The last time I volunteered to help others was during my National Youth Service, which was a commitment to my country. However, what made this experience truly remarkable wasn't just the service itself; it was the people who received the assistance. Before I elaborate on this, I'd like to share some of the voluntary services I have participated in.
Since my university days, I have been a big fan of voluntary work. I started as a member of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, and I am sure many of you know what the Red Cross is all about. Back then in school, there were duties that every member of the Nigeria Red Cross must partake of, even though we were students like other students.
We are to report to the office, which is located in the school, every morning before class. After class, we would go back to the office because sometimes some students come over to the office for help or to rest. I sometimes administer first aid to students who injured themselves. During exams, we are going to be stationed in different parts of the school with us in our uniform and most of the time I am always in my field uniform.
During exam time, there are cases of students fainting or collapsing in the exam hall and the reason is that most of them have already exhausted their foodstuff and refuse to buy another because, after the exam, they will be returning home. Other students use drugs before coming to the exam because they are sick and another reason is the pressure. This is where we come in; we are the quick response team before the school ambulance comes in to help transport the students to the school hospital. I did this even a day before my exam.
When I was serving in Abuja city, I was part of the voluntary team that went from one school to another school to teach secondary school students about environmental protection and climate change. It was very interesting to see an inquisitive student ask questions and I answered.
Then I also volunteer to go to other CDSs to talk about climate change. In the picture above, that's me talking to other coup members who have no or little idea about climate change.
What did I learn from this experience?
The truth is that most people have no or little knowledge about things that are actually going on around them. This is why we need to volunteer to help people more. I also learned that there is a certain kind of happiness when you help other people; it's different from the kind of happiness when you receive a gift or get money. I feel fulfilled in a way when I help other people; I become a hero to them and this makes me want to do more for them.
I remember the day I volunteered to help the Kwara State Branch Red Cross give free tests to local people in remote areas. HIV test, blood pressure, sugar, and some others. There was an old woman who was scared and only spoke Yoruba. I had a conversation with her in that language, telling her about the benefits of the test. We had a long conversation, laughed, and then she went for hers. It was a beautiful experience.
If I see the opportunity to serve in any place, be it in my estate or church, I don't miss such an opportunity.
Thanks for reading. I remain Fashtioluwa, Hive's favorite Alien.
all images used are mine
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