Bangkok : This International Volunteer Day, Habitat for Humanity launches the fourth iteration of Habitat Youth BUILD, a youth-led campaign to tackle the global challenge of substandard housing. The movement expects to rally more than one million youth supporters.

“Youth are the driving force of Habitat Youth BUILD, advocating, raising funds and awareness to tackle substandard housing. Decent shelter provides a way out of poverty; it has a positive impact on health and safety, provides a place to study and promotes financial stability. The rising energy of Habitat Youth BUILD annually reflects how increasing numbers of young people want to take action and play a part in reducing housing deficit and improving lives,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity vice president for Asia-Pacific.

From 5 December 2014 to 21 March 2015, advocacy, awareness- and fund-raising activities will take place in 15 countries and one Special Administrative Region (SAR) across the Asia-Pacific region. Youth from Latin America will be joining the movement for the first time.

On the campaign’s culmination day of 21 March 2015, young people will take part in coordinated, mass-participation events, drawing attention to the challenge of 1.6 billion people without adequate shelter in the world, according to the United Nations.

Young people start their involvement by designing and voting for their favorite bandana designs – the accessory will be worn at Habitat Youth BUILD events. Designs need to be submitted by 12 December, with voting starting on 13 December and the creator of the winning design will receive an iPhone 6.

In addition, a hammer signed by former US President Jimmy Carter, a committed Habitat for Humanity volunteer, starts its tour of Asia-Pacific – supporters will use the hammer for a good deed, such as build or repair homes, in exchange for a donation. Photos of the hammer will be posted to social media platforms, tagged #carterhammer, as it makes its way across the region before finally arriving in Nepal for the 32nd annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.