Inspiration from within: ‘the energy of the people working for Serve is contagious’

[ irishtimes.com ]

I studied International Development and Food Policy in UCC and had spent some time overseas. I was looking for something fresh, exciting and something that I believed in. Finding the Serve job description was almost like a sigh of relief for me. Everything the organisation looked for, was everything I worked towards, everything that I believed in. I had a passion for writing, advocating for social justice, while promoting a greater understanding of global issues.

When I came home after spending time overseas I had written articles for local newspapers, UCC newsletters and blogs, challenging people’s perspectives about the developing world. There is a much more colourful and resilient world out there. I felt like I already had a personal connection with Serve before I even started working with them.

I started as a communications intern in the Belfast office and I really was excited and enthusiastic for the year ahead. It was impossible not to be. I immediately believed in the organisation. The energy of the people working for Serve was contagious. Everyone has sincere faith in the work that is being done, and that is why Serve is such an impressive organisation. With development programmes and volunteer programmes intertwining, to my mind, Serve’s programme is truly unique.

The volunteer programme includes development education throughout the programme, from the very first information session, through to the debriefing weekend. Development education is a huge part of the programme, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the interdependent and unequal world in which we live. Serve doesn’t believe in volunteering without it. It is also the only volunteer programme in Ireland that is part of Irish Aid’s 2012 - 2016 programme. Consequently, the work being done during the volunteer programme is part of a much bigger programme.

Serve volunteers work in solidarity with our partners overseas. We support local established organisations who work throughout the year – before, during and after the Serve volunteer programme. It is a sustainable approach to volunteering overseas. Work is always done alongside local communities, promoting an intercultural skills sharing and learning experience.

In July and August 2014, I was lucky enough to travel to our three priority countries: South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They are part of Irish Aid’s 2012 - 2016 Programme Funding. Visiting our partners on the ground, reaffirmed my belief in Serve.

Serve and our partners have worked to ensure that young people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and in the informal settlements in South Africa have the opportunity to learn a marketable skill, as well as learning essential life skills to encourage safer practices regarding their sexual health. In areas where HIV is prevalent, young people are significantly more vulnerable, and so the prevention of HIV is mainstreamed throughout Serve’s programmes.

The opportunity for young people from impoverished communities to learn a new skill, gain practical work experience and have access to a micro credit loan is not just an impressive NGO-led programme, it is a life-changing initiative of which the communities are the driving force. Thousands of young people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa are being trained with a useful skill, along with the knowledge of how to run their own business. The opportunity for young people to learn a new skill, access a micro credit loan and potentially start their own business is one that is not overly accessible for youth in southern Africa. The demand is huge with up to 90 per cent of students finding employment upon completion of their courses.

Six years ago, just five students attended the catering class in Mozambique. Last year, I visited this catering class and 90 students had enrolled. With the endless possibilities and potential, it is evident that the momentum will continue to grow and produce youth trained with usable skills that are in demand.

Serve’s partnership approach strives to empower the communities we work with, our partners and the Serve volunteers that travel overseas to our partners every year. I am now about to enter my second year as Serve’s communications officer in our Cork office. My enthusiasm is continuing to grow as my colleagues and Serve’s partners maintain to inspire me as they exhibit the true meaning of “Solidarity in Action”.

For more information about Serve visit Serve.ie