The important contribution Australian Volunteers for International Development make to the Philippines will be highlighted on International Volunteers Day (IVD) on Monday, December 5.

IVD is an annual opportunity to recognise the efforts of volunteers in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with this year marking the 10^th anniversary of the 2011 International Year of Volunteers (IVY +10).

 As part of the Australian Government's Australian Volunteers for International Development Program, funded by AusAID, Austraining International mobilises skilled, business and youth volunteers on short and long-term assignments across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

There are currently 17 Australian Volunteers supported by Austraining on assignment in the Philippines, including Julie Green, who is working as an Parents Empowerment Group Program Officer with Ateneo de Manila University Center for Educational Development (ACED).

Ms Green says she is incredibly proud to be part of the Australian Volunteers program.

“It is an excellent feeling knowing that you are not only capacity building, but also forming and strengthening relationships,” Ms Green says.

“Respect and appreciation towards volunteers is commonly expressed in the Philippines and really makes me feel valued and useful.”

Austraining Philippines In-Country Manager Jonas Tetango says Australian Volunteers contributing their skills and expertise to local communities can tip the balance towards meeting the MDGs.

Australia has a long history of supporting international volunteering which began in the 1960's through a development cooperation program.  Since this time the Australian Government has continued to support Australian volunteers through the provision of funding and programs.

 Australian volunteers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and include men and women aged from 18 to over 80 years.  Australian volunteers have varying professional backgrounds which enable them to work on a range of activities including setting up medical clinics so that women can give birth safely, working to improve learning of school children, and helping children with disabilities to get to school.  Volunteers enrich the communities they help.

Austraining has supported more than 4000 volunteers across Asia, the Pacific and Africa since 1999, collectively assisting thousands of local organisations and their communities through skills and knowledge exchange, institutional strengthening and capacity building.

For more information on Australian Volunteers for International Development, visit www.ausaid.gov.au/volunteer

To find out more about the work of Australian volunteers in the Philippines or if interested to host an Australian volunteer in your organisation you may contact Austraining Philippines Manager, Mr Jonas Tetangco at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .