Benefits to be had from volunteering

VOLUNTEER work is the backbone of any community. Research from the United States Corporation for National and Community Service suggests that those who regularly volunteer would have greater functional ability and lower incidence of depression than those who do not.

Of course, other factors are used to gauge how much one would actually benefit from volunteering.

Most people opt for volunteering to give back to their community. A large majority of students who volunteer are motivated by their desire to make a difference to their local community.

Volunteering offers a whole range of skills that can be applied to a student’s future plans. For example, it allows them to identify and understand their strengths and values, and offers them an excellent opportunity to develop their leadership, project management and communication skills, all of which would be valuable in their future career.

Starting out as a volunteer could be easy as locking up three hours per month on weekends.

Never underestimate the impact you can have on other people; your time and support can make a huge difference. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

If you are a student looking for a platform to give back to the community, get in touch with NGOs that fit your schedule, such as Yayasan Chow Kit and Kechara Soup Kitchen.

New volunteers are always welcomed. Try it out now. Who knows, you might enjoy volunteering!