Mozambican Study Tour to Ireland February 2012

21/12/2011 15:12:00

A delegation of six Mozambican parliamentarians, government representatives and members of civil society organisations will be travelling to Ireland as part of a VSO sponsored  study tour taking place from 6-10 February 2012.  The learning objectives behind this tour are to foster learning and understanding amongst delegates around volunteering activities in Ireland, and how they are supported by government and implemented by the voluntary sector. 

VSO has been leading on the promotion of volunteerism globally and in Mozambique for many years.  A National Volunteer Law was passed in 2010 in Mozambique, and now there is a real desire to push forward the design and implementation of this legislation, hence VSO’s organising of this study tour. 

The National Volunteering Law provides a definition of the concept of volunteering in Mozambique.  It defines the rights and obligations of volunteers and volunteering organisations, including the need to recognise their valuable contribution towards the country’s development.  The law supports youth integration through entrepreneurship, education and community development schemes.  The delegation wish to learn more about how volunteering is supported in Ireland, so they can make linkages to their own context.

As part of this study tour, VSO is organising an Open Discussion in the Irish Aid Volunteer and Information Centre on Thursday 9 February  2012 from 10.30am – 12.30pm.  This meeting will allow members with responsibility for the design and implementation of volunteer services in Mozambique to present their learnings to date, and discuss challenges that the sector faces in their country. 

Editor's notes

This is an open meeting but places are limited.  If interested in attending, please contact VSO by calling 01-6401070  or email info@vso.ie by close of business on Tuesday 6 February 2012