June 3, 2024
News
Ariunaa, a student at the National University of Ulaanbaatar, participated in a volunteer programme with Caritas Czech Republic. She organised significant events such as Earth Day and European Day, and discovered a deeper sense of community and purpose. We had a conversation with Ariunaa to learn more about her inspiring volunteering experience.
Discovering New Horizons: Ariunaa's Inspiring Volunteer Journey with Caritas Czech Republic
A friend of Ariunaa's classmates sent a link to the Volunteer Skill Building Programme announcement in the group chat. When she learned that almost all of her classmates had sent applications, she hurriedly submitted her materials on the last day of the application deadline. This marked the beginning of her unexpected, interesting, and joyful journey of volunteering at Caritas Czech Republic.
Ariunaa is one of the 50 young leaders who participated in the Empowerment of Volunteers Programme organised by Caritas Czech Republic as part of its initiative focused on Sustainable Plastic Recycling in Mongoliа, funded by the European Union and the Australian Volunteer Program.
Following the programme, Ariunaa and other young volunteers formed a close-knit community. They organised Earth Day on April 20 which brought together more than 500 youth, and volunteered at the European Day on May 11 in Sukhbaatar Square, engaging with about 600 visitors in one day. During the events, Ariunaa was in charge of the photo shoot corner and later in charge of distributing gifts and managing registrations for participants. The sense of community and shared purpose made the experience even more fulfilling.
Would you please introduce yourself?
I was born in Ulziit sum of Arkhangai Province. After completing my 12th year there, I enrolled at the National University of Mongolia. I am the eldest daughter in a family with three younger siblings. My father is a transport driver, and my mother works as a biology teacher. During middle school, I used to participate in the school's Eco Club.
How did your story of becoming a volunteer begin?
I did not have a clear reason at first. All my friends applied for the programme announced by Caritas Czech Republic, and I did not want to be left out, honestly. After attending the 3-day training, I felt that I had become part of a very important activity. I initially thought of following ready-made instructions, but it turned out to be a big deal to do everything ourselves, from idea generation to execution. I was worried about it at first, but after the first meeting of the Earth Day organising team at the office of Caritas Czech Republic, I felt better and calm.
Volunteering brings with it many benefits and interesting experiences. What does it feel like to be a volunteer for you personally?
I have a strong and deep voice. However, during the last European Day, I noticed that my tone of voice became softer, I wanted to smile more, and I became gentler. I was surprised (laughed). Whenever children approached me, I smiled and became very kind. It was nice not to feel tired while doing volunteer work, just running around with a smile, as it felt like a natural inspiration from the heart.
How was volunteering with Caritas Czech Republic different from other volunteer experiences you have had?
Recently, I volunteered to work at an educational agency for a day. During that time, I only communicated with the person at the booth and my responsibility was simply to repeat the information to others that I have had. With Caritas Czech Republic, the volunteers were introduced to the meaning of the work they were doing from the very first day. This made me think about the significance of what I was doing and the potential results of sharing that information with others. I want to thank the Caritas Czech Republic staff for their kindness and excellent communication with the volunteers.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your volunteering experience?
The atmosphere of volunteering is remarkable. It is a beautiful feeling when you convey the right messages to people and they understand the value of your message. It is about rediscovering oneself. Everyone was busy running around, but they did not feel tired, and it felt good in the background. When I returned home, I felt that I had spent the day meaningfully and not in vain. It was nice to see a new version of myself and to realise that this is who I used to be.It seems like you had a very pleasant volunteering experience. Why do you think people should volunteer?
In today's world, our minds are often preoccupied with environmental problems and stress. Being completely detached from that, the brain can focus on other things, and devoting the entire day to helping people feels like a relief in itself. It seemed like a complete vacation to fully engage in the day's activities without worrying about exams. While getting a certificate is important, it is even more crucial to divert your attention to other things. It is like meditation.
What valuable lessons have your volunteering experiences taught you? Can you share how these lessons have influenced you?
I never considered myself an introvert. However, I realised that at times, I may come across as reserved to others. Through volunteering, I learned to communicate more effectively and confidently with strangers. I also learned the importance of being authentic in my interactions. While many people knew how to respond to questions, some remained silent. Volunteering taught me to initiate and maintain direct communication with others.
During the Earth Day event, over 100 people visited the "Photobooth" where we promoted the theme of "Planet VS Plastic." I took the opportunity to inform everyone about the event. Volunteering provided me with the unique chance to interact with over 100 people in a single day. Similarly, during the European Day event, I engaged with another large group of 100 people.
Would you like to add anything else?
Volunteering has enabled me to communicate openly with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In conclusion, I believe that volunteering allows us to discover different facets of ourselves. It helps us to understand our true nature and assess our willingness to help others. It also provides insight into our strengths and limitations. I emphasise that the most significant benefits of volunteering are personal growth and self-discovery, rather than the impact on those we assist. It is through volunteering that we truly understand our capabilities and limitations.
Thank you for the interview and wish you all the best in your future.
Caritas Czech Republic: Over a Decade of Impact in Mongolia
Caritas Czech Republic has been operating in Mongolia since 2006, carrying out more than 20 projects in 15 provinces. Our main areas of focus are education, social work, livelihood restoration, humanitarian aid, disaster risk prevention, agriculture, and recycling. Caritas Czech Republic works in collaboration with over 50 international and local organizations and actively involves volunteers to promote development and cooperation.
