How many of us think about volunteering for some good reason. This seems to be a new term in this modern materialistic world, but this is not true. There are several areas an individual can volunteer and learn from its experiences. Here are few of my real experiences. I was lost in the streets of a small town named Tezpur situated in Assam. My life was full of anxiety, stress and confusion about my career and life.
Finally I drew my attention towards volunteering. In 1999, I joined KIBBUTZ Volunteering program and this was the turning point of my life. This 3 months program in Israel gave me a new vista towards life and chance to see life in a different prospective.
After my experience in Israel I had the opportunity to work for friends from Israel, which gave me more exposure in Europe. I decided to carry my volunteering works for the needy and thus I joined CSV, a reputed NGO of England which works for people with various disabilities like cerebral palsy, epileptic, and developmental disabilities. I worked for this organization for one and half year, which really opened my mind towards this new area of work. I realized how much affection these people need. I found a meaning of life to live with, I found myself in peace of mind which is hard to define.
After my project in England I went back to India and started helping friends from Israel for the development of new projects.
In the mean time, after many interviews I cleared a place in Camphill Soltane, PA, in USA (www.camphillsoltane.org ). This is a non-profit organization that works for people with special needs. So here I am since last one year, contributing for the development people with special needs.
I have been doing all these without any formal education in this field. Since the day I realized my potential in this work, I have always wanted to study social work but never had an opportunity. This time my organization has sponsored me to study social work and so I am studying in USA now and also working for Camphill Soltane at the same time. This is like a dream comes true for me to study in USA.
By Utpal Bora, PA (utpal_borah@hotmail.com)
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