KIGALI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Thursday marked International Volunteer Day, with a call on citizens to actively engage in volunteering work for national development.

The number of Rwandans involved in volunteering in the country has surpassed 2 million, with the majority being young people, according to information from the Ministry of Local Government.

"Voluntary works have changed the lives of many Rwandans in economic pillar, welfare, and governance, especially in changing citizens' mindset, poverty eradication and development," said Minister of Local Government Patrice Mugenzi at an event in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Julienne Uwacu, an official from the Rwandan Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, said in the last three years, youth volunteers were engaged in various works, including construction for vulnerable people and road construction.

She also noted that youth volunteers played a significant role in the fight against COVID-19, ensuring social distancing and enforcing hygiene measures in public places as well as distributing food aid to vulnerable residents.

Calling on more Rwandans to embrace volunteering, Uwacu stressed the role of voluntary community health workers in reducing the maternal mortality rate and curbing diseases in communities.

The International Volunteer Day, celebrated annually on Dec. 5, is an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. Enditem

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