Saturday 14 February 2015

Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits

As we approach spring, many young people are wondering how to get involved in volunteering, with good reason: Now is the perfect time to commit energy to help others, get involved with something you feel passionate about, and often meet new people.(interesting people). It’s not exactly difficult to meet new people when you are volunteering. In fact, it’s probably the easiest part about it. 

(Fundraising for The Somali Relief Development Forum. London/UK)
(Volunteering with Restless Development, India)

(Volunteering with Restless Development, India)
Volunteering is the perfect way to discover something you are good at doing or develop in area you already enjoy. its never too late to gain new skills and there is no reason why you should stop learning just because you have finished school or are working. Volunteering for The Somalia Relief Development Forum and working with Samra Said (Charity Aid Worker) helped me develop my planning, organizational and budgeting skills. People often associate developing skills with looking for employment, but volunteering extends beyond just practical resume building.

(Volunteering for Cancer Research, London/UK)
(Volunteering for Cancer Research, London/UK)

(Volunteering for Children of Adam, London/UK)


Empowering Somali Women Event     
The aim of this event is to equip and empower women through education and learning.

Meet my Volunteers.....
Munira. Journalist.
What has inspired me to participate in the Somali women empowerment event is the the whole message behind it. This is an an event celebrating courageous, independent and ambitious young Somali women. I am proud to be a part of an event that celebrates my heritage.

Fardowsa Ali --undergraduate  (clinical psychologist)  
Being a feminist is what draws me to this amazing project , I strongly believe women are the real architects of our society as we uphold so many roles and responsibilities which we are often not accredited for . This project inspires young women and it allows them to  shine as it shows the beauty of culture education and how we women can bring a positive change to society . A project like this kicks stereotypes to the curb and it opens room for motivation, support and a bright future for young women . And for all these positive reasons I'm proud to be part of it.  
Aisha. Copy Writer 
I have been on a journey to nurture my passions; writing is the most prominent of those passions. I am a poet, photographer and writer and interested and invested in continuing my personal and creative growth. I chose to volunteer at the Somali women empowering event because for once this is positive celebration of Somali Women. I am extremely inspired and influenced by culture, the arts and people. Somali literature is something that I thoroughly enjoy, language is also something I experiment with, humour in language, meanings in languages; I explore this through spoken word. I will be studying Art and design in University.  

Amal Hussien. Science Student.

I love supporting my sisters, regardless of where they're from, but especially my Somali sisters. I believe that our Somali sisters are capable to do everything! From M.U.A to Doctors over Journalists to Nurses, everything. Empowering Somali Women event can inspire young girls to do something they've always wanted to do or rethink their opinion of us. We have cultural barriers that are holding us back from doing things we always wanted to, in oder to break those barriers we need to step up and show how much some of us have achieved. My main reason for getting involved with this beautiful event is, that we can all gather together and bring back positive changes. 
Sumaya. Student. 
My reason for taking part for empowering somali women is because of my mum. She has been through her ups and down and still has a smile on her face. From fleeing the civil war to start a new life in the UK to studying her Masters Degree, she has shown me to never give up. Without her undying love and support, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Empowering somali women is about celebrating all of our women's successes and spreading the love to our fellow sisters. By taking part, I will be doing my bit to ensure that our ladies never give up and that they continue to bless our lives. 

Aliya Issa.
Inspired Make up Artist.   
My reason for getting involved in Empowering Somali Women Event is mainly because I love my heritage and my people, being part of this event shows how us women from the same background can come together and support one another. 

Sara Abdulrahman. Diagnostic radiographer.
I was really motivated to get involved in this event as it is the coming together of talented and ambitious young Somali women to showcase and bring to light how beautifully diverse our community is and show it can shine when we come  together, all of the above and still celebrate our roots? Count me in , it's a no brainer. It's definitely a one of a kind event. 

Iqra Mohamed. Politics student.  
What inspired me to take part in this event is that as Somali women and young women of colour there isn't many platforms where we can empower each other to become strong, independent women while embracing and celebrating our beautiful culture. I believe its important for Somali girls to develop the courage and self-esteem to know that they can accomplish anything they want in life.This event will encourage Somali women to dream big and live out what they think and believe, so that they, too, can inspire the next generation of Somali women! 

Habon Jama. Aspiring art director and freelance photographer/makeup artist  
I volunteer in various areas from advertising to fashion. I love nothing more than meeting new people and gaining new experiences. What drew me to volunteer at the Empowering Somali Women event was the fact that I've never seen anything like it before, and having the opportunity to be able to celebrate my people with my people. Meeting so many ambition and creative individuals was the icing on the cake...and I love cake.


Khadra jamaPaediatric nurse. 
I volunteered to be apart of the Empowering Somali Women Event because I think that this gives us the opportunity to bring the community back together as stereotypes and obsessions with what tribe you are from has been one of the many factors that have divided us. This would be an amazing learning process too, reviving the culture is very important as we are the mothers of the upcoming generation and I would love to spread my newly learnt knowledge and experiences to the future off springs. I really think that this event could also educate others and show them that we are strong and independent  women, that grew up in a western country despite this, it didn't stop us for upholding are roots and following the footsteps of our mothers. 
Sumia Jaama, 20. Student.   
I love the idea of celebrating womanhood, past and present, I don't think enough of that is done, especially within our own communities. What I love even more is that it is mainly organised by the younger generation of women, it highlights a closing of the gap many generations before have perhaps struggled to minimise. The gathering of so many young Somali women, for the sole purpose of recognition and empowerment is absolutely inspiring, and to be part of the beautiful team behind it all is nothing short of a blessing.  

Sawiya. Journalist  
My name is Sawiya and I am a journalism graduate. I'm taking part in the Empowering Somali Women event because I love the concept of talking to different Somali women who are passionate about different things. It's time to help each other grow and inspire one another. 

May. Student   

Student. Somali women are the backbone of Somalia. Empowering Somali Women gives us young Somali women a platform to network with like-minded peers and demonstrate what we have personally achieved in our lives. It also gives us a chance to help younger Somali girls achieve their lifelong goals by giving them advice on what we have already experienced. 


We all know that  volunteering can bring other benefits, too—one being a great boost for your career. Personally, I have been volunteering for the past 6 years. I have really enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds and cultures. Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Not only will you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life. To be honest, you never know who you will meet, what you will learn and where the relationship can take you. 

Stay tuned for more.......