On the occasion of World Volunteer Day, AICEM volunteers speak up about their experience in the field, discover what they said about this noble work !
Why is volunteering important ?
Ali : First and foremost, volunteering is important because it helps you make a difference in the world. Almost everyone says they want to make the world a better place, but volunteers are taking concrete actions to do just that. Whether it’s cleaning up your neighbourhood, tutoring students, helping at a fundraising event, writing letters to officials, or any number of other crucial tasks volunteers perform, volunteering lets you truly impact the world and your community in a positive way.
Martina: In my opinion, volunteering is important because it allows you to test your personal and professional skills directly on the field, and to learn new skills. It allows you to meet new people but also to travel and understand the different realities of the world. For me volunteering means showing empathy and active listening, fundamental skills to help the weakest and to become for them, in a sense, a point of reference. This is the meaning and mission of my work: I am a Social Worker and the thought of being able to do something positive for the most fragile people gratifies me like nothing else.
Guanda: It is important how it helps you to live closely the reality of your environment on all levels because many times we think we know it but later you realise that you know nothing.
What are the benefits of volunteering ?
Sharlote: Volunteering can be a great experience both in a short and long term project. It gives you the opportunity to do things that maybe you wouldn’t usually do or don’t plan on doing in the future, to understand different aspects about yourself and the world. It can be a great educational experience and help you realise what you like or don’t like to do, what
kind of work environment is best for you. What is more, it gives you the space to explore yourself. Of course, if you go abroad, you also get to experience a different culture from a less touristy perspective and even learn a new language.
Guanda: It helps me to be more considerate and empathetic with people, it teaches you to think and measure your words before speaking. I personally like the skills that I am acquiring on a personal level.
What should people know before volunteering ?
Sharlote: That you will actually need to do some work.
Kateryna: I do agree. Volunteering is not a vacation and not a language camp. When you start thinking about volunteering, always remember that you go there to help get things done. You are learning new things while helping the community and that's the beauty of it.
Gandolfo: People who intend to embark on the path of volunteering should know that in addition to the skills required and necessary to be able to fulfil their role, I believe that the volunteer must have an innate predisposition for human relations and sharing. For me, these predispositions are fundamental to creating a climate of trust, mutual esteem and respect that will create a group that works with creativity, empathy and solidarity.
Sabrina: Volunteering is an unexpected journey. You could start with the idea of making yourself useful and, over time, discover how small daily actions represent opportunities for continuous growth on a personal and professional level and opportunities to make a difference in the community.
Emilia: To enter volunteering with an open mind. When you work as a volunteer you will most likely meet people from different backgrounds and experiences, with different ways to approach things, in work, through communication, etc. This can be frustrating since it is a big adjustment from what you are used to. However, it is also a unique situation that you could learn a lot from so try to look at it from that lens instead. My second advice would be to be patient with your volunteering experience. There will be ups and down, but stick it out and I can assure you that you will have great experiences and learn so much.
What does volunteering mean to you?
Gandolfo: For me, volunteering means getting involved with the aim of helping others. It means introspecting oneself in order to be able to work at one's best and overcome one's limits by getting used to working in a team while respecting and putting into practice values such as solidarity, creativity and empathy.
Kateryna: I've been volunteering for many years now, so it is a lifestyle of sorts for me. You push yourself out of your comfort zone in the safest way possible, every task is a surprise, you meet new amazing people all the time and there is a 90% chance that they are like-minded. And, in a selfish way, it shows me that I can be powered by passion and not money and do more than I thought I could.
