Every time, I was introduced to a new phase of my life, I gathered something isolated than just some strands overcoming my shyness. However, this time the scenario was somehow disparate. I joined Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN), just as a local volunteer, but ended up becoming everything I could ever wish for. I was called teacher mostly, sister often, officer sometimes, and nurse rarely. From my shyness to clubbable attitude, I noticed outstanding, in how I always come through loyal, sincere, and full of good cheer. Initially joined for certificate, later I realized valuable is the work I did : untiring in my efforts throughout the period, notable are the contributions I made: trustworthy in every project I take, eager to reach my every goals, effective in the way I fulfill my role.
Initially, I was aligned with Kavresthali Bag Making Group. Our epic squad had me (the confused one), Vanessa (very organized one), Estale (somehow adapted one), Maii (our cutest photographer), Kailash and Diwas (the local one). From a general introduction with the members to research, we discussed, interacted, coordinated, ran classes, conducted workshops, motivated, and interviewed. We also had classes about price tags and raw materials for bags, supervised the group in their entire process, collected bag samples and also searched the marketplace for the products.
International Women’s Day was quite different than other regular workdays. VIN along with many international and local volunteers and women from tinpipple organized short rally against women violence. Slogan we prepared that morning was used as play cards for the entire rally. Most of the women, who participated in the rally, were empowered, aware and eager to fight for their rights. I with one of the women in the community was appointed to run the rally and we lead the rally shouting the slogan physically, binding gender equality mentally and raising voice for victims heartily. I was so honored and happy giving voice to the unheard, giving aspirations to the needy, and connecting with the members of the community. We also had a small dance program and interaction session with the corporate members.
I was also occupied by some spare projects and was honored to be the small, distinguished part of the consolidated Early Child development (ECD) campaign. I was heartily welcomed to the association of ISD and VIN. We were designated as the delegate representing our local volunteer council with proper devolution of excessing the powers. I am glad that I could share my contents and creativity for utmost benefits of our juniors. I was happy to know that my very minimal effort would help those infants achieve their attainments and inspire them for strongest affirmations. I am so surprised to know that our some thumkas and basic gaming skills would stir them so much for another milestone. Actually, ECD was all about decoration of class room and health hygiene programs conducted in Guheshowri public School for grade students. Our group had teachers and councilor from German institute, group of high school students showing diversity of their culture, local volunteers eagerly proving their efficiency and of course our VIN officers strongly formulating their directive principles.
Throughout our bag making project, we experienced some challenges in executing our plans, motivating members, interacting with members, scheduling the time table, so we came up with research, more like survey, as a last solution we could execute. First, we had meetings with local community and VIN officers, then researched a while preparing questionnaires, and started interviewing community members. We interviewed 47 different women from seven different communities. Translation was carried out with the interviews. Analysis was somehow tough for us. However, we finalized it with conclusion and recommendations.
Between some courses of time, I also assisted Brooke and Emily for running English and mathematics classes in buspark and Karkithok respectively. My heart literally melted seeing them improve with their basic education.
At last volunteering is not for money, not for fame or any medals won with pride. It`s just to lend a helping hand for love of fellow man. It is a reward down in your heart that wealth can`t buy. It is a feeling that you`ve been a part of serving others. It’s a lesson for me that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. It`s the faith that pushed me with capacity to control our own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. Nothing but achieved power and courage to make best generation of mankind in the world.
Actually, I just want to thank everyone for joining my beautiful volunteering journey, helping me pop some colorful memories to my life and supporting me through gaining tremendous knowledge. All thanks to organization VIN and its entire team for providing amazing platform to extend our helping hands. The effort, determination, passion, continuity and efficiency by every individual of VIN is highly appreciated.
-Sampada Pandey
Member of