Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) recently met with representatives from two volunteer-focused organizations, the Australian Volunteer International (AVI) and IndoRelawan, exploring a potential partnership to foster volunteerism. The discussion centered on strengthening ties and planning joint initiatives, particularly in the lead-up to International Volunteer Day in December.
The AVI delegation, led by Country Program Manager Karina Kardansjah and Administration Officer Achmad Zubaidillah, was joined by Marsha Nurmaranti, Executive Director of IndoRelawan, and Shendy Ristandi, Community Engagement Coordinator. Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield, a visiting research fellow at UIII from the University of Adelaide, also attended the meeting.
A key topic discussed was the commemoration of International Volunteer Day, to be held at the UIII Campus on December 5, 2024, and will feature a series of events, including seminars, talks, and a photo gallery exhibition. These activities aim to highlight the importance of volunteerism in community building and social development.
Volunteerism aligns closely with UIII's values, emphasizing the importance of giving back to communities. This commitment is already evident in the university’s ongoing projects, such as the volunteer teaching initiatives by international students from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Economics and Business, who have been actively involved in teaching English at local schools.
The collaboration with AVI and IndoRelawan is expected to open new avenues for UIII students and faculty to engage in meaningful volunteer work, both locally and internationally. With the upcoming International Volunteer Day, this collaboration is set to create a platform for shared learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement.