From SERVE to Scholarship: A Journey of Growth, Gratitude, and New Beginnings
After an incredible journey with SERVE since 2009, I reflect on my growth, the impact of
"... an issue of justice.."
Áine Levis writes a blog after completing the 2023 Volunteer Programme in Mazabuka, Zambia. Áine’s points out that her reflection will leave a lasting impact on her life.
As I travel home from Zambia, I find myself reflecting on my experience over the past month. Although it was an amazing experience which I’m so grateful to have been a part of, it has made me realize that it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen and definitely not the end.
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.
Through experiencing the development work that SERVE is carrying out with the Assumption Parish Community and its partners which include St. Bakhita’s (Good Samaritan) House, the Youth Centre, Luyobolola Primary school, Flamboyant school, St. Patrick’s Secondary school and the Lukavilla Arts Centre, it has made me more aware of the importance of offering support in a way that helps local communities like Mazabuka to become more self-sustainable.
This ethos has completely changed my perspective on what my role currently is and the potential for what my role could be. It has also made me more aware of the impact that my everyday decisions have on the world around me.
I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
These include the choices I make in terms of where I choose to spend and donate my money, who and what I choose to vote for and/or advocate for, how I choose to act, what I choose to say, how I choose to spend my time and the new perspectives that I choose to open my mind to. Each decision has an impact and it is our responsibility as to what kind of impact that will be.
This sense of awareness and autonomy is so important as there is still so much work to be done in order to achieve equal opportunities for communities like Mazabuka. I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
… it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen…
I would once again like to thank everyone that donated and supported me. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me surpass my fundraising goal in order to help support Assumption Parish and its partners.
I would also like to thank SERVE, my team leaders and my fellow volunteers as well as our partners in Mazabuka who welcomed us into their community with open arms. Thank you all so much!
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.
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