The experience of the Vitebsk Red Cross in mobilizing volunteers can be extended to CIS countries

May 12, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA/. The experience of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society (BRCS) in implementing youth mini-projects to develop volunteer movement can be extended to all regions of Belarus, as well as to other CIS countries. This opinion was expressed today to journalists by Sergey Boltrushevich, the program coordinator for Belarus of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies representation in Belarus, BELTA correspondent reports. The "Youth Initiatives" project has been implemented by the BRCS for the third year and has proven itself as a successful and sustainable project, noted Sergey Boltrushevich. During this time, new volunteer groups and initiatives have emerged in the country, not only in cities but also in rural areas. "It is gratifying to see that young people from small settlements, particularly from the Vitebsk region, show initiative and are ready to contribute to solving problems of neglect, HIV/AIDS prevention, and initiate creative projects to address local issues," said Sergey Boltrushevich. In addition, the Vitebsk region has Red Cross volunteers in enterprises, meaning young people who joined the movement during their studies and remain true to its ideals after graduating from schools and universities. Upon completion of the project, it is planned to summarize the best mini-projects and initiatives of the Vitebsk regional organization of the BRCS for their possible implementation in all regions of Belarus, as well as recommend them for dissemination in other CIS countries, added Sergey Boltrushevich. The BRCS volunteer corps numbers over 23,000 people, of whom about 4,000 are actively involved in the Red Cross movement on a regular basis. Annually, about 200 mini-projects and initiatives are implemented in the country, funded by both the BRCS organizations' own resources and with the support of foreign partner organizations. -0-