Have you ever wanted to volunteer, and give back to your community in one way or the other?

Was it an academic requirement or a religious obligation? Whatever the reason may be, you’ll need to take that bold step. Whether in person or in kind because the end result is a fulfilling one.

I was once in your shoes some years back until I took that bold step in 2018. In my final year at the university, I envisioned that I was going to do my masters in a foreign land. Hence, I enquired about some basic requirements for my admission. It happened that community service or volunteering was an advantage I would have if I had one on my resume. There and then, I chose a project work that would lead me to work with one of the disturbing cankers in my community, street children. I had first-hand information by interacting with street children about their aspirations.

Fast-forward, I was done with school and doing my service, and yet I felt I had an unaccomplished mission with the street. I started searching for a group that works with children on the streets. That was when I saw a post by one Mr. Benjamin Dwomoh on Facebook. It was a flyer of The Shrewd Foundation, an NGO which was into getting street children off the streets.

That’s how my volunteering journey began. I started joining their outreaches and attending their meetings. I moved from being an ordinary member to becoming a Regional Coordinator. The Shrewd Foundation gave me an opportunity to learn skills like planning skills, organizational skills, moderating events, and many more. I had the chance of hosting an international online seminar, a moment I can never forget.

For me, the fulfilling part of my commitment to the foundation is the smiles I see on the faces of these children anytime we give to them.

I don’t know what will be fulfilling for you, but I’m sure my experience will lead you to take that bold step.

Written by: Duncan Aliza