Volunteering to shape a better society

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WE have all been taught that giving back without expecting anything in return is a very important virtue.

But how many of us actually practise this in our daily life?

Over the past couple of years, we at SarawakYES! have even encouraged the students among you to participate in volunteer programmes and activities to boost your resume, thus scoring better chances at employment opportunities.

In Sarawak, we have great volunteering opportunities and programmes available in various sectors such as sports, welfare homes, and animal shelters, neighbourhood watch, tourism, and education.

For example, during the Malaysia Games (Sukma) held successfully last year in Sarawak, more than 3,000 volunteers were needed, while every year the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) calls up volunteers to assist in the three-day programme.

Besides events, people are also encouraged to engage in community-based activities such as in welfare homes and animal shelters, cleaning up beaches, as well as being part of their neighbourhood watch.

Apart from boosting your social wellbeing, volunteering helps provide valuable experience and skills as you get to improve your communication, leadership, adaptability, time management and problem-solving.

Although it is undeniable that volunteer work is a good training ground and an invaluable avenue for new experience, you should also consider the contribution that you are able to make through volunteerism for the betterment of society.

By getting everyone engaged in volunteer work, it gives people feel a sense of belonging, enhances social cohesion and strengthens the community.

In making a better change for the community, every contribution counts as volunteers get to actively advocate in a public issue they believe in.

By helping those being served through volunteer work, those doing the serving are also helped into being engaged, enlightened, and empowered members of society.

This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak-to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.