Volunteerism in today's world plays a vital role in improving social welfare, supporting the personal development of youth, and promoting civic engagement.
According to a study by “Tehsil365”, volunteer programs implemented across various regions of Azerbaijan not only enhance youth participation in social life but also contribute to their personal growth and community building. Projects organized in recent years show that volunteering is no longer just an act of help, but has become a platform for development and unity.
Through volunteering programs, young people living in the regions gain a deeper understanding of the challenges within their communities and take active roles in the planning and execution of social projects. This process helps them develop essential skills such as initiative, leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Implemented Programs:
Numerous volunteer initiatives are being carried out in different regions of Azerbaijan by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, ASAN Volunteers, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, as well as local NGOs. For example:
Under the "Be a Volunteer, Support the Community" program, support for education and cleaning campaigns are organized in rural schools;
ASAN Volunteers encourage the participation of regional youth in social projects;
Environmental awareness campaigns are held under the motto “Solidarity for a Green World”;
Within the Cultural Volunteers Project, support activities are carried out in museums and cultural centers.
In addition, cleanup campaigns, awareness events in schools, and social services implemented in areas such as Zangilan, Tovuz, Quba, Lankaran, Fuzuli, Goranboy, and Shamakhi are already showing positive results.
Currently, the main areas of volunteer activities in the regions include:
Education-based projects: Academic support for children from low-income families, reading clubs with school students, and summer schools;
Social support initiatives: Assistance for the elderly and isolated individuals, social visits during holidays;
Environmental protection efforts: Campaigns such as “Clean Village,” “Green Space,” and “Protect the Environment”;
Cultural events: Volunteer work at regional festivals and awareness activities aimed at promoting cultural heritage.
What Do Youth Gain from Volunteering?
Young people engaged in volunteering enjoy a range of benefits: acquiring new knowledge and skills, gaining practical experience and leadership abilities, expanding their social networks and making new friends, receiving certificates and letters of recommendation, and most importantly, experiencing the fulfillment of contributing to society and helping others.
Spreading the culture of volunteering is a responsibility we all share. Let us not forget that every act of volunteerism is an investment in the future. Every young person living in the regions can develop themselves and positively impact their community by joining these initiatives. A young person teaching voluntarily in a rural school today could become a successful teacher or social leader tomorrow.