National Volunteer Day 2025 – Celebrating Ghana’s Youth as they #Volunteeringh For #NVDay & #GoGiveTime
For over a decade, National Volunteer Day (NVDay), held annually on September 21 and championed by the GhanaThinkFoundation, has brought together thousands of young Ghanaians in service and community-building. Since the launch of NVDay in 2013 and the subsequent Ghana Volunteer Program, GhanaThink has mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers across all regions of Ghana to lead projects in education, health, environment, and social impact — transforming communities while nurturing a culture of active citizenship.
Youth Impact: A Legacy of Service
From tutoring students in rural schools to leading blood donation drives, youth-led NVDay projects have touched thousands of lives. Over the years, #NVDay has mobilized over 1,000 volunteers annually, with projects ranging from environmental clean-ups and tree planting to skills training for women and youth and support for orphanages and health clinics.
Volunteers often share how these experiences changed their lives. Hilda Adika, a long-time GhanaThink member who is currently part of the Ghana Volunteer Program team, noted: “Volunteerism has made me who I am and is still building me up.” Many volunteers have leveraged their NVDay experiences to launch social enterprises, gain internships, or start community organizations — proving that service and success go hand in hand.
GoGiveTime.org Powers NVDay 2025
In 2025, GhanaThink is taking volunteerism to the next level by using GoGiveTime.org, an innovative volunteer management platform that enables real-time tracking of volunteer activities. This platform recognizes and records volunteer hours, helping young people build a verified portfolio of experience that tackles the common “no experience” barrier faced by students and recent graduates when seeking employment.
The various activities help these young volunteers gain valuable skills — leadership, teamwork, project management, digital literacy, etc — that enhance their employability and personal growth.
“Volunteerism is no longer just about giving back — it’s also about gaining skills that prepare you for the future,” said Ato Ulzen-Appiah who leads GhanaThink. “With GoGiveTime, we are creating pathways for young people to turn their service into experiences, and to use that for further opportunities.”
Some #NVDay2025 Activities All Over Ghana
1. School outreaches in Wa by Wa Konnect
2. Health Walk & Screening in Tamale by various local organizations
3. Cleanup Exercise at Bolgatanga Lorry Station by Bolga Konnect & Street Janitors
4. #CleanAirGhana campaign in Kasoa by Kasoa Konnect
5. School outreach & Community Sensitization in West Mamprusi Municipality by Northeast Konnect & Northern Innovation Lab
6. Mentoring & Recycling workshop in Mirigu by Navrongo Konnect
7. Pick, Pack & Play with school kids in Tamale by Hereafter Ghana
8. Beach clean-up in Sogakope by Fafali & friends
9. Surgical & Medical Outreach in Keta by VivaHealth Medical Foundation
10. Blood Donation Exercises in Kumasi, Accra & Tamaleby Rotaract Clubs
11. Clean-up Exercises in Takoradi, Tarkwa, Accra, Ho, Kumasi by Legends Hub
12. Digital Literacy & STEM Engagement at Krutiase School, Eastern Region by Young At Heart Ghana
13. Free Health Screening & Safety Demonstrations in Tamale by Tamale Offline Hangout
How Youth Can Volunteer — Even on Their Own
Since covid. GhanaThink has been encouraging youth to take initiative, even outside organized activities. Possible ways to volunteer independently for #NVDay2025 and beyond include:
1. Tutoring: Offer free lessons in reading, math, or ICT skills for neighborhood kids.
2. Mentorship & peer coaching: Guide younger students on career choices, study tips, or personal development.
3. Neighborhood environmental activities: Organize friends to collect waste, recycle plastics, or plant trees.
4. Digital work: Edit Wikipedia articles, create social media awareness on issues, edit CVs, etc.
5. Digital Literacy Workshops: Teaching basic computer skills to elderly community members or school children using personal resources.
6. Support for the elderly or disabled: Run errands, teach basic phone skills, or simply spend time with those who feel isolated.
7. Crowdfunding for local causes: Mobilize small donations to buy supplies for schools, clinics, or shelters.
8. Mini-Libraries for Rural Areas: Collecting and distributing books to underserved communities to foster reading culture.
Every action, big or small, contributes to Ghana’s growth and the spirit of volunteerism. As coined through the words of the first GVP Lead, Eleanor Asare, in 2013: Volunteerism is the heart of community development.
As GhanaThink Foundation, through the Ghana Volunteer Program, partners with GoGiveTime.org, National Volunteer Day 2025 promises to be the most impactful yet. By merging technology, service, and youth energy, Ghana is proving that volunteerism not only transforms communities but also shapes the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.
“Go out there, find a volunteer activity near you, log your hours on GoGiveTime, and contribute to making the world a better place,” urges Ato Ulzen-Appiah, the Director of GhanaThink, ending the interview with Baobab Enetrepeneur. “The future of Ghana depends on the actions we take today. The best way to predict the future is to create it. Less Talk, More Action”.
