Every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality education- Bill Frist
When I was young, I wondered if every child had the privilege to receive an education. Unfortunately, the answer from my parents was no. They told me how lucky I am to be able to receive a formal education. I didn’t understand much at first. Nevertheless, I do believe that everyone can contribute in improving the quality of education, especially among the less fortunate children. But how? I had no idea either, but this was before I found the Speak Up project.
A Few years later….
“Virtual volunteering?! Are they serious about this?” This is what I told my friends when we came across the advertisement for the Speak Up project on social media. The thought of volunteering online sounds crazy to me, but who knows that in the end, the project has left a significant impact on me.
Even though the idea of virtual volunteering sounds absurd to me, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. Therefore, here I was, a volunteer for the Speak Up project.
Why Speak Up? I’m interested in this project since it focuses on fostering interest in STEM education and boosting the confidence in speaking English among the B40 students. Hence, this project is aligned with what I want to contribute to the community since I was young.
Virtual Volunteers were presenting tips on public speaking for students
During the project, I have taught and motivated the students for public speaking. However, this project wasn’t just about teaching and motivating students, but it’s more than that. Volunteers need to guide the students in a programming workshop. It was truly a new experience. As we were given the task to teach a new programming language that we just learned in the previous week. Moreover, interacting with the students and other volunteers made me feel alive. As they broaden my perspective. Hence, it was interesting when each of us shared and exchanged thoughts and ideas based on our respective backgrounds.
Virtual Volunteers were having an ice-breaking session with the students
There is a quote saying “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” by Elizabeth Andrew. I totally agree with it as we do face challenges while preparing for the workshops. All in all, we learned that we need a concerted effort in order to make the workshops a success.
Farewell Space
Hence, I would like to describe my volunteering experience as FUN and the entire journey was meaningful. The project has made me aware that low English proficiency and lack of interest in STEM education among students are serious issues nowadays. Believe me, your words of encouragement or small act of kindness can leave an impact on others’ life. As Kalu Ndukwe Kalu said, “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”.
Virtual Volunteers were guiding the students in editing videos
A picture of Virtual Volunteers and Organizing Committees of the project.
