University life is all about experiences. While you are busy studying and socialising, finding time for some voluntary work can definitely add value.
Volunteering helps in a number of ways. First and foremost, it is a great way to make a real contribution to a cause you feel strongly about. Look at the list of societies that are part of your university, and you’ll probably find all the big names already established there: Amnesty, Save the Children, Water Aid, Cancer Research, and the list goes on. Consider what you feel most strongly about — children, cancer, stroke, heart disease, animals, the environment, or something else.
“I have always loved animals and when I got to know about the volunteering opportunities available at the Crocodile Bank in Chennai, I was ecstatic. From learning about these reptiles to talking about them at show and tell sessions, my experience was unmatched,” recalls Anjana Srimathi, who has passed out of Madras University recently and continues to volunteer during weekends.
Find your calling
Aniket Giri, a student of Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, chose to volunteer in a gender forum because it helped him escape his busy and noisy life. “It provided me with an opportunity to learn about society as well as myself, and the best part is that it gave me satisfaction,” says Aniket, who organises nukkad nataks , quizzes, debates and discussions on gender equality issues.
Volunteering can also help you have amazing new experiences. The more involved you get, the greater the sense of satisfaction. From starting your own cause to holding a bucket outside a classroom to raise funds, from flaunting off your baking skills for a bake sale to emceeing a fashion show to helping build a well in a village... the list is endless.
It’s not just about the fund raising; volunteering also means getting to meet people who share a similar passion. This is also a chance to learn a lot, because of the diverse set of people you’ll be working with — all bringing different perspectives, experiences and skills. Suman Kumari, a second year student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, says, “I chose to volunteer with my college club which was under the National Service Scheme. We have organised workshops to help children with personal development, hygiene and so on. Though I volunteered only for a year, it was a great opportunity to meet like minded people.”
Career catalyst
Volunteering also boosts your employment prospects. When you go for a job interview, having student volunteering work on your CV is always a bonus. No matter which industry you’re applying to, employers always like to see part of your wider personality, and what you really care about. This can also be an avenue for getting internships — and in turn jobs.
Agrima Soni, a fourth-year student of BTech at BML Munjal University, says, “I believe that volunteering starts with a purpose and motive. Hence, when engagement meets opportunity, impact is created. I organise Zumba sessions and mind healing workshops for NGOs.”
Madhur Garg, Shubjam Goyal and Shruti Jain, also students of BML Munjal University, have volunteered at the Savera Club, a college club to help destitute children. “I have been teaching underprivileged students for the last one year. What began as a stint is now a passion. My week is incomplete until I spend time with the children. Some have even cracked competitive exams and secured admissions for higher education,” says an elated Shubham, a third year student.
Rashi Verma and Monica Manoj of the class of 2018 at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, went a step ahead and started The Ojas Project with the aim of empowering blue-collar workers in the UAE with free education. “We crafted a course plan, gathered a team of enthusiastic volunteers and kick-started the project with the support of our university. At the end of two months, we were overwhelmed to hear that our students felt more confident.”
Online platforms
Today, our favourite excuse is that we have no time. Apps such as Donate My Time, which currently has 45 NGOs and 150 registered volunteers, help solve this problem. This app will help you get in touch with events organised by NGOs near where you live or work. Organisations such as CRY also offer a diverse range of volunteering opportunities. Through them, you can not only contribute towards the betterment of others, but also undergo a transformational journey for yourselves!
With technology, volunteering has reached yet another level where you don’t have to be physically present to actually contribute. For instance, Helpers of Handicapped (HoH), a Kolhapur-based organisation, ensures that its 500 underprivileged students receive quality education by providing them with online access to teachers based in Kolkata. Platforms like these offer you an opportunity to volunteer by creating and managing their websites.
Do you know that two hours of your time each week could “make a difference”, especially to the lives of underprivileged children? Make A Difference, or MAD as it is better known, began in Kochi in 2006, when 20 young college-goers decided to help empower underprivileged children by giving them quality education.
Avenues
Robin Hood Army
info@robinhoodarmy.com
Misaal Mumbai
+919920207155
Travel Volunteer — AIESEC
Rivaan Jadav, +919558879688, rivaan.jadav@aiesec.net
Animal Welfare —
PETA India
022-40727382
Elderly — Helpage
011-41688955
CRY
(Child Rights and You)
https://www.cry.org/volunteer-with-cry
MAD (Make a Difference)
http://makeadiff.in/blog/p://makeadiff.in/index.php or http://makeadiff.in/index.php
Why should you volunteer?
- Endless learning opportunities
- Fostering new relations/networks/contacts
- Opportunity to make a difference through social impact
- Generate awareness for a cause
So, what will your story be?
With inputs from Aalia Ahamed