Teen Volunteering

What began as a chance encounter at helping out some kids in the neighbourhood during the pandemic, has now turned into a full-fledged regular affair for many teenagers in Mumbai. On the occasion of International Volunteering Day, teens bit by volunteering bug explain how volunteering has impacted their lives in a positive way

17-ear-old Dia Shah who studies in the 11^th grade believes it is important to give back to the society especially when you come from a place of privilege. “When you know that a section of population does not have the same resources as you have, you want to do something for them,” she says adding that she has been volunteering two hours a week teaching Science, English and Dance to underprivileged kids at child rights NGO CRY-Child Rights and You for a year now, and aspires to become an entrepreneur.

“Volunteering has been very humbling and fulfilling for me. Like when my students asked me at the end of the year to come back and teach them again next year, I was moved!”

Dia adds that her parents too are proud of the fact that she volunteers. “My mom is proud of me of the fact that I take time from my studies to pitch in for a good cause. She not only encourages me but also shares tips on how I can teach them more efficiently.”

Like Dia, 17-year-old Aditi Boda a student of Garodia School had volunteered for a teaching programme during the pandemic last year and was hooked on to it. She has now been teaching science through online classes to children.

“The overall experience has been amazing. As a child myself I realise how difficult it is in the lockdown, to sit at home and study online. I can only imagine how it would be for kids who lack the resources to continue with their online classes as efficiently as me and my classmates have. I wish through my little contribution I was able to retain their interest in studies and help them cope up with the uncertainty of the lockdown,” she says adding that those aspiring to get into volunteering should do so. “Help underprivileged kids. They really need you,” she cites.

And there are others like 16-year-old Naavya Srivastava who volunteers for several causes. Naavya claims she likes to do so as it gives her a chance to share her knowledge specially if it contributes towards the betterment of the society.  “The feeling of seeing a smile on someone’s face encourages me to do more as a teacher and bring my best to them despite of facing some challenges with the online barriers,” she says continuing that she also has been volunteering at vaccination centres. “It helped me interact and become more extrovert with people and also learn team work which in turn helps build leadership skills.

Interacting with new people not only made 16-year–old Het Shah more confident but it also pulled her out of her comfort zone. “One incident was when the children wished me for Teachers Day by gifting me a card they had made themselves and that brought tears to my eyes. It was humbling experience,” she recalls further continuing that she sees herself as someone who is lending an extra hand to help people get through the pandemic.   “Be yourself and volunteer in something that you enjoy,” she advises.

But there are some like Anugraha SN who believe they are born to help. Anugraha has been volunteering since childhood and helping others has become second nature to her .

“Volunteering results in personal satisfaction and contentedness. Also, I get to be part of impacting towards change. I volunteer at least two hours every week, teaching kids English and Maths.” She confesses that it has been a learning experience for him as well and advises others to take up volunteering as well.  “Always start volunteering for a cause that is important to you, a cause which you think will impact the society positively by your actions. Volunteering is all about patience hence wait for your hard work to yield fruits, it will be worth it.” 

Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY-West says that since 2020, we have witnessed incredible hardship, unprecedented challenges, and devastating loss for marginalised children. But through it all, CRY has also had the privilege of witnessing a young generation that has taken action to make this world a better place. “We are inspired by these young people who have stepped up, taken the initiative, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the children we serve. So on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate their amazing work, and because of them we look to the future with so much hope.”

About CRY

CRY - Child Rights and You is an Indian NGO that believes in every child’s right to a childhood - to live, learn, grow and play. For over 4 decades, CRY and its 850 initiatives have worked with parents and communities to ensure Lasting Change in the lives of more than 3,000,000 underprivileged children, across 19 states in India. For more information please visit us at www.cry.org.  For more information contact Mamta Sen, Media Advocacy on