Volunteer Fair at the US Embassy Dhaka

The US Embassy arranged a Volunteer Fair on 4th November at the Embassy. The Community Liaison Office (CLO) invited different NGOs to come and share their activities with the Embassy staff. It was a wonderful opportunity for different national and international NGOs to come and showcase their programs. About six to seven NGOs put up their stalls and displayed their information materials. The main objective of the fair was to inform and educate US embassy staff on the different volunteer activities available in and around Dhaka for community engagement.

Aside from the regular USAID funds, the employees, their spouses and children felt an inner call to involve themselves in different outreach programs and support the community. The Volunteer Fair provided them with a convenient platform to learn about the activities and programs of different organizations and the opportunities where their voluntary services could add value.

Over the last two years, US Embassy staff and the CLO has been instrumental in bringing volunteers and raising funds for Habitat Bangladesh. In FY 2008 the US embassy staff have taken part in 3 builds and through their initiation more than US$6,000 has been raised for Habitat Bangladesh.