Paul KeenanIreland’s missionary spirit is alive, with news that last year 2,000 people engaged in voluntary service in no fewer than 50 countries worldwide.
The figures have been revealed by Comhlám, the umbrella organisation for volunteer development workers, as it prepares to launch a fresh drive in cooperation with Irish Aid for new volunteers for a range of overseas projects.
Announcing the Irish Aid Volunteering Fair, to take place on October 1 at the Printworks in Dublin Castle, Mark Cumming, director of Comhlámh, said his group’s “research found that in 2015, people in Ireland volunteered in 50 countries across six continents. Just under 2,000 people volunteered in roles covering a range of areas, including medical and health professionals, teachers, engineers, youth workers, journalists, accountants and trades people.”
He added: “Ireland has a long history of people committed to working overseas through responsible volunteering. Irish volunteers come from a huge range of professions and age groups, and their experiences of realities in the global south helps them to make a unique contribute to action for global justice.”
The Irish Aid Volunteering Fair will take place between 11am and 5pm on October 1. No fewer than 36 organisations involved in overseas development project will showcase their work on the day. Among them will be the Lay Missionary Union of Ireland, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Viatores Christi and the Vincentian Lay Missionaries.