PESHAWAR, Students observed the International Volunteer Day at the University of Peshawar on Friday by taking part in a cleanliness campaign on the campus.

Besides collecting garbage, they also held banners with messages of cleanliness and its importance, according to a press release.

The varsity’s centre for disaster preparedness and management (CDPM) in collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) organised the campaign, highlighting the importance of volunteerism. The day is observed each year at the global level, giving chance to the volunteers and individuals to promote their organisational and individual contribution to development at local, national and international levels.

Speaking on the occasion, UoP Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Rasul Jan highlighted the importance of volunteerism. He appreciated the volunteer efforts of Bacha Khan, Abdus Sattar Edhi, Mother Teresa and Imran Khan. He showered his praise on the teachers of the University of Peshawar for voluntarily giving part of their salaries to help the needy students.

Professor Rasul Jan emphasized that volunteering enhanced social cohesion, strengthened communities and provided inner satisfaction to the volunteers themselves.

Mushtaq Ahmad Jan, director CDPM, said today’s celebration was to recognise the efforts of volunteers across the country. He expressed his gratitude to the PRCS for supporting the UoP in celebrating the International Volunteer Day.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2015