AVI opens Middle East regional office
05 December 2011
With volunteers, regional partners and Australian Government representatives all in attendance, Australian Volunteers International (AVI) announced the opening of its Regional Middle East office in Jordan as part of International Volunteer Day and 60th anniversary celebrations in Amman on 4 December 2011. Partners and volunteers gathered at the Australian Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the next stage of AVI’s program in the region.
According to AVI Middle East Country Manager, Vicki Mau, the opening of an AVI office in the Middle East further consolidates AVI’s long-term commitment to strengthen partnerships with local organisations in the region.
“Since 1998, AVi has filled over 70 roles where Australians have had the privilege of working with AVI partners across region. The AVI program has supported local efforts that enable vulnerable and displaced communities to contribute to their own development,” she said. “Australians that have participated in our program include environmentalists, policy advisors, physiotherapists, social workers, youth workers, and engineers.
“This diverse group of people have assisted partners develop region-wide disability policies, supported the implementation of a breast screening initiative in Syria, worked with Marine Park Management to preserve the Red Sea coral reefs, and designed and trained physiotherapists to better deliver services to people living with disabilities in the poorest areas of Lebanon.”
Speaking at the International Volunteer Day event, Australian Ambassador to Jordan HE Mr Glenn White spoke of the extraordinary impact that international volunteers have when working alongside local communities. He also emphasised how the AVI program and its involvement with communities throughout the region builds strong and lasting connections between the Middle East and Australia.
“When an Australian volunteer comes to the Middle East, they not only bring their skills, commitment and passion to their role, they bring their entire Australian community with them,” he said. “Throughout their time in the Middle East they share their stories with their family, friends, colleagues and community back in Australia. They increase awareness of the issues facing their new friends and colleagues in the region, and by building a bridge often also between professional communities, they forge new partnerships that last well beyond a two year volunteer placement.
“These friendships between nations are vital to achieving meaningful development through long term partnerships in the region.”
Find out more about the Middle East, read the Middle East fact sheet or visit the Jordan, Lebanon and Syria country pages.
Above: AVI Board member Rob McLean and AVI Middle East Country Manager Vicki Mau with the Australian Ambassador to Jordan HE Mr Glenn White at the official launch of the AVI Middle East regional office opening at his residence in Amman, Jordan on 4 December, 2011. Photo: Alec Simpson.
- Ends -
For more information email media@australianvolunteers.com