The Gift of Time

Many people think of volunteering as something only the wealthy or retired can afford. In reality, volunteers come from all walks of life, and their contributions are significant. In the Philippines, volunteers staff disaster relief operations, tutor children in public schools, plant trees, and assist in health missions in remote barangays. Studies suggest that volunteering benefits not only those who receive help but also the volunteers themselves. People who volunteer often report a stronger sense of purpose, wider social networks and even better health. Young volunteers, in particular, gain skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication that are valued by employers. Nonetheless, organizations caution that volunteer work should be well managed. Untrained volunteers can sometimes do more harm than good, especially in disaster areas, where they may consume scarce resources or interfere with professional responders. Effective programs therefore match volunteers' skills with real needs and provide proper orientation.