29 November 2024

Voluntarism: A Cool Way to Build a Better Sarawak

By P Michael

Let’s talk about something that’s not just about doing good but also about levelling up your life and community—voluntarism.

Yeap, that means giving your time and skills for free, to make the world better. And guess what? It’s a huge deal for Sarawak as we hustle toward becoming a developed region by 2030. So, whether it’s helping your neighbours, or leading big community projects, voluntarism is like the secret sauce for creating stronger bonds, improving lives, and even boosting the economy.

Let’s talk about something that’s not just about doing good but also about levelling up your life and community—voluntarism.

Intrigued? Let’s break it down.

It is More Than Just Good Deeds

Think volunteering is just about cleaning the neighborhood streets as a group? Think again! At its core, voluntarism is about teamwork, leadership, and making connections. For example, the community-clean-ups or repair projects where everyone lend a hand – the gotong-royong. When a gotong-royong is executed, not only will the community get a cleaner park or a safer community hall, this collective efforts also build friendship, trust, and strengthen communal unity. And the best part? It helps everyone feel included. 

At Sarawak, where we have incredible cultural and racial diversity, voluntarism help bridge social gaps. Many Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), for instance, run programs in rural areas to help the community build skills they need to succeed. When you volunteer, you’re not just helping someone else, you’re also gaining valuable experienced. For example, you’ll experience what it means to be a part of a team that is helping make life better for everyone else. 

Help Others. Boost Your Future

So you think volunteering won’t get you anywhere or is a waste of time and effort? Not entirely true. One aspect of volunteering is that you’re essentially getting free training.

Imagine being involved in a mangrove reforestation project. You not only will be helping revive the environment but more importantly, you’ll be picking up skills in planning, coordination, communication and even problem-solving. These are the qualities that employers love seeing on your resume and job applications.

Swinburne students volunteered in the preparation of the bubur lambuk.

In Swinburne Sarawak, student-led voluntarism projects are an annual event. From spreading joy and ensuring the spirit of sharing lives on during festive seasons, to community-led environmental projects, these have shown how our students – the youth of today, are stepping up. 

So if you’re keen to be your own boss in the future, start by volunteering. It’s like the ultimate training ground for leadership, management, and communication skills.

Volunteering Pumps Up an Economy

Wait, what? Volunteering helps the economy? Absolutely.

When you volunteer, you help fill gaps in government assistance, especially in areas that need extra help. For example community volunteers such as Hope Place bring basic food aid and daily necessities to the rural areas of Sarawak. NGOs such as Hope Place, Sarawak Women for Women Society and even AZAM Sarawak complement the government’s efforts in ensuring that none of Sarawak’s community is left behind. 

Volunteering also creates opportunities for local businesses. Volunteer at international events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival help make the annual event a success because their presence ensures a well-coordinated music event. This in turn attracts visitors who then spend on local food, drinks, crafts etc. That’s money going back into the community.

The skills you gain while volunteering with tech-related events – like tech know-how form teaching digital literacy – make you a strong job candidate in the future.

It’s a win-win. You help others while you level up your skills and knowledge. 

Then Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This?

Okay, so volunteering sounds awesome but there are some hurdles in its execution, especially in Sarawak.

Not everyone is aware how powerful volunteering can be. Many people do not know where to start. While some think they’re just too busy to volunteer. Another hurdle is that funding for volunteer programs are difficult to come by, and because of Sarawak’s geographical makeup, organising volunteers for a cause can be tricky. 

Nevertheless, we should make volunteering in Sarawak bigger, and better. For a start, here’s how:
– help spread the word – more people will sign-up to volunteer if they know how impactful volunteering really is. Using social media or partnering with school, and the community can spotlight success stories to inspire others
– sweeten the deal – offering small perks or angling the stint as a form of informal training can attract more volunteer, especially students and young professionals keen to level up their skills
– collaborate for more impact – when individual join forces with NGOs, businesses or even government agencies, amazing things happen. For example, companies could sponsor the hardware, NGOs handle training and logistics while students contribute to manpower.

Let’s Make a Better Sarawak

Volunteering is not just about giving your time, energy or even talent. It is about building a Sarawak that we can all be proud of.

By pitching in – in whatever way – you become a part of something bigger: stronger communities, better opportunities for everyone and help economies thrive. Let’s turn Sarawak’s 2030 vision into reality.

Ready to take the first step?

Join Swinburne Sarawak’s Student Life Volunteering Program (SLVP) and embark on a journey that empowers you to create positive change. Give back to your community while unlocking your leadership potential! Gain valuable skills, build lasting friendships, and make a real, lasting impact on the world.


This article is written in conjunction with the International Volunteer Day (IVD). Observed annually on 05 December since 1985, IVD honours volunteers worldwide and promotes the spirit of volunteerism as a people-led solution to global challenges.

 





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