International Volunteer Day – Benefits of Volunteering

On Sunday 5 December, it is the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. The annual day was introduced by the UN General Assembly in 1985,  and offers an opportunity to celebrate and promote volunteerism, as well as encouraging governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of development. But what are the benefits of volunteering? Is it exclusively about contributing to other people and the world around us? This week’s Spotlight explores how volunteers may benefit from their commitment. 

Students of TISB are encouraged to get engaged in volunteering activities from a young age by their parents and later at School in several ways – Ms Priya, Head College Counselling & Higher Education Program 

TISB has many students who are involved in volunteering and social service, either with established organisations or through their own organisations, initiatives and campaigns. Volunteering is a great part of the lives of our students, and it shows their passionate interest and commitment to social issues, areas and ideas, with humans, animals and the climate of our planet. Activities and initiatives are done through physical and material interventions, dialogues and creative and safe spaces, as well as through information and advocacy campaigns – both in person and online.  

Although focusing on charitable causes, helping others, developing communities and working for sustainability, volunteering is not only about giving to others. It is also about developing the minds and lives of the volunteers themselves. This can also be seen in education, where students’ focus, opinions and interests are developed and guided by volunteering. This can also be seen in the CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) programme of the IBDP, where many students complete their CAS work through a journey of volunteering which leads them to self‑discovery. 

Last, but not least, volunteering is often a part of students' college applications. Ms Priya, Head College Counselling & Higher Education Program, explains that her department guides students to get engaged in meaningful activities and projects with organisations or care centres for people with special needs, teaching at Government schools, fundraising initiatives, organising awareness campaigns, using technology for social good, and engaging with companies CSR projects. “This helps them look at their surroundings from a different perspective and become aware of their responsibilities towards the community”, says Ms Priya, and adds that this gives them an additional benefit on their college applications. “Universities around the globe have been appreciative of the contributions made by our students in these past two decades”, Ms Priya says, explaining that also colleges and universities care about visions and commitment to making the world a better place for everyone.