From the heart

Imagine a world filled only with people who worked by and for paper? I am talking about the green notes that supposedly make the world move and people work their backs off! Yes money is the first that comes into one’s mind when work is required to be done. During these hard times money talks when objectives are put into motion like work which requires one to sit in a comfortable office or on the field planting sugarcane or even the most simplest form like placing stamps on documents. No one can deny the fact that with hard times you would charge employers for the work done. However, the basic values of generosity together with willingness would be lost if children are always lead with the perception that nothing comes for free. Well to some extent this should be ruled out. The word “volunteer” should be instilled into the minds of young ones in homes and schools. Hence, the words of Mother Theresa comes to mind;


Let us not be satisfied with just money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.

 If you have been confused with the actual meaning of the word ‘volunteer’, it refers to the act of willingly performing or doing something without getting paid. The act is seen as an altruistic activity. Volunteering is intended to improve human quality of life, for building a greater net work of communication and skill development yet there are other reasons that are regarded as self serving. The act of volunteering ranges from cleaning up the school compound willingly to feeding the needy children. Therefore, in order to truly earn being called a volunteer for a good cause, it requires the person to have a great interest in such an activity and to perform the acts without doubt and complaint.

There are many organizations around the world that operate with volunteer workers. Yet we do not have to look far to volunteer for a good cause. We can start in our own communities and work on issues like poverty, climate change, saving the marine environment and safe guarding the rights of children. It is upon us to take up such responsibilities and lead by example to the younger generation. Working through this quality of work would also enable a greater understanding amongst people despite the differences in race, age, religion or gender.

 On the other hand there is no harm in helping out in a broader volunteering activity. This would include work in national, regional or international organisations. In my first experience as a volunteer for the World Wide Fund for Nature South Pacific Office in Fiji, I have come to realize how much we take for granted and the consequences that associates with it. For instance, the removal of mangrove trees to construct sea walls has a huge impact on marine creatures and soil erosion occurs as well. Fortunately, my fellow volunteers and I have been able to communicate with people globally on what field work we have completed and the ones which we are yet to cover through writing up blogs.

Thus, there are many forms of volunteering yet its true nature is for a positive objective. You can be raking the compound or cleaning the town with a group of friends that would still fall under the umbrella of being a volunteer. So remember, sometimes there are certain important issues that needs our attention and generosity but not the usual thirst for money. The world would not be in a fighting state for good if volunteers did not exist.