Cake cutting by the VRCS Representatives.
The Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS) celebrated 40 years of its establishment and work within the country yesterday.
VRCS invited its many volunteers and their families, VRCS staff and board members to join this year’s celebrations under the theme, “Humanity is the power to build up Vanuatu.”
VRCS Volunteers and Family Members.
“Happy 40th Anniversary to us all — the staff of VRCS and all volunteers and family. 40 years ago something historical happened for Vanuatu when the Act was passed to establish our own Red Cross society,” said the Secretary General (SG) of the VRCS, Dickinson Tevi.
SG Tevi stated that yesterday’s celebration was a small notch to mark the date, but the proper celebration of this event will happen in February of 2023 when the President of the International Red Cross Society visits VRCS.
Secretary General (SG) of the VRCS, Dickinson Tevi.
“The President of the International Red Cross Society will visit only two South Pacific countries based on the work that they have been doing, Vanuatu is one of these countries,” VRCS President Moses Steven said his address.
“I am glad that it is because of the good work that volunteers do, that VRCS does that has pushed the President of the International Federation to visit Vanuatu.
“The work that volunteers do has allowed me as the VRCS president to hold my head high among other nations.”
VRCS President Moses Steven.
The celebration allowed VRCS to present certificates of recognition to its outstanding staff and volunteers, while providing a platform for those who have benefitted from the work VRCS has done within the country and the community.
VRCS Volunteers who received certificates of recognition.
VRCS Health Assistant, Danny Mavoi, was among those who shared his experience of growing as a volunteer in the VRCS ranks.
“I started my work with the VRCS as a volunteer, I developed from being a First Aid volunteer. From there VRCS provided different opportunities to grow and despite the challenges at that time, I did not give up,” he said.
“Over many years, a lot has changed. My work with VRCS has come a long way, but I am so proud that after my chairman seat at the Imere Health Center, today the work on the maternity ward has began.”
VRCS Health Assistant, Danny Mavoi.
Norman Kalotiti, a current VRCS volunteer, also shared his experience.
“VRCS is a neutral body, it helps different people at different levels without discrimination and I joined VRCS because I saw the help the society gave people in times of disaster,” he said.
“Where some of the volunteers are no longer pursuing formal education, VRCS provides trainings and opportunities to help us build our capacity and help society. As a volunteer i am very thankful to VRCS.”
He urged other young people to join the VRCS’ voluntary services.
Norman Kalotiti, a current VRCS volunteer.
VRCS 40 Anniversary Celebration - 18th October 2022 - Head Quarter, Port Vila Vanuatu.
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post