Caritas’ advanced Training on Volunteer Management, “We are all Volunteers”

Caritas Pakistan staff members from all diocese got training from March 11 to 13 on volunteer management for recruiting more people interested in supporting the charity. “In a way we are all volunteers – this is a sacred work. We need to build strong relations with people who want to serve the humanity. They are our asset. The next challenge is provide them a learning environment,” said Mr. Amjad Gulzar Executive Director Caritas Pakistan.

Other speakers briefed 26 participants on reasons behind volunteering, scenarios for their involvement, building internal support for volunteer management VM process, assessing VM system in diocesan units, sustainability of volunteer programs and advanced methodologies. Simulations were also held for program coordinators and field officers about convincing Caritas executives to encourage volunteers.

The participants highlighted communication gap, lack of appreciation or support mechanism as major challenges in retaining volunteers. Mr. Amjad and Mr. Aneel Mushtaq Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad later handed over certificates among them. Similar trainings will be held in diocesan units later this year. About 500 volunteers have been registered at CP since 2012. The organization now plans to segregate and engage 1000 volunteers by the end of 2019. Three volunteers conferences were held and international days of volunteers were celebrated last year in Faisalabad, Karachi and Lahore dioceses.