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More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending a short time doing unpaid work, such as teaching or building houses for communities in poorer countries.
Why do young people choose to do so? Who will benefit more: young people or the communities? Who will benefit from unpaid works?
By Thay Gia 22 March 2021 (archived)
Intro Ver 2 : updated 2024 March
In recent times, it has come to light that young individuals from affluent nations are dedicating their time and efforts to assist underprivileged countries. It is my conviction that this trend is underpinned by multiple factors and results in the recipient communities reaping greater advantages than the volunteers themselves.
The pursuit of life experience appears to be a primary objective for the youth engaging in volunteer work within developing communities. Initially, they acquire valuable interpersonal abilities, including organizational and communication skills, through their volunteer activities, which may prove to be significantly beneficial for their future professional endeavors. Furthermore, these young volunteers have the opportunity to encounter and establish connections with peers who possess a similar altruistic outlook and a shared vision for enhancing the lives of those in less fortunate communities. Lastly, the act of volunteering is often driven by a desire for personal fulfillment. The joy derived from contributing to the happiness of others is profound, and the relationships forged between volunteers and local residents strengthen, yielding considerable enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
Considering these advantages, it is my belief that host communities stand to gain immensely from the contributions of young volunteers. Primarily, these nations or communities in need are endowed with considerable manpower to bolster their local initiatives. For instance, it is common for young volunteers to be tasked with constructing residential and educational facilities for impoverished populations in rural locales. In addition, during efforts to recover from natural calamities such as droughts, tsunamis, or floods, the role of young volunteers is crucial. Take, for example, the severe floods that afflicted central Vietnam in 2020; this event saw a significant influx of volunteers who assisted host organizations and government bodies in distributing essential goods to those in dire need.
Ultimately, volunteering serves to dismantle stereotypes, foster an appreciation for local cultures, and at a global scale, expedite the process of globalization through educational endeavors.