After More Than 2 Years, I Volunteer Again

Date Written: May 15, 2022 Sunday

I missed doing something good. Something that I am proud of. And that is volunteering or helping others. I can’t donate any financial goods right now and all I have is time, effort and love so that’s what I share. 

I woke up at 5 am. And then I’m off to my usual routine during pre-pandemic weekends.

I met the other volunteers at McDonald’s Tayuman at 7 am and then we’re off to Helping Land, Tondo, Manila. 

I saw the same faces and places again. I volunteered again just like I used to before. 

The first part of the program was orientation of volunteers. Many were first timers and some were old volunteers. We introduced ourselves and then the major activities began. 

People were already lined up outside the courtyard for food. 

Elderlies and kids were there to have a decent meal. 

We assisted them. 

After the distribution of food was the next activity. This is the ASP or After School Program wherein the kids were grouped according to their current grade level and then volunteer-teachers were assigned per table to teach these kids. 

I was assigned to teach pre-school and our subject for today was Math. 

At first, I introduced myself to them and then I also got to know each of the kids I was handling for the day. 

My students for that day were Jessa Mae, Princess and Belen. Their age range were 5-7. 

We started the lesson by asking them if they already know how to subtract. They said yes. 

We discussed Subtraction and tried subtracting using our hands.

And then they answered my sample questions. 

 

Apparently, when I handed them the activity papers, it was only Jessa Mae and Belen who already knew how to write and could answer it. 

Princess only traced the numbers and texts written on the paper. 

I did not pressure her though so I just let her color the pictures and trace the numbers. 

I guided Jessa Mae and Belen to solve the Math problems. Belen is also having trouble writing the numbers so I helped her.

By the end of the session, we gave the kids chocolates as a reward. 

I also had some selfies with them when we were done. 

When the kids were already out of the courtyard, we cleaned the place, stacked up the tables and chairs and returned all the learning materials that were used.

A group photo of volunteers was also done. 

And then it’s time to go.

It was a three-hour worth of time, sweat and effort. 

 

It really felt so great to be back in Tondo to do one of the things I love, which is volunteering. 

Tondo, Manila was a happy place for me. I interact with kids, nanays and co-volunteers which eventually became my friends/family. 

I have also practiced my writing and Social Media skills before when I was part-time working for Project Pearls. This is the NGO I was supporting. So, it was really a passion I was happily doing before and until now.

My last volunteer activity was December 2019. And only now that I was able to go back. 

I started my volunteering life as a volunteer-tutor. 

I was scared to go alone at first but I was able to do it. Those were the days that I am checking each box on my bucket list and this was number one.

I’m so grateful that because of a broken heart, I was able to do things that scare me. 

And also, I met different kinds of people and found new friends. My horizon has expanded. I have gone to more new places and tried new adventures. 

It all boils down to being a volunteer.

I wouldn’t trade my mid 20’s experiences to any other. 

I am always grateful for all the lessons and learnings I gained during those times. 

And now that I’m in my early 30’s, I hope to see more of life. 

Even though I am already married, I still have a lot to fulfill as an individual. 

I still want to try new things and to go to more new places I have never been yet. 

And I still want to volunteer and then to write down all my experiences, feelings and thoughts. 

Until the next volunteer!