The wisest man who ever lived once proclaimed that “all is vanity”, however he added “whatever your
hands find to do; do it with all your heart, mind and soul”.
The wisest man who ever lived once proclaimed that “all is vanity”, however he added “whatever your
hands find to do; do it with all your heart, mind and soul”.
There is a truth in those wise words indeed, in all the upheaval the world faces; while everything seems to be in vain, it is never in vain when one gives of your time with all your might.
Volunteering at Rhodes University has been nothing less than a blessing, fulfilling to the core. At the beginning of 2009 I was set on giving some of my time in the form of helping someone.
I walked into the Student Volunteer office to get some forms and before I knew it I was taken by the energy that radiated through the place.
Unbeknown to me, this would be the place I would spend most of my year. I signed up for the Fort England buddy programme, where we were paired with patients.
Our responsibility was simply to give of our time and care; I must say I have never spent a more fulfilling
hour in my life. What I enjoyed most was talking about other people.
I soon learnt that talking to others about themselves is very rewarding, but gaining people’s confidence is
even more satisfying. Unfortunately our time at Fort England was cut short and although it cut me deeply
I quickly signed up for another programme.
The Amasango mentoring programme has been more than just a blessing. I have learnt many things I could have never learnt had I not volunteered. At Amasango I was paired with a Grade 7 learner and all I had to do was help with schoolwork or just talk and play.
Although it proved to be challenging most of the time, I learnt to be patient and understanding, but most importantly that life isn’t always about me and it doesn’t have to be.
I also learnt to take people seriously and to understand their worth. Through this, I was inspired to act selflessly, so I organised a trip to 43 air school in Port Alfred for the Grade 7s.
You see, I had found out that the learner assigned to me wanted to be a pilot and I thought: What better gift than to take him to a school where pilots learn their trade?
The day came and I was so excited to give this gift which we had now been extended to include the entire Grade 7 class. Although the learner assigned to me could not attend, it was the most satisfying trip of my life.
I had given my all and with all my heart. My heart broke when my learner did not arrive for the trip but then I realised that it’s not about me but about other people; the learners who attended deserved my utmost attention.
That trip taught me to be emotionally responsible and mature. I thank God for the opportunity given to me to be able to give of what He has blessed me with: time, love and compassion.
