Sierra Leone Canadian Children’s Aid Society last Thursday, February 23rd 2012 has celebrated Volunteer’s Appreciation Day at their 17 Percival Street office in Freetown.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Organization, Mohamed Son Samura in his statement expressed happiness for the day and referred to volunteerism as all about giving one’s time, energy and skills freely and noted that unlike many things in life, there is choice involved in volunteerism.
He went on to note that as a volunteer one has made a decision to help on his or her own accord free from pressure to act from others.
The CEO also mentioned that volunteers predominantly express a sense of achievement and motivation, and this is ultimately generated from the desire and enthusiasm to help.
Sometimes, he noted, volunteers are regarded as do-gooders and those that hold that view also assume that one person can never make a difference, but that what one can do is to make that little corner of the world where one lives a little bit better.
Volunteerism is a brilliant way to get life experiences, as volunteerism is the perfect vehicle to discover something one is really good at and develop new skills.
He made reference to Mahatma Gandhi quoting him as haven once said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. And it is never too late to learn new skills and there is no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge just because you are in employment or have finished education planning and budgeting skills.”
The CEO said supervising and training other volunteers helps to develop supervisory and training skills, communication, counseling and leadership skills are skills that will help in one’s role as a volunteer counselor in society.
The CEO Samura also revealed that volunteerism brings people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life as they have all different personalities and characteristics. He noted that it is such a make up that forms a team that works towards making the world a better place for the children of the world.
The CEO said volunteerism offers an incredible networking opportunity not only for a lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life.
Comments, contributions, suggestions and recommendations from some of the volunteers formed part of the ceremony.
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