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Walking into an organization to volunteer can be very intimidating and tasking. This was the case when I first stepped into the world of volunteering. It all started with my being persuaded by a friend who had developed the ‘culture’ of writing articles in Straight Talk, a monthly magazine on youth and sexual reproductive health in learning institutions. At first I was reluctant and viewed this as a waste of time. My friend insisted that I must write an article to share my experience on my last day of high school. This I finally did, and it marked the turning point. Come January 2001, I was called to the editorial board of Straight Talk Magazine where I served for three months. It was after my term as an editorial board member that I developed full interest in volunteering.
Volunteering is not an easy task; it needs a lot of dedication, determination and commitment to a driving force. During my eight years of work in an adolescent and youth reproductive health project, I have gone through ups and downs. At times I have been worn to tatters, wondering whether to call it off or to continue. However, my desire for a society where youth participate and are involved in planning, development and management of programmes has not permitted me to let go.
The culture of volunteering is not very pronounced among many young people in my community. At times my heart agonizes when I visualize the challenges facing young people. The world of volunteering has shaped my thinking on issues that the society perceives to be controversial such as respect and recognition of gays and lesbians, respect for human rights and co-existence. The greatest has been Gender Mainstreaming and Development. I was brought up in a village in which people believe that “Man makes, man breaks and man takes.” I owe my appreciation and breaking of gender blindness to my mother who constantly insisted that I had to share house chores with my sister, amidst opposition from the society.
Today I strongly believe that my experience and hard work must be reflected in the community. Giving back has become part and parcel of my life. Though it is difficult to balance between work, class and volunteering, I still set aside some time to participate in capacity-building activities with the youth and adolescents of Kenya.
To programme managers and directors, I say that volunteers ought to be respected as paid employees of the organization would. They contribute greatly to the achievement of the organization’s goal and objectives. In volunteering, motivation and recognition sum it all up. Delegate duties to your volunteers with checks and balances to make sure that they are on the right track.
I can firmly step forward from the crowd and say that volunteering pays in abundance. The payment might not be material, but it has proven a blessing beyond imagination. The society remains a pillar on which I can rest in difficult times.
My move to the Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa, Kenya chapter was a result of patience. Although we founded the network in 2001, we did not have enough resources to pay everyone. I took this time to volunteer as a Liaison Officer. It was only in October, 2006 that the opportunity for my elevation to a Country Programme Coordinator materialised. Though employed, I still volunteer my services.
As a young person, nothing eats personality like ego. Hard work minus ego will land you success. Be the change you want to see in society. If you act as a prefect, monitoring yourself, things will move your way. Never let negative comments distract you. Always carry your goal in your heart and a back up copy in your palm. Finally, leadership requires transparency and vision: transparency to inspire confidence and vision to be looked upon for inspiration.
[Image: 'Breaking the Wall Between Us' by Sam Tizza Anneh.]
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VICTOR RASUGU
Victor Rasugu is a reproductive health activist committed to entrenchment of accessible and affordable sexual reproductive health services at all levels.
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Comments
Good work Dyan Aimee Mabunga Rodriguez | May 2nd, 2008
I admire your commitment to volunteerism. I admire your mother for being a positive influence in your advocacy. Tell her that she has my respect.
Rana | May 17th, 2008
Almost the same happened with me in the volunteering world
good story
TREASURE | Jun 3rd, 2008
True words Victor,,
Lucas Raymond Denis | Jun 10th, 2008
I just finished up a project of 6 months that required much volunteer work on my part. In fact I was the coordinator. I understand and agree with your point of view fully!
great Vincent Kajuma | Jun 23rd, 2008
Hey Victor. thats really impressive man. Being a Kenyan too, I think its true alot of volunteering opportunities are stepping stones into higher levels. keep up the hard work bro
María Fernanda Mandujano | Jun 27th, 2008
I can't agree more with you. Would you attend Mexico Conference or WYC at Québec..?
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