From Sleeping in Cars to Building a Career: Bright’s Journey

Once without a home and living at a garage in Mount Darwin, 21-year-old Bright Dhamu found hope through vocational training with Young Africa, supported by SERVE and Irish Aid. Now employed, independent, and helping his family, Bright is living proof that access to skills can turn hardship into opportunity.

Tadiwanashe’s Journey: Financially Independent

At just 23, Tadiwanashe Mahuda has gone from feeling directionless to becoming a confident, financially independent young mother. Through hairdressing, entrepreneurship, and life skills training with Young Africa—supported by SERVE and Irish Aid—she’s now running her own business and dreaming of one day creating jobs for others.

Edwell’s Journey of Transformation

In Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe, Edwell Masarakura turned his life around through vocational training with Young Africa, supported by SERVE and Irish Aid. Once facing unemployment and uncertainty, he’s now a skilled carpenter, entrepreneur, and proud provider—proof of the power of skills to transform lives.

Why I Chose to Volunteer: Philippines Edition

For me, volunteering abroad was never about wanderlust or ticking a box—it was a continuation of a lifelong commitment to empathy and service. Coming from a background rooted in care and compassion, and now working in Social Care, I’ve seen how real change begins with understanding. Volunteering was a chance to step outside my own world, connect with others, and ask a simple but powerful question: what can I offer? — Dyna, SERVE Volunteer

Why I Chose to Volunteer: It Was Never About Wanderlust

When Tess decided to volunteer in Mozambique and India with SERVE, it wasn’t about travel or ticking boxes—it was about solidarity, education, and real human connection. In this powerful reflection, she shares how volunteering shaped her identity as an educator and global citizen, and why SERVE’s community-led approach made all the difference.

BNI University BBQ Raises €2,936 for SERVE’s Youth Programme

The BNI University (Cork) Chapter Summer BBQ, hosted in partnership with SERVE, raised an impressive €2,936 in support of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP). Held at Scala, Blackrock, the event brought together Cork’s business community to empower young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique with life-changing vocational and life skills.