Describe a volunteering experience you have had
  • What it was?

  • Where it was?

  • Why you volunteered?

  • How you felt about it?

I would like to speak about a volunteering experience I had in college. 

I got the opportunity to volunteer for an NGO school, and I can say that this experience made an everlasting impression on me. This volunteering experience was at a local school in my hometown in the state of Karnataka. This school was run on funds got through charity. The local people, who consisted of farmers and local artisans, sent their children to this school. We had to complete one year of mandatory voluntary service in such NGO run institutions as a part of our curriculum.

The cadets of our college were assigned the task of volunteering here. We had to visit the school thrice in a week. Initially, I was assigned to conduct English and Humanities lessons. Also, I conducted various activities for kids, such as drawing, storytelling, and movie watching. Instead of just teaching, I also supported the organization by collecting used clothes and household items from various people and distributing them. It was a life changing experience to be part of the development of marginalized children. I felt overjoyed because it allowed me to make some valuable contribution to the lives of some innocent children. The school authorities were full of praise and I was honored by a certificate of appreciation during the School Day as the children under my care had shown an improvement in their academic performance by 20percent. I was greatly influenced by this result and I volunteered for another year in this school in the final year of my university.

 

Vocabulary:

  1. Impression- an idea or opinion of what something or someone is like.
  2. Mandatory- must be done, or is demanded by law
  3. Marginalized- those who are considered unimportant in society.


Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

1. What qualities are required for being a volunteer?

I strongly feel that volunteers need to be able to work well with others and have a strong work ethic. As a volunteer, you are doing work for free, so you need to be able to have the skills to stay motivated and focused on your tasks or projects.

2. What type of personality does a volunteer has?

A volunteer who is enthusiastic and positive about their tasks and responsibility is often a pleasure to work with. A great volunteer will have the same enthusiasm whether they're doing their favourite part of the role, or a task that is a little mundane.

3. How can companies engaging in volunteering help our society?

Encouraging employees to volunteer may seem like hard work at first, but the benefits to your company, staff and community are well worth it. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. They can help by providing funds to schools, hospitals and in many other ways. They can also do tree plantation which would go a long way in improving the environment.

4. Do you think people nowadays should participate more in volunteering?

The more we give, the happier we feel. Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity.

5. How do modern technology assist volunteers and volunteering experiences?

Technology enables a variety of ways to engage and build online communities. It makes possible for volunteers to help support and advise young people online from offices, homes and even mobile phones. Time and location are often the two biggest obstacles preventing young people from volunteering. These challenges are resolved by technology.