A Welcome to Our Visitors from
Mr. Andreas Sieren,
UNV Programme Officer

It is of great pleasure and honour to introduce the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme in Botswana and, in particular, share the activities of the UNVs in the country.

The UNV team in Botswana

Whilst the Government of Botswana has been fully supportive to the services of volunteers, recruitment from all over the world has been done to meet the specific needs of the country. Over the years, amongst volunteer-sending agencies (VSAs) that have been recruiting volunteers for Botswana, Government has been impressed with the UNVs' dedication and community spirit. They have witnessed the demonstration of commitment, hard work and sincerity to carry on with collaborative efforts with development partners and communities in the country. The UNVs have played significant roles in various programmes or projects where they are attached including the contribution of each and everyone to the social and economic development of the country.

Whilst you continue reading through this briefing on the UNV Programme in Botswana, you will be able to reflect on the invaluable contributions that UNVs are making within their various fields of specialization. It may not be easy at times, but the UNVs are able to endure and, in most cases, are well-appreciated by their counterparts, supervisors, colleagues and partners.

Andreas Sieren

Since 1971, more than 20,000 UN volunteers -- experienced, mid-career professionals from most of the world's countries -- have made a tangible contribution to the efforts of the United Nations and the initiatives of governments and community groups. Their varied skills are showcased in how they serve -- as specialists sharing their expertise to advance development, bringing intimate understanding of local concerns. United Nations Volunteers, which is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), promotes volunteerism around the globe.

UNV Mission Statement

• "Volunteering brings benefits to both society at large and the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically as well as socially. It contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reprocity among citizens.
  
  The United Nations Volunteers is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism and the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism."

The UNV Programme in Botswana works closely with government ministries from the national to the district levels, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and communities, particularly those who serve as host to UNVs. These host agencies include the AIDS/STD Unit (ASU) of the Ministry of Health and the 16 districts where UNVs are assigned. The other government ministries that host UNVs include the Ministries of Local Government and Education whilst the other host agencies include UNHCR, UNFPA, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and Enterprise Botswana. To continuously strengthen and expand partnerships, efforts are being done in the promotion of the UNV programme to more development partners in the country.

As the focal point for volunteer-related activities in the country, UNV Botswana takes a lead role in facilitating collaboration and coordination between and among volunteer agencies in the country, both international and national. Through various joint efforts, significant accomplishments were made by the volunteer agencies in the promotion of volunteerism, especially in this year's celebration of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV).