As a volunteer for disaster relief efforts, Marian Nelson-Addy knows
that many volunteers are young adults in their teenage years. Young
children under the age of 14 are underutilized when it comes to
volunteering. While most voluntary services may call for past experience
or educational skills, the enthusiasm and creativity that comes with
young children can be tapped and productively utilized through a number
of voluntary services. As volunteers, young children learn basic
community values and grow to demonstrate their independence as well as
abilities to deliver in their own capacity.
Identifying the
options for voluntary services for young children based on their
abilities as opposed to their age would be the best way to engage this
group. There are immense benefits that come with children participating
in voluntary works. Other than keeping them focused on doing good,
volunteer work can provide the avenues to be creative.
In
volunteer work, young children learn leadership skills, public
participation, and the choices that lead to healthy lifestyles. This
knowledge helps in enhancing their development and life skills while
improving their ability to fit in society. It is paramount for young
children to be involved in voluntary programs so as to get equipped with
the skills needed to succeed in life.
In the long term, getting
children involved in volunteering empowers them and imprints a positive
experience that lasts into adulthood. These experiences in childhood are
powerful in shaping good values and a sense of self-esteem.
Marian Nelson-Addy is a proactive volunteer who believes in helping
communities in need. She is currently a humanitarian for a Christian
NGO.
