Teenage years are marked by rapid emotional and cognitive development, curiosity to learn and experimentation. Volunteering fosters these traits, says Dr Anuradha HS
The holidays can be a great time for restless or bored-at-home adolescents to use their time constructively and earn some academic brownie points at the same time. We are talking about volunteering or helping out with a cause of your choice. Not only will the experience bring satisfaction and pride in oneself but also help teens develop a better world view and empathy. Teenage years are characterised by rapid emotional and cognitive development, curiosity to learn and experimentation. Volunteering fosters these traits and steers teens towards success.
In the US and many other western countries, volunteering or community service is part of school and college activities. In India, it is largely dependent on teens themselves. However, there have been many examples of youth organisations and teenagers who have worked for a cause. Depending on one’s interests, teens should choose a cause close to their hearts. Here’s how to do it:
Picking a volunteer service
Health-related cause: You could be a part of a pulse polio drive, help elderly patients in the ward and make
sick and terminally kids happy. Many local hospitals and NGOs have ongoing programs where participants can sign up to offer their services.
Animal care: If you are fond of animals, you could spend time at an animal shelter and help them in feeding, cleaning and rescuing strays. You could even help with adoption drives.
Education: The patient teen could try their hand at teaching language, mathematical skills, etc., to children in an orphanage or read to the elderly living in homes for the aged.
Art: Participate in art and craft workshops held by NGOs working with orphanages and the disabled.
Sports: This is a great way to practice and share your talent. You could volunteer to be a coach for underprivileged children.
Environment and nature: If you are interested in conservation get involved in clean-up drives, rainwater harvesting, garbage disposal, etc.
Set up your own group: If you have leadership qualities and know enough people in your locality, you can start a group of your own and work in your area of interest. Use social media to reach out to people and publicize your initiative.
Benefits of volunteering
- It helps you to identify, explore and develop skills in what interests you most.
- It helps you connect with other people who share similar interests and learn about their work.
- It adds value to your college application. It makes people understand that you are willing to spare your time and energy to make the world a better place to live in and you care for others.
- Feel good factor: It helps you to become a better individual.
Raising money for a cause, working for the less privileged, etc., boosts your self-esteem and pride and at the same time helps develop empathy for others. It also helps you to establish a friendship with people who you would not have met otherwise.
- You might be able to discover and explore your career choices and get a feel of what it may be like in the future.
- Utilises time in a meaningful manner. Volunteering helps you keep busy and away from risky behaviors and addictions.
- It acts like a stress buster. At a time when the pressure of performing well at school, dealing with peer pressure, parents and growing up causes anxiety, volunteering may help you priortise your choices and gives you space to think about things.
Volunteering can be an incredible and life-changing experience. Parents, caregivers and schools should get motivated and encourage our adolescents to experience the joy of community service.
For volunteering opportunities in India and abroad, visit the following websites:
https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/
