Faced with a shortage of volunteers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Puducherry recently came together on a single platform to educate youngsters about their activities in the coastal town.
The ‘Open door for volunteers and NGOs in Puducherry,’ organised by France Volontaires and Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL), at Maison Colombani on Saturday, was an attempt to build a network of volunteers, foreign volunteers and NGOs.
“This is an event to showcase different NGOs to the students. There are NGOs working among youth, for environment, women's empowerment, for the welfare of special children, etc. Those interested can register,” said Siva Mathiazhagan of TYCL.
There is a serious shortage of volunteers and many are not aware of the work being done by NGOs.
“In addition to this, the youngsters are facing problems while joining work as they have no workplace experience or skills. This is the need of the hour. Volunteering for NGOs provides an exposure to workplace. This event is organised for process facilitation and to engage them,” said Aswathi Chandramohan, Country Representative of France Volontaires.
Mr. Mathiazhagan added “this is to build a synergy between local students, volunteers, NGOs and foreign volunteers.”
At least eight NGOs in Puducherry put up stalls to showcase their work to the visitors.
“This is also a platform to take the unique practices of the NGOs to the people. It is mandatory to engage local college students, volunteers and community people as without their involvement not even a single project will sustain. It is also an effort to create a knowledge-based resource to support communities,” Mr. Mathiazhagan added.
