Young Local Heroes: Red Cross Volunteers and the Problems They Face

Surely you often come across the words: volunteering, volunteer, volunteering activities etc.

But do you know what it actually is to be a volunteer and what is the task of a volunteer?

What exactly is volunteering?

Volunteering is the voluntary provision of services inspired solely by free will and not by the desire for material or financial gain.

Below in this article, I will introduce you to a youth volunteer organization – Red Cross, as well as the activities and problems faced by the volunteers themselves at the local level of our Tetovo municipality.

First, I will start with the basic organization at the level of the entire country: the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia

What is the Red Cross?

The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia is a humanitarian organization that works to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, improve the social situation, ensure respect and dignity for the human being, especially in the event of accidents and disasters, promote international humanitarian law and human values, encourage voluntary engagement and constant readiness to provide assistance, as well as a universal sense of solidarity and humanity.

Volunteer work is an important aspect that affects the work and ability of this organization to deal with different types of social challenges and security threats and disasters. That is why they constantly try to inspire people, especially young people, about the values ​​of volunteering and involvement in the Red Cross. Volunteer work is the basis for upgrading communities

The youth from the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia are enthusiastic, ambitious and dedicated young people who invest their capacities, knowledge, skills and free time in the direction of fulfilling the organization’s mission and helping those who need it the most.

As standard activities that are realized in every youth club are:

–          Dissemination of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement;

–          Initiatives for humanitarian support of an individual or target group;

–          Promotion of human values

–          Peer educations for preventive programs

–          First aid competitions;

–          Trainings to strengthen the capacities of young volunteers;

–          Involvement in the program activities of the National Society

Volunteer Center Red Cross-Tetovo

Young volunteers, supported by several competent adults, often carry out various activities, through which they hold lectures on relevant topics, pay attention to and deal with them for citizens, especially the youth in Tetovo and in high schools. They also visit rural areas and through practical work and contact with people, provide appropriate assistance. Most importantly, they organize a large number of humanitarian actions, parties and activities, in order to collect certain financial or material funds for people who really need them.

So on the occasion of “Hunger Week”, the participants of the Red Cross – Tetovo, organized a humanitarian party, to collect financial funds, which they will later donate to those in need or use to help the vulnerable. As a new volunteer, I, along with many other young people, had the opportunity to be part of this wonderful humanitarian party.

The party was held at Spirit Bar in Tetovo, with live music by the band The Nameless as well as the young David Micevski. The evening was filled with lots of socializing, great music, positive people ready to help and most importantly a wonderful atmosphere. All funds raised will go to humanitarian causes.

I can confirm that this humanitarian party was also a success. The sight of many positive people spreading wonderful energy, gathered in one place, all with the same goal – to contribute to helping those in need, was truly fulfilling.

I can freely say that I am proud to have become a part of this organization and I assure you that the title “Young local heroes” really fits the Red Cross volunteers.