Thoughts and reflections from SERVE volunteers

Resilience and Joy: A Day with the Badjao

Emma’s time with the Badjao community in Cebu revealed their deep resilience and cultural pride. Despite daily challenges, their warmth, positivity, and strong traditions left a lasting impact on her as a volunteer.

What I Experienced Living Locally

While volunteering in Cebu, Sarah expected to lend a hand—but what she found was something far deeper. Immersed in the traditions of the Badjao community, she discovered a culture of deep respect, shared responsibility, and quiet generosity. In this reflection, Sarah explores how her time in the Philippines reshaped her understanding of community, wealth, and what it truly means to belong.

Rethinking What it Means to Help

Louis reflects on how his understanding of development work changed during his time in the field. What began as a focus on helping and completing tasks became a deeper lesson in listening, partnership, and supporting local efforts. This blog explores the shift from doing for communities to working with them — and the value found in small, shared moments along the way.

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.
SERVE Volunteer in the Badjao Community Philippines 2024

A day in the life of a SERVE volunteer with the Badjao

A typical day of a SERVE volunteer in the Badjao community SERVE…
Diarmuid Murphy (2nd from left) with Nordito Mangula, Francisco Marcos and Durao Yove Young Africa SERVE West Cork to Beira

Being similar though from opposite sides of the globe

The differences and similarities between young adults in Beira…
Katie Butler describes why she choose to volunteer with Cork charity SERVE and go to Mozambique

Why did I choose to volunteer with SERVE?

Without solidarity what do we have ... Katie Butler explains…

Volunteer Blogs 2024

Blogs by SERVE Volunteers of Overseas Programme (2024) Jump…

Volunteer Blogs 2023

Blogs by SERVE volunteers of 2023 Programme Blogs by volunteers…