident Representative and the Chief of Mission Support and the Chief of the Medical Unit of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). All speakers, after having remarked and offered thanks to all volunteers, highlighted the importance in every society of volunteerism as a fundamental tool for development.

Shortly after this opening of the conference, a pool of experts from the National Committee of the Red Cross, the Chief of the Medical Unit of MINURCAT and a professor from the University of N'Djamena discussed the theme of the day, 'Environment and Youth'. They gave their perspectives on health issues and how applying basic hygiene rules make the difference in any environment.

The public, approximately 50 people representing local volunteer organizations, university students and UNV volunteers paid attention to the different interventions and interesting questions were asked.

The second event took place during the afternoon at a highly attended high school where more than 600 students watched a first division basketball match and a spectacular exhibition of tae kwon do.

The most appreciated and applauded activity, however, was the throwing ball competition among 10 students coming from five primary schools of N'Djamena. At the end, each school received from UNV five soccer balls with the IVD and UNV logos.

Furthermore, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Rima Salah, sent a message for IVD in English and French - download below.