Community service is something that we occasionally do to give back to the community. University students in particular have to do it in order to fulfill the requirements for them to graduate. One of the positive effects of doing community service is how it actually helps you become a better person and be more emphatic to those around you.
In KL, there are no shortages of organizations and NGOs where you can volunteer for free. These NGOs are in need of help. So, get out of your comfort zone and help these NGOs out. Check out these 5 organizations that might interest you!
1. Kechara Soup Kitchen
Founded in 1992 by Tsem Rinpoche, it was under his belief that he apply Buddha’s teachings in the modern world. Initially starting as a Buddhist organization, it has branch out to 13 other organizations, among them Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK).
KSK was set up in 2006 by volunteers who are committed to distributing free food to the poor, the marginalized and underprivileged. Tsem Rinpoche set this company up due to the difficulty he experienced as a teen. KSK’s motto is “hunger knows no boundaries” and does not discriminate against people based on race, religion, class, belief, and ethnicity. KSK has an agreement with restaurants, hotels for leftover food to be given to KSK their people. Not only do they give out free food, but they also gave free clothes from the public as well as medical attention from volunteer doctors. Volunteers are always needed.
Check out here for more information.
2. SUKA Society
An organization committed to protect and help victims of human trafficking, particularly children, SUKA is in need of volunteer teachers to educate the children. Set up to protect the best interest of the children, it advocates for their development, well-being and education. Most of the children under their care are refugees, stateless and underprivileged.
If you’re up to teaching children English and Math lessons, then you may sign up. You’d also be volunteering with victims of trafficking. Interested volunteers may sign up here.
3. IDEAS Academy
IDEAS Academy in Cheras was set up with a belief that everyone, every child deserves an education that is the key to global success. IDEAS is not your average school, as most of the children are refugees who came from conflicted, war-zone areas such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq to name a few. Many of them had faced extreme trauma and stress before coming here. They did not have the opportunity to continue their education, but thanks to IDEAS, they can.
Volunteers are an invaluable part of IDEAS’ team as they are a not-for-profit organization. Volunteers may work for fundraising, creating content, be a teacher’s assistant and more. It will be a great, touching and hands-on experience as you get to put yourself in the shoes of child refugees and their desire for education despite the scars they face.
4. The PAWS
If you love animals, then you’ll love volunteering at PAWS!
Unwanted animals being tenderly cared with love at PAWS where they are fed well, and taken cared of. For their own good they are spayed, neutered and things have become better, they are ready for adoption.
The best thing about volunteering here is that you have the freedom on what activities to do while at PAWS. They’d let you play with any animal that you’d; like and to touch If you do not have anything in mind, then you” ll be assigned to tasks such as cleaning the cages Charity funds have been made as the organization survives on the donation made by the public.
More can be found here.
5. PT Foundation
Founded in 1987, this organization was set up to provide help and support to communities suffering from HIV/AIDS. They have not only lent support to those suffering HIV/AIDS, but also supporting the LGBT community, and others who are marginalized. That was a joy to read. The title called “The Sore Truth of a Sore Throat” says it all.
Volunteering at the PT Foundation means that you are taking a step further than volunteering at other NGOs/Organizations. Volunteers would have to have some counseling skills to the community already suffering more they can handle. General volunteers are also wanted to help with less-skilled task. Volunteering tasks include outreach (such as handling sex kits), packing items, and others.
If you’re up to the challenge, you may sign up to be a volunteer here.
What organization do you wish to volunteer? Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments!
Header Image Source: NST | Hati.my | Kechara
