17-year-old Anthony* had always viewed volunteering through a narrow lens. Growing up, he didn’t think much about helping others, especially strangers. Though he would readily support his friends, the idea of reaching out to unfamiliar people or engaging in volunteer work abroad was well outside his comfort zone. However, his perspective would change in ways he never anticipated.
In September 2024, Anthony traveled to Cambodia as part of a volunteer programme through his course at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Initially, he had little enthusiasm for the trip. He was more focused on the challenges of being away from home, without any clear expectations of what the experience would entail.
At first, Anthony's view of volunteering was simple and somewhat skeptical. He imagined spending his days making simple crafts with children—perhaps building toy planes or cars out of chopsticks and cardboard. He braced himself for a monotonous routine, expecting the trip to drag on without much excitement. But as he soon discovered, he couldn’t have been more wrong.
Over the next few days, Anthony’s perspective began to shift dramatically. Volunteering, he realised, was far more than just teaching children how to build with everyday materials. It was about helping to create lasting change—a better school, a brighter future, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. What began as an obligation soon turned into an impactful personal experience.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was when Anthony and his team worked to help rebuild a school. They repaired playground fences, repainted hopscotch markings, and even constructed a new cement door for the school’s restroom.
Despite the intense heat and physical demands of the work, Anthony found himself increasingly invested in the project. His initial reluctance melted away as he saw the tangible impact of their efforts on the students’ lives.
However, it was the heartfelt connections with the children that truly transformed Anthony’s outlook. On the final day, as he was saying goodbye to the students, Anthony found himself unexpectedly moved to tears. The children, sensing his emotion, approached him one by one to comfort him. They even initiated playful games—arm wrestling and scissors-paper-stone—as a way of showing their appreciation.
For Anthony, this moment was one of the most meaningful of his life, leaving him with a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude.
Reflecting on his experience, Anthony now sees volunteering as a powerful tool for personal growth and positive change. He believes that the rewards of volunteering extend far beyond the immediate impact on others. The sense of accomplishment, the joy of making others smile, and the leadership, teamwork, and communication skills gained during such experiences are invaluable for anyone, especially young people looking toward their future careers.
Today, Anthony is committed to helping others whenever he can. Whether offering support or encouragement to those in need, he understands that small acts of kindness and compassion can have a lasting effect. He has learned that the value of giving is not only in the work you do but in the connections you make along the way—and that sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is simply to show that there is still humanity and kindness in the world.
Anthony’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that volunteering can have, not just on the communities we serve, but on our hearts and minds. We hope his story inspires others to embrace the opportunities to give back!
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved.
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