Let’s normalize volunteerism
400+ active volunteers in Jigjiga run CAYO’s campaign to make service to the community a normal part of being young.
Leadership begins with service. So we give our time before we ask for anyone else’s.
CAYO Volunteers · Let’s Normalize Volunteerism
CAYO Volunteers is one of CAYO’s flagship initiatives: a volunteer movement in Jigjiga with 400+ active members. Its campaign, Let’s Normalize Volunteerism, asks young people to make giving time to their community something ordinary, not exceptional.
Volunteers carry CAYO’s work into the street. In the photograph, a CAYO volunteer in a blue vest talks with schoolgirls carrying U-Report Ethiopia bags.
Two of CAYO’s values sit at the heart of the movement: the spirit of volunteerism and an attitude of giving. They are also why CAYO calls itself youth-led: young people do the work, not only receive it.
Volunteering is a first step, not the last. Our 2030 strategy sets out a route for young people to move from participant to volunteer, facilitator, partner, staff member and Board member.
400+ active volunteers in Jigjiga. Source: CAYO, 2026.
At a glance
- Initiative
- CAYO Volunteers
- Campaign
- Let’s Normalize Volunteerism
- Where
- Jigjiga
- Values
- Spirit of Volunteerism · Attitude of Giving
From Jigjiga to more towns.
We aim to grow CAYO Volunteers beyond Jigjiga, taking the campaign to new towns as CAYO opens each new region together with a local youth-led partner.
More stories.
All stories
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The 2025 winners of the annual award for young leaders in Somali Regional State.
Peace is a skill, and it can be learned
The Peace Ambassadors Fellowship, run by CAYO with U-Report Ethiopia.
When a community leads the conversation
Awareness sessions on violence against women and girls, with the International Solidarity Foundation.