How Volunteerism Teaches Us Community Service
This week we are pleased to welcome Guest Blog Writer Dakshita Saraswat.
Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA), a dedicated organization that supports immigrant women and their families. My role involved working at their summer camp for children, an experience that resonated deeply with me and brought back memories of my own immigration journey.
From a young age, my family moved frequently due to my father's work. Each move meant starting over in a new country, with new schools, new friends, and a new culture to navigate. These frequent relocations were challenging, and I often felt a profound sense of loneliness. I vividly recall many days when I would retreat to the bathroom at school to cry, overwhelmed by the difficulty of adjusting to a new environment and the struggle to communicate in a different language.
As I volunteered at the summer camp, I encountered children who had recently arrived from Ukraine. Their experiences mirrored my own in many ways. These young immigrants faced numerous barriers, the most significant being the language barrier. Many of them could not speak English fluently, which made it difficult for them to interact with their peers and fully participate in camp activities. Watching them struggle with this reminded me of my own feelings of isolation and frustration.
When I first tried to engage with the children, they were understandably shy and nervous. It was clear that they were still adapting to their new surroundings and the challenges that came with it. However, as I spent more time with them, I began to see their resilience and adaptability. Despite their initial hesitation, they gradually opened up and started to share their thoughts and feelings.
One of the most enlightening moments came when I asked the children how they were adjusting to life in Canada. To my surprise, their responses were overwhelmingly positive. They spoke about how welcoming Canada had been to them and their families. Many of them mentioned that they liked Canada even more than their home country, a sentiment I found both surprising and heartwarming. They appreciated the safety, the kindness of the people, and the opportunities they had here.
This experience was incredibly eye-opening for me. It highlighted the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments for immigrant children. These children, despite facing significant challenges, demonstrated remarkable strength and optimism. Their positive outlook on life in Canada showed me that with the right support, immigrant children can thrive and find happiness in their new homes.
Volunteering at the CIWA summer camp also reinforced the value of empathy and understanding. As someone who has gone through the immigrant experience, I was able to connect with these children on a deeper level. I understood their fears, their frustrations, and their hopes. This connection allowed me to provide the support and encouragement they needed.
Moreover, this experience reminded me of the importance of community. The children felt welcomed and accepted in Canada largely because of the support they received from organizations like CIWA and the broader community. It underscored the crucial role that community support plays in helping immigrants integrate and feel at home in a new country.
In conclusion, my time volunteering with CIWA was not just about giving back; it was a journey of reflection and learning. It reminded me of my own struggles and triumphs as an immigrant and allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience and adaptability of immigrant children. This experience has inspired me to continue advocating for and supporting immigrant communities, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed and thrive in their new environments.