International Day of Volunteers 2025: Every contribution matters towards better housing outcomes for all

This International Volunteer Day, we join the global community in celebrating the 2025 theme Every Contribution Matters— a reminder that meaningful change is driven not only by large-scale initiatives, but by the everyday actions of individuals who choose to give their time, skills, and energy.

At Habitat for Humanity, the impact of volunteering extends far beyond the build site. It is reflected in the personal growth of volunteers, their deepened understanding of housing challenges, and their strengthened commitment to contributing to safer, more resilient communities.

Over the past year, Habitat for Humanity worked alongside volunteers who contributed nearly 42,000 hours’ worth of time, skills and energy to improve housing conditions in communities across Africa. Today, we highlight how volunteering continues to shape individuals, strengthen community connections, and inspire long-term civic engagement.

How volunteering shapes people and communities

Volunteering motivates continued action.

John, Zambia

footballers in sport attire pose for a photo — ohn (front and center) and his team, Habitat for Humanity FC, in the background.

Everything changed for John in 2018 when he partnered with Habitat for Humanity Zambia to secure stable housing. Having a stable home grounded him and opened space for him to pursue his passion for sports. With a roof over his head and hope in his heart, John decided to give back. Today, he mentors young people facing similar challenges in Makululu through two football teams he founded—Habitat for Humanity FC and DEW Girls FC.

“Safe shelter is the foundation of youth wellbeing. When young people have stable housing, they can stay engaged, motivated, and able to pursue their passions and build better futures.” He says.

Antoinne, Kenya

two volunteers working at a build site — Antoinne (right) and a classmate working on the house’s rebars at build site in Machakos, Kenya

Antoinne was one of 24 students who partnered with Habitat for Humanity Kenya and Grace’s family in Machakos during a week-long build—the first collaboration of its kind between Habitat Kenya and a high school. Ahead of the build, the students also organized bake sales to help raise funds for the project, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting the family’s transition into safe, decent housing

Antoinne and his companions immersed themselves into the build work bringing youthful energy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

“Joining the build for the first time was such an amazing experience. I learned so much about teamwork, resilience, and the power of giving back,” said Antoinne

Volunteer contribution amplifies value and nurtures the desire to give back to community.

Samuel, Uganda

A man and woman standing in a rural setting with a group of people sat in the background — *Samuel (left) distributing solar energy lights in Kumi District, Uganda*

Samuel’s passion for environmental preservation began in childhood. Witnessing the tree cover in his community reduce over time spurred his interest in volunteer work. Since 2022, he has volunteered with Habitat Uganda to build community awareness on climate-smart housing technologies such as the Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks ISSBs, eco-cook stoves, and adoption of solar energy in place of kerosene.

“I grew up seeing how the environment was changing,” he says. “Sharing knowledge with communities helps us protect what we have and build sustainably.”

Treza, Zambia

woman holds a clipboard infront of a house — *Treza during a Village Savings Group meeting*

Treza is a long-standing community volunteer in Chainda, Lusaka. She volunteers with Habitat Zambia as a savings group agent under our Creating Access to Safe Housing project.

She helps women come together to save and improve their homes. “I enjoy seeing so many women come together to save, to grow, and to take steps toward better homes and better lives,” she says.

Treza sees volunteering as an extension of who she is. “Through volunteering you learn, gain a sense of fulfilment and most importantly you become part of something bigger than oneself,” she says. “There is no work in this world greater than volunteerism, but you need to have the heart for people.”

Volunteering as an expression of identity and values

Idilawit, Ethiopia

Two women in conversation — Idilawit collecting baseline data at the Meiso displacement camp

Idilawit from Ethiopia is a youth volunteer and leads the Abune-Aregawi Youth Association, a volunteer-led group involved in local development initiatives, including repairing the homes of elderly residents. This inspiration motivated her to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia in pursuit of the same mission of safe and decent housing.

Reflecting on the current realities in her community, she says:

“In the past, homelessness was mainly caused by financial hardship and poverty. Today, many people are forced into homelessness due to natural and man-made disasters. But the resilience and determination of the families I work with inspire and motivate me everyday, no matter the challenges they face.”

Sandra, Uganda

three women in rural setting — Sandra (right) with some of project partners in Bukaboli, Uganda.

Sandra is passionate about working with rural communities, a value she gets to live out though volunteering under the Addressing Homelessness Through Market Driven Approaches Project by Habitat for Humanity Uganda.

“For the time I have been with here, I have been able to build my experience in mobilizing youth in rural communities with knowledge, supporting in building affordable houses and mobilizing youth for vocational skilling and basic services”.

“Mobilizing youth in rural communities has strengthened my skills and commitment to serve. I have been able to serve through supporting construction of affordable house and connecting young people to vocational skills and basic services.”

In his International Volunteer Day message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that volunteering “helps forge connections and foster our shared humanity.” Across Africa, volunteers embody this spirit—offering skills, compassion, and solidarity that strengthen the effort to ensure everyone has a decent place to live.

Every contribution truly matters. And every volunteer reminds us that creating better housing outcomes is both a collective responsibility and a shared opportunity.

By Sophia Nthuku, Program Manager, VIE - Glob Faith Engage