We are proud of our diversified group, now more than 50 strong. Here is an article offered by one of them in both English and Albanian versions.

Thanks Klaudia for inspiring others!    

 

Written by our volunteer Klaudia Hoxha

Why volunteering is so important and how it impacts your view of life?

 

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good” – Aristotle

Volunteering is becoming increasingly important these days. If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.

The benefits of volunteering are well confirmed, from the positive impacts on affected communities to the advantages it brings to participating individuals. Which is why some schools and colleges now make volunteering a compulsory requirement for their students. Many developing countries lack the money and resources to support their populations, while people within your own backyard may be going through hardship on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, not everyone is born into a life of opportunity and sometimes just the country you grow up in will dictate a life of hardship and poverty. Those of us that do live in countries where housing, education, safety and health care are basic and upheld rights have a responsibility to assist those that struggle for these things on a daily basis.

When questioning your own thoughts about why is volunteering important, assisting those who are less fortunate than yourself should be the most compelling reason to take the plunge. That’s not to say you have to jet off across the world to make a difference. You can also look at communities in your own backyard who are working to improve the situation for those in need.

We grow up expecting that our good behavior or actions will always bring us rewards in return. But what about doing good deeds and extending a helping hand to others just because you should? “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

Volunteering has also proven to help boost the self-confidence of individuals, getting them out of their comfort zone and dealing with real-world problems. Most volunteer organizations encourage their participants to take initiative and leadership roles within an environment that is supportive and inclusive.

 

Studies also indicate that the social interaction of volunteering can help to combat mental health issues, anxiety and depression. In a world that is becoming more individualistic, our sense of community is being lost and it’s through volunteering that many find the support they need. You’ll probably discover a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction while cultivating enriching friendships at the same time.

 

While volunteering is a selfless act, many people don’t think about the personal benefits that come along with reaching out and serving your neighborhood. Serving and giving help to others without asking nothing in return provides you with a whole host of advantages so,

Start lending a helping hand!