Local senator to volunteer in Mozambique

A NORTHSIDE senator is set to embark on a trip to Mozambique as a volunteer with leading development charity Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO).
Averil Power, from Bayside, will be participating in VSO’s

‘Politicians for Development Programme’ in which Irish government representatives volunteer during Summer Recess 2011. Senator Power will continue essential work carried out by Dara Calleary TD last year in Mozambique with VSO, advising an alliance of volunteering organisations. Thanks to Deputy Calleary’s inputs last summer, a new law supporting volunteering was adopted by the Mozambican parliament last December.Now Senator Power will work with civil society groups and politicians to help secure the full implementation of this law.Speaking of her upcoming VSO placement, Averil said: “Local volunteers are providing vital services to families and communities in Mozambique.

“It is important to have the right legal and other supports in place to assist them.

“The new Mozambican law that my colleague Dara Calleary TD helped to develop last year was a major step forward.

“I will be doing my best to help secure the full implementation of this so that carers and other volunteers in Mozambique have the support they need.

?Senator Power added:

“I am also looking forward to learning about the work that VSO is doing on the ground in Mozambique and the positive difference that Irish volunteers have made there.

?VSO has many Dublin volunteers volunteering overseas, including Gary White from Swords. Mr White is volunteering in Ethiopia as an English Language Improvement Centre Coordinator and enjoying every minute of his time there. VSO has approximately 50 Irish volunteers overseas at any one time, and 1,500 international volunteers.Malcolm Quigley, Director of VSO Ireland, is eager to promote sharing of learning and expertise between Ireland and other countries.

“VSO works with grassroots organisations who have specifically asked for help with campaigning and lobbying,

? said Mr Quigley.

“I believe Senator Power can add value in Mozambique, as she has much experience with volunteer groups and charities in Ireland, plus she can bring back learning from her trip.

“We now live in an inter-dependant world and we can foster knowledge brokering between different communities.

?Visit www.vso.ie for more information on volunteering overseas.