Serve the City was at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Volunteer Fair. Esteban, a VUB alumnus, celebrated his first year with Serve the City by sharing about his volunteering experiences. Esteban was named VUB Volunteer of the Day. Read the story from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel:
Where do you volunteer and what do you do?
Part of my job is to coordinate volunteering projects in the Ixelles neighbourhood. I get in touch with non-profit organisations (ASBLs/VZWs) that deal with asylum seekers, the elderly, children in need, victims of abuse, the homeless, and the disabled. Serve the City acts as a matchmaker between volunteers and NGOs. We usually ask NGOs what their needs are and how we can help. They come back to us saying; well the residents at our centre would like French lessons, for example. Requests can be in the form of social acitivities, like a baking workshop, as well as practical, like a painting project.
Why do you volunteer?
My family on both sides have always been socially conscious, and have placed great importance in giving back to community and helping those in need. A lot of emphasis was placed on community service at my primary and secondary school, so volunteering has always played a role in my life.
What have you learnt from volunteering?
Volunteering has been an eye opener. When you serve those in need, you realize how privileged you are. You no longer take things for granted, and you learn to appreciate and be thankful for what you have. We all have ups and downs in our lives, but when you meet people who have been abused, who have left their country because of conflict, or who have lost their way due to addiction or personal problems, you learn to become humble and not to judge. You also realize that those in need are not just categories, but people like you and me, with dreams and aspirations.
Do you feel better when you volunteer?
When you give back something, whether it is a smile on someone’s face or finishing a painting practical, you feel a sense of accomplishment. If your heart is in it, and your soul aim is to help in any way you can, volunteering is a truly beautiful experience.
VOLUNTEERING IS AN EYE OPENER
How is/was volunteering a good addition to your studies?
When you are studying, you are learning theories, and when you get a job, you practice what you have learned. In a professional setting or in a job where you are in the office from 9 to 5, you don’t come across people in need, unless you are a social worker. Volunteering has been a good experience, because it makes you human and compassionate towards others.
How does volunteer work prepare you for a career?
Before coming to Serve the City, I worked in the corporate world, where you are in the office all day. Volunteer work allows you to have different perspectives; it can be very enriching and great source of inspiration. Giving back to your community and helping others can give you the positive energy you need to perform better in your work environment. Not only that, it makes you socially conscious and aware.
What would you say to encourage others to volunteer?
I will always remember something one of our most dedicated volunteers once said, “people don’t remember what you did for them, they remember how you made them feel.” The people we serve are human just like us, and they just need to be put back on the right track.
PEOPLE DON’T REMEMBER WHAT YOU DID FOR THEM, THEY REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
What do you think about Brussels?
Belgium is a country with a good welfare system and infrastructure, which people sometimes tend to forget. Brussels is the capital of Europe, and is a city that is very international with people from all over. Nevertheless, like in all cities, there are the have’s and have not’s, and people do fall between the cracks.
Have you gotten to know Brussels better through volunteering?
I was born in Brussels, however, there were parts of the city I would not have thought of venturing into had I not volunteered. When you volunteer, you really get to know your city much better, and you become more aware of the needs of the different neighbourhoods.
