Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland Hugh O’Donnell Prepares to go to Uganda to volunteer in VSO’s new Scottish Parliamentarian Volunteering Scheme

5.07.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Jul 2010

Hugh O’Donnell, Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland next week becomes the first MSP to volunteer in VSO’s new Scottish Parliament Volunteering Scheme. Mr O’Donnell will spend ten days helping the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) which lobbies for the rights of people with disabilities.

Disabled rights is an area Mr O’Donnell has a real active interest in, after working for 15 years with adults with learning disabilities.

Mr O’Donnell will be using his skills and passion to make a difference in this area by reviewing NUDIPU’s advocacy strategy, supporting the organisation in targeting the electoral commission to secure representation for Ugandans with disabilities in addition to planning and delivering a workshop with NUDIPU for a group of disabled peoples’ organisations on joint advocacy.

One in ten Ugandans has a disability and it’s estimated that over 1.4 million of these people are children under 16 years old. One of VSO’s main aims for its disability programme in Uganda is to build the capacity of disabled peoples’ organisations to engage and advocate more effectively with policymakers and organisations that deliver basic services.

Commenting on his decision to volunteer, Mr O’Donnell said:

“I’m looking forward to working in partnership with VSO in Uganda as the first Scottish parliamentarian to take part in their new initiative within Scotland.

“I’ve known about VSO for years and the quality and commitment of their work is remarkable. Volunteering in Uganda will be very advantageous for both countries - allowing useful knowledge to be exchanged and best practices discussed.

“It’ll be interesting and very useful to learn how the disability agenda is being taken forward in the developing world and I’ll be able to share my skills and knowledge on how NUDIPU could potentially improve to benefit the lives of disabled Ugandans.

“I’m looking forward to working with the VSO’s partner organisation, the local people and their communities in order to bring about an agenda for change for the way in which resources are available for disabled people in Uganda.”

Susanne Darcy, VSO Scotland’s manager said:

“We believe our first ever volunteering programme for MSPs will be well received and we’re keen to hear from other interested Scottish parliamentarians.

“We’ll then look at matching their skills with key volunteer posts available in some of the world’s poorest countries like we have with Hugh O’Donnell.

“Tackling poverty requires action from governments and authorities in poor counties and the ongoing commitment of the international community.

“In many countries unfair and outdated laws, poor investment in public services and failure of governments to follow through on their commitments is keeping millions in poverty.

“By sharing their skills and expertise in lobbying and advocacy MSPs will be helping our partner organisations to bring about change.

“We hope their VSO experience will give them a valuable insight into development issues that will enhance support for development in the Scottish Parliament.”