Impact driven by National Volunteer Day (NVDay)
Impact driven by National Volunteer Day (NVDay)
National Volunteer Day (NVDay) is a GhanaThink Foundation initiative, launched on September 21, 2013, to promote volunteerism in Ghana and connect volunteers with opportunities. It falls on Ghana's Founders' Day holiday and aims to encourage citizens to volunteer for community service and skill development. The day is part of GhanaThink's larger Ghana Volunteer Program (GVP), which was established to manage the initiative and match volunteers with various opportunities across the country.
Origins & Growth (2013–2019)
Founded on September 21, 2013 by GhanaThink Foundation, aligned with Founders’ Day (which became Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day for some years), and managed by the Ghana Volunteer Program (GVP) TheAfricanDreamWikipedia.
Scaling fast: From ~34 activities and 300+ volunteers in 2013 across 7 regions, to 80+ activities and 1,000+ volunteers by 2015 mightyafrican.blogspot.comTheAfricanDream.
Stabilized presence: Between 2016–2019, consistently delivered 70–80 activities annually nationwide TheAfricanDreamClass FM Online.
Resilience & Pivot During COVID-19 (2020–2021)
Adapted programming amid the pandemic with PPE distribution through the #AccraKonnect group administered by GhanaThink), safe donations, and remote community support TheAfricanDreamClass FM Online.
Renewed activity in 2021 with school renovations, mentorship sessions, blood drives, and community restoration projects The Business & Financial TimesClass FM Online.
Digital Momentum & Social Voices (2024-Present)
Active social media engagement via hashtags like #NVDay2024 and #Volunteeringh, promoting clean-ups, mentorship, and environmental action TheAfricanDream.
Volunteers express the emotional value of service:
“Even a hug could bring such joy to these children.” — Kofi Larbi, GVP Head TheAfricanDream
“Volunteerism has made me who I am...” — Hilda Adika, NVDay volunteer TheAfricanDream
Impact Breakdown (Summary Table)
Volunteerism’s Value & Ecosystem Impact
Economic worth: Youth volunteer efforts are estimated to contribute GHS 18.7 million to Ghana’s social value (2022).
Ecosystem enrichments: Alumni like Eleanor Asare, Kuukuwa Manful, and Sampson Deklu have channeled volunteering into leadership, social ventures (e.g., CSR Hub, SociArchi, ThousandFor1000) TheAfricanDreamClass FM Online.
Emerging advocacy: Discussions at forums like the Ghana Philanthropy Conference signal momentum toward crafting a national volunteerism policy TheAfricanDream.
GoGiveTime: This volunteer management platform connects volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities. Through a GhanaThink partnership, various #NVDay2025 activity organizers used it to manage volunteers, and with real-time tracking, measuring the overall impact of the celebration through the total hours contributed, number of activities completed, and other key indicators.
TV Show: The "Volunteers TV" show airs on Channel One TV in Ghana every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. This is produced in collaboration with the Global Volunteers Corps, aims to inspire Ghanaians to promote volunteerism, active citizenship, and patriotism by highlighting community service and impactful projects across the nation.
Impact Statement
National Volunteer Day (NVDay) has evolved into a nationwide movement. Over a decade, it has mobilized thousands—transforming communities, cultivating leadership, and generating social and economic value. From grassroots efforts to inspiring a call for national policies, NVDay stands as a lasting beacon of Ghanaian civic pride and volunteerism.
Let us continue to #volunteeringh for #NVDay - around #NVDay2025, etc.
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