Volunteering not only benefits the beneficiaries, but the volunteers as well
GhanaThink is a social entreprise that has carved a niche in being known for volunteerism. GhanaThink is run by more than 100 volunteer members. Its Ghana Volunteer Program matches volunteers to volunteer opportunities. It is run by a team made up of Kofi Larbi, Hilda Adika, Chris Worgbah, Reuben Bekoe and Michael Sarfo. They are ably supported by GhanaThink’s executive team, especially Ato Ulzen-Appiah, Nehemiah Attigah & Seyram Ahiabor. Various teams of GhanaThink members in different towns support this team in localized activities, etc. GhanaThink members are some of the most influential young Ghanaians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours.
National Volunteer Day, which falls around the 21st of September each year, is the major activity of GVP. The initiative aims to get as many people as possible in Ghana to volunteer their time or do community service during this now – Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day Holiday weekend. While volunteerism is not very popular and part of our society’s fabric, many individuals and organisations volunteer occasionally. National Volunteer Day (NVDay) is to increase these numbers and unify efforts,
Speaking in an Xspace organized by the Ghana Volunteer Program ahead of NVDay, Caritas Aryee said: “Volunteering makes you rich in people”. She added: ““You must love it to want to do it”. Ameyaw Debrah said that “The impact we leave makes me happy”. Sena Quarshie mentioned: “I focused on volunteering to communicate my value”. Ivy Enyonam also added: “A benefit of volunteering is the ease of networking. Imagine a boss you need an appointment to see being in the same network as you”. They all shared the benefits of volunteering, especially in their careers.
Christian Worgbah Junior has been part of the Barcamp Kumasi team and is now part of the Ghana Volunteer Program. He remembers volunteering to paint a zebra crossing at Mobil – GBC, a few years ago, and how that has paid off. He walks to cross that street after work now.
“National Volunteer Day in 2015 awakened brush stroke pictures of the activity on my mind like the smell of a fresh paint anytime I pass by, even though the paints have long worn off”.
Volunteering through NVDay has enabled several people to gain leadership, teamwork, and other skills because they are given opportunities to learn on the job. This is similar for many Volunteeringh opportunities all year round for people in Ghana. There are so many examples of #volunteeringh activities one can do. Activities can range from skills training programs, clean up exercises, tutoring in a particular course, reading clinics for kids, blood donation drives, creating playing grounds for kids in the government schools to painting schools and faded zebra crossings.
Michael Sarfo is also based in Kumasi, on the same team as Chris. He stated: “It’s been a great learning experience with my participation in previous editions of #NVDay. I have been able to engage in networking, putting smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries of #NVDay activities”. He ended by saying “I am happy to be contributing to the betterment of humanity through #NVDay activities”.
Several Rotaract and Leo Clubs in Ghana have gained new members through people volunteering with them during NVDay. Several people volunteered for the first time during National Volunteer Day and continue to volunteer. Many people have found internships and jobs from networking at volunteeringh activities.
GhanaThink is driving for a lot of people in Ghana to donate blood around NVDay, collaborating with the National Blood Service for these opportunities. Teaching and regional hospitals in Ghana are always ready to take blood donations as part of stocking blood banks, and towards saving lives. It takes a short amount of time to donate blood, and it is also a great opportunity to get a health screening.
Can’t volunteer? Support financially by donating to a volunteer activity near you, or through https://expresspaygh.com/nvday. Information about the activities, etc can be found on social media via the #NVDay2024 hashtag.
