Companies urged to have Volunteerism Policy

The Chairperson of the youth-led organisation, BW Jobs for Graduates, has called on companies to have a volunteerism policy that can be used to attract new talent which they can incentivise.

Christopher Seagateng, who boasts 10 years experience in volunteerism and leadership, believes that both the young and old need to change their mindset and embrace the value that comes with volunteering. “We still have companies or institutions shutting their doors and failing to accommodate volunteers. We still have employers failing to appreciate and translate volunteer jobs into work experience,” Seagateng laments.

Since 2012, BW Jobs for Graduates has assisted over 12 000 young people to get employment and trained over 130 000 young people on job readiness and entrepreneurship skills. In addition, they have also graduated close to 90 young people who have volunteered in the organisation. Most of these graduates now have both permanent and short-term employment.

Seagateng has observed that young job seekers often complain about the requirement for long work experience by employers, but advises that it is through volunteerism that one can gain and build the experience required. He says it is important for a new entrant in the job market to include their volunteer work in their Curriculum Vitae, as this will give them an added advantage. “I have seen young people losing opportunities because they failed to take up volunteer work. A lot of organisations that offer remote work, fellowships and scholarships to study abroad value volunteerism coupled with leadership skills. “This is the element that often disqualifies most young people. Most youths still believe that without a paid job they cannot work. However, there are few champions who continue to inspire and encourage others to venture into professional volunteerism,” Seagateng warns.

Segateng encourages Batswana to have volunteer jobs, as this allows one to meet new people and expand their network and contacts. To start volunteering, he suggests that one must start by searching for existing gaps within their community, including in schools, clinics, home based care, NGO and churches.

Seagateng says volunteer jobs provide opportunities to learn new skills. It keeps professionals who are out of employment practising their trade, and gives one an opportunity to meet different people who may appreciate their skills and recommend them to prospective employment. Volunteerism also goes a long way in helping one to retain their mental health and to avoid stress and the anxiety of an idle mind. Volunteers contribute significantly to companies and perform duties that are similar or even more than those of paid employees.