Belturbet teens feature in new video
A new National Volunteering Week (May 15-21) video features 16-year-old twin sisters Ilona and Alina Aleksieieva from Ukraine, who were interviewed about volunteering in new their hometown of Belturbet.
Run in partnership with Ireland’s network of volunteer centres, National Volunteering Week is a week-long celebration of volunteering in Ireland. This year, a new video highlights the stories of Vumani from Zimbabwe, Mohamed from Somalia, sisters Alina and Ilona from Ukraine in Cavan, and Mildred from Co Monaghan.
The video highlights the contributions of displaced individuals and celebrates the impact they are making in local communities. Volunteers share their experiences of resettlement, and the positive impact volunteering has had on their integration.
“Irish people are so kind and generous,” commented 16-year-old Alina Aleksieieva, who fled the war in Ukraine with her family last year, before moving to Belturbet. “They support Ukrainians so much, so we are really grateful for their support.”
Alina and her sister Ilona have been giving back to their new community in Cavan by volunteering in local nursing homes, performing concerts for the residents.
“Diversity and inclusion are core values of National Volunteering Week, and this video is a testament to the power of volunteering to bring people together,” explains Cavan Volunteer Centre Manager, Vanda Brady.
“We hope that by sharing these stories, more people will be inspired to volunteer and connect with their communities. Volunteering is an act of profound generosity that can transform our communities into more diverse, dynamic, and welcoming spaces. By offering our time and skills to support the needs of others, we not only strengthen our communities, but also deepen our own sense of belonging and connection. This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the power of volunteering to enrich our communities, bridge social divides, and create meaningful connection.”
The video was made possible thanks to support from the Department of Rural and Community Development. It's available on Volunteer Ireland’s website (volunteer.ie) and social media channels.
For more information about National Volunteering Week, please visit volunteer.ie