In continuation of last months ‘Top Tips for Volunteers’, here follows our second installment:

• Practice your language skills

Why not make the most of the opportunity to pick up a new and invaluable life skill – a second language? Even if you only know a few key phrases, do not hold back! The local people will appreciate your efforts and may even teach you some more.

• Be willing to learn

Willingness to learn is an essential trait of any good volunteer. The work you will be doing will be varied and will most likely be something you have never done before. Be ready for a few lessons, and enjoy the journey!




• Know why you want to volunteer and be able to communicate it

Having a sense of purpose is important. Most projects take great interest in the motivation behind the work of their volunteers. Make sure to give it some thought!

• Be flexible and open minded

No matter how much research you do, nothing will ever be just as you expect it. Do not let this put you off. Instead, welcome the differences and enjoy the surprises that you will no doubt face!



• Keep a positive attitude

At times your project may prove challenging or you may experience things that make you feel sad, but the whole reason you are volunteering is to make a positive impact on the lives of others, so chin up! Feel proud about what you are doing.

• Bring energy and enthusiasm to your volunteering

These are the most important traits of all. If you are enthusiastic about what you are doing, you will inspire enthusiasm in others. What better outcome than a group of energetic volunteers enthused by their mutual desire to make a difference? Yeah, we could not think of a better outcome either.