Celebrating International Volunteer Day

On the 5th of December, ReachOut Namibia (RONA) brought together volunteers, youth, community servants, and partners for a powerful celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD), a day dedicated to honoring the people who give their time, energy, and hearts to build brighter communities.
The theme for this year’s event, “Every Contribution Matters,” set the tone for an uplifting afternoon filled with purpose, inspiration, and renewed commitment to service.

Hosted under the belief that no act of service is too small, the event highlighted the everyday heroes who make RONA’s work possible and support NGO capacity building, or show up for communities in moments of hardship.

Voices of Inspiration: Stories That Moved the Room

The event featured speakers whose insights reminded us how volunteerism is evolving, and more impactful than ever.

🔹 Puye Shonena – The Power of Purpose in Community Building

Puye shared heartfelt reflections on the responsibility we hold as community members to be part of the solution.
She reminded attendees that volunteering is not only about giving, it is also about becoming. Becoming more aware, more compassionate, and more human.

🔹 Chloe Foden (Plentii) – Innovating Volunteerism: Going Digital and Going Global

Chloe explored how the world of volunteerism is shifting into digital spaces, opening new opportunities for connection and impact.
She highlighted how technology can:

• remove barriers for young volunteers
• connect local efforts to global audiences
• amplify causes at scale
• create flexible, accessible ways to serve

Her message celebrated the future of volunteerism, one where distance and borders no longer limit one’s ability to give back.

🔹 Alicia Dipieri (Umbrella Initiatives) – From Intention to Impact: The Volunteer’s Legacy

Alicia delivered a deeply grounding talk on what it means to turn intention into impact.
She emphasized that volunteering is not just about giving time, it is about leaving a legacy.

Her words resonated deeply:
“Your legacy isn’t built in a day. It’s built every time you choose others over comfort.”

She challenged attendees to think beyond participation and consider the long-term footprints of their service.

🤝 Recognizing the People Who Make the Work Possible

The event also honored the volunteers who consistently support RONA’s programmes.

🌱 A Renewed Call to Serve

As the event came to a close, one message echoed clearly through the room:

Every contribution matters.
Every volunteer matters.
Every act of service shapes the future we are trying to build.

RONA left the gathering renewed, reminded of the incredible strength in collective action and the unstoppable power of people who give with purpose.