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Youth Volunteer: Launching good deeds
As daybreaks over the hills on Ban Maesamai Village, Pong Yang sub-district, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province, volunteer members of the Youth Volunteer (or YV) project begin reforestation activities together. This is the first activity of “Teng” Atit Chusakultanachai, a youth volunteer from Bangkok who came across an invitation for volunteers posted on a website, the communication tool of the new generation. This enabled him to discover new experiences firsthand which can’t be felt in cyberspace.He was so impressed by the reforestation activities that he decided to participate in the Youth Volunteer project ever since and whenever he has the chance. So far, he has helped in creating a clean water source in the Sam Roi Yod hills of Prachuab Kirikhan province, the river project activity for villagers in the Talad Nam Taka community of Ampawa district in Samut Songkram province, activities in the Huay Ka Kang jungles in Uthai Thani province, and many more. “The activities are so diverse in both location and issue that I’ve been eager to participate ever since.” “Teng” says that the activities have changed his life dramatically and opened his world to brand new experiences. He now feels more valuable to society and to others around him. The projects give him a sense of contentment and pride in working together with other like-minded youth to create benefits for society. He has gained friendship, smiles, happiness, and many valuable lessons which make him ever more eager to continue dedicating his efforts. The Youth Volunteer project, which gives its members an opportunity to participate in volunteer work, began from the dreams of a group of youngsters who call themselves the “Youth Innovation Years” (YIY or “Why I Why?”). Their name is derived from asking the question “Why?” and from realizing the power of children and youth who have dreams and a burning desire to benefit society. These youngsters have a desire to participate in national development and to solve various problems in society. To make their dreams come true, they formed a group with the support of many kind adults and organizations. Youth Innovation Years, or YIY, invited members of the new generation to learn more about oneself and other people through serving society in the form of volunteer-learning activities. The group launched a number of projects for society with a firm belief that “in-depth learning leads to truth through actions”. Thus, a new group of children and youth was created to “realize their dreams in concrete form”. Members of youth from countless regions and institutes nationwide now have an opportunity to present dynamic ideas from their constructive minds in various forms, including the arts, culture, entertainment, short movies, business plans, social environmental development projects, and many more. YIY opened an opportunity for the youth to participate in its many projects and activities. Some of these projects include the Youth Volunteer Project, the Dream Project, the 1,000-way Youth Project, and the Sustainable Sharing for Society Project. The Youth Volunteer project, or YV, aims at teaching youth about volunteer work, motivating participants to work together in serving society, adaptability and attitude development, and other important knowledge and skills. The project enables its members to begin volunteer work for society according to one’s personal interests in various localities and organizations that require volunteers. The youth are able to learn and gain awareness through the volunteer activities that they perform. The project also coordinates with other student groups in various universities, including the Rural Development Volunteer Camp. Other activities include the Youth Volunteer Leadership Project which empowers youth with skills and capabilities in analyzing social phenomena. Research work is conducted to survey situations and provides a support system to volunteer activities in institutes of higher education. Data and lessons are gathered, analyzed, and synthesized from direct experiences and are developed to form a learning process in conducting volunteer activities. Project members are developed and empowered with vital knowledge and skills toward youth development to instill a volunteer spirit and to further manage the volunteer work. Advice regarding volunteer activities and further support is also provided for the youth. The Youth Innovation Years group (YIY) has received support from the Mental Development for Health plan of the Sodsri-Saritwong Foundation under the Health Promotion Fund (HOP). More information is available online at www.deksiam.com. |
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