UNTOLD SECRETS BEHIND VOLUNTEERING

Are you a self-starter who is looking for growth opportunities  as you make an impact within local communities?

Well, doing a placement, or in simple terms volunteering will do the magic for you.

There are so many Non Government Organizations that offer volunteering  opportunities like Save the Children International. However, these recruit on a community basis. Thus, if you do not live within the community, it is next to impossible to ever know that they exist.

Having searched for the best Volunteering Organizations in Uganda, and even opened up an account for UN Volunteers, I came across  Voluntary Service Overseas. Within a short while I had myself a placement!

VSO is an international organization with a rich Relational Volunteering Modal that accomodates people from diverse backgrounds, ages, professional expertise, races, to mention but a few. It works with a number of Online volunteers, Community Volunteers, Professional Volunteers, Corporate Volunteers, National Volunteers, International Volunteers, International Citizen Volunteers and Youth Volunteers .

As a youth, have you ever thought of the benefits of volunteering? If not, I have complied a few reasons why you should do so, to give you some food for thought .

Gaining employability skills such as;

• Team building 
• Leadership
• Budgeting
• Relationship building 
• Documentation 
• Cross-cultural working 

Volunteering too, trims your behaviours to what employers seek for in employees, such as being;

• A Team Player 
• Leader 
• Innovative
• Detail- oriented 
• Enthusiastic 

Volunteering on a Youth Livelihood Programme like International Citizen Service can enable you attain soft skills like  Jewellery making, Baking, soap making, craft shoe making, Jelly making, to mention but a few, for self employment. With the great unemployment rates, you would value these skills to help sustain yourself. 

Besides that, you are entitled to a volunteer allowance package, depending on the category of volunteer you are.

Meeting a number of diverse volunteers, staff and partners in the field gives you a leeway to access professionals who can mentor you in any field of choice .

The various coachings, trainings and workshops are valuable learning opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Developing a global network of friends that you can share developmental ideas with is not something you can under weigh.

Its a channel for career change,for instance I am an Education Professional, but have gained experience in Social work and Livelihoods.

If you have an adventurous spirit like I do, you will freely travel to places you have never been before, and immense yourself in new cultures.

You will daily see the satisfaction and appreciation on the faces of those you serve, and witness your impact unfold each day!

Along the way, there maybe a few challenges here and there, but don't forget to be resilient and flexible!

Interesting Fact

90% of the staff and my supervisors at placements I have held at Save the Children and VSO have proudly Volunteered before. 

As lockdown measures loosen, you could think about finding a volunteering placement to boost your career and personal development.

Check out:  www.vsointernational.org for volunteering opportunities that can grow you.