| Volunteer
Exposure |
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The volunteers of United Way of Baroda
were inspired by the ‘Joy of Giving
Week’, an initiative by Give India,
and wanted to give back to society.
This gave birth to ‘Shram-daan’
i.e. donation of some time and energy
for the benefit of someone else.
The venue was ‘Jeevan Vikas Kendra’,
an organization situated in Narikot.
The place serves as a home for a large
number of tribal girls. With an aim
to encourage education among the tribal
girls, they have a boarding school where
these girls are provided accommodation,
food and education at a very minimal
cost.
The faces of each volunteer and every
staff member reflected the excitement
at getting this golden opportunity.
The day started with a hot breakfast
followed by ‘Shram-daan’.
The place had a very large kitchen-garden
where farming of various vegetables
and fruits was done. This was chosen
as the place for doing the ‘Shram-daan’.
Full of enthusiasm, everyone chose their
areas for cleaning, took their tools
and began working. Many were first-timers
in performing such jobs and using brooms,
sickles and spades. The experience taught
everyone the power of working together
for a cause as well as the importance
of the same. After completion of the
work, no fatigue showed, rather there
was a smile on every face and blissful
peace within.
The volunteers got together to share
their experiences. They discussed the
level of satisfaction and happiness
they felt, which they had never experienced
in the past. They also talked about
the learnings that they got and promised
to continue doing such work in future.
The post-lunch session consisted of
debates and discussions amongst the
volunteers about youth power and the
need for changing the society. Everyone
presented their views as to how change
can be brought about in the society.
This was followed by interaction with
the little girls staying at the organization.
The girls were very excited and enjoyed
speaking to the group.
The volunteers donated the collected
clothes, stationary, grocery etc. to
express their love for them.
At the end of the day, many expressed
that it had been ages since they had
played with mud and ventured in fields
and they were glad that they did it.
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| Volunteer Experience at UWB |
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Apekshit Jain
My experience at United Way of Baroda is incredible and I can’t express it in words. I never knew that working with United Way of Baroda will make so much difference in my life. I joined United Way of Baroda with the initiative of being a helping hand and making society a better place to live in……. but as the time passed I came to know that United Way of Baroda is not only making the society a better place but also plays an very important role in making and developing its volunteer as responsible citizen of the future. For me working with United Way of Baroda has always been a fun time be it navratri or any other function. United Way of Baroda has provided me a huge opportunity to build my skill and potential in the various sectors. The staff of United Way of Baroda is also very friendly and supportive and at no point of time one feel isolated. Volunteers are called as the United Way of Baroda family member and are taken care like their own children. I would like to thank United Way of Baroda for giving me such a wonderful platform to utilize my best abilities
Ravinder Singh
Life almost changed after working with United Way of Baroda. What I was and what I am, there is a lot of difference. I am grateful to United Way for what I am today. I joined United Way around 1 month before Navratri. I use to do the paper work and the registration work. For the few days I was confused, and also it was strange working with unknown people, but very soon I became familiar with everyone at united way as all the volunteers and the staff members are friendly in nature including the head DOLCY Ma’am.
Pedro Arthur Braune Guedes
Why would you spend your precious time, the most important thing that you have on your life, working for people that you don’t even know? Why don’t just lay on your sofa, and watch TV? You are too busy, and have your own problems to solve, and since nobody seems to be helping you, why should you care?
I will tell you why:
First of all, it’s not only about you. The world is falling down outside you door and you don’t even care. Is that right? And what do you have to do with the world; everything. You are part of it. It’s your home and its inhabitants are your family. The responsibility is yours as it is of all. You may not realize, but your comfort and happiness are not built by you only. It’s a product of the work and effort of the whole society as one.
Second, because it is about you. There is no better way to feel happiness than by sharing it. As once said by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. Giving your time and attention to an important and meaningful work for the sake of others is enriching your own life. Noticing that your work is causing direct positive impact in the society around you is extremely gratifying.
You will meet new people, will know more about important issues of the world and your community, will have a unique work experience, and most important of all, you will learn more about you.
“the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”, Mahatma Gandhi.
I joined UWB, so what are you waiting for? |
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