President Neves Proposes Rewarding Volunteers in Cape Verde
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves is calling for a major overhaul of national volunteering laws, proposing that the state offer concrete incentives—including civil service advantages and scholarships—to those who serve their communities.
Rewarding Civic Engagement
Speaking Monday during the inauguration of the Cape Verde Red Cross (CVCV) senior leadership, President Neves emphasized that the government must regulate volunteering to better encourage and reward civic participation.
“It is important for the state to regulate national volunteering, creating the basis to stimulate and reward those who participate,” Neves said. He suggested that proven volunteer service should provide tangible benefits, such as priority in public administration hiring, accelerated career progression, and enhanced access to scholarships for young people who demonstrate strong civic commitment.
Neves underscored the need to strengthen the population’s involvement in causes vital to the nation, specifically citing the protection of democracy, individual freedoms, and human dignity.
A Half-Century of Service
The President’s remarks coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Cape Verde Red Cross. He praised the organization as an “indispensable partner” to the state, noting its tireless work in health, education, and disaster relief.
“Whether facing storms or public health crises, the Red Cross has always been present,” Neves said, highlighting the heavy involvement of young volunteers who drive social solidarity and community growth.
During the ceremony, Neves swore in Arlindo de Carvalho, who begins a new four-year term as president of the CVCV. Carvalho outlined his priorities for the coming years, focusing on community health, well-being, and ensuring the financial and institutional sustainability of the organization.
Modernizing the Legal Framework
The President’s call for reform aligns with recent statements from the Ministry of Family, Inclusion, and Social Development. Minister Adélsia Almeida recently announced that the government is considering a review of the national Volunteering Law, which has remained unchanged for 16 years.
The ministry aims to adapt the law to modern social dynamics and is revisiting the concept of a “volunteering passport.” This digital or physical record would document a volunteer’s hours and impact, allowing them to use that experience to bolster their resumes and gain privileged access to certain goods and services.
Private institutions are also pushing for more structure. Ana Hopffer Almada, president of the Donana Foundation of Cape Verde, recently launched a new program to officialize a volunteer card and database. “We need many more volunteers,” Almada stated, “and we need to give them the visibility they deserve.”
Image: Pexels – Zsolt Bodnár
