International volunteer day.

Considering I have done essentially nothing in Zambia, it was strange to be invited to commemorate International Volunteer Day (December 5). The UN organised an event in a village a one hour drive outside of Lusaka. They set up a big circus tent, arranged a marching band and dance troop, and invited dignitaries. The event took over the village for the day. Buses dropped off volunteers (national and international) and the white land cruisers normally seen in Lusaka lined the road and maize fields. Most NGOs have their headquarters in Lusaka and by holding the event outside of the city, the UN organisers felt that the local community could be more involved. It was obvious the village felt proud to host the event and the local women selling vegetables certainly has a good day.

I have mixed feelings about international days. Maybe it is possible they garner attention that can serve to increase people’s awareness on the issue. December 1 was World AIDS Day and I think this past year the focus has been “Keeping the Promise” (a slogan I saw on a shirt) and following through on promises, especially on the part of governments. Now, I’m not exactly sure of the purpose of International Volunteer Day. Does the work of volunteers really need to be celebrated by a marching band risking heat stroke as they wait for the late ministers? When the ministers eventually arrive, do we need speeches that for sound self-congratulatory? One statement made had me thinking all day: “volunteerism is the key to sustainable development”. I hesitate to say that it is complete nonsense. Perhaps the minister was referring to national volunteering, but volunteering is not inherently sustainable. The motivations of volunteers vary greatly and there is no sure way to keep their commitment.

An odd and uncomfortable part of the day for me was lunch. Someone went back to Lusaka to pick up fried chicken (similar to KFC: chicken and fries in a box and a styrofoam cup of coleslaw). Now imagine a group of twenty people sitting on a bus eating takeout and enjoying cold drinks, while everyone outside, mostly locals stand around looking into the bus’ giant windows. Repeat this scene ten or so times for all the larger NGOs. Could it not have been possible to have food prepared in the village? Why hold the event outside of Lusaka when everything and almost everyone will be from Lusaka. At the end of the day, there was a distressing pile of takeout boxes.

Although it was a good chance to network and talk to other organisations, I can’t help but think about the amount of money that must have gone towards the day. Maybe I am being overly sensitive to what I feel are contradictions in development. On a less disgruntled note, the dancing was incredible. Somehow, in the next two years I need to learn how to move my hips and butt as if they are separate from the rest of my body.