The Value of Volunteerism: Time, Impact, and Belonging 

My name is Yaseen, and volunteering has been one of the most consistent and meaningful threads in my life. For almost ten years, across Syria, Turkey, and Canada, volunteering has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. It has given me skills, confidence, community, and a sense of belonging during times of uncertainty and transition. 

This is not just a story about giving time. It is a story about growth, impact, and finding purpose through service. 

The Human Side of Volunteering 

Every volunteer experience introduced me to kind, inspiring people. These connections carried energy that made daily challenges easier to face. Volunteering was never just about tasks or titles; it was about shared purpose, mutual support, and learning from others’ journeys. 

Over time, I have voluntarily delivered more than 12 workshops at Damascus University, reaching over 300 students, and mentored 40 individuals, connecting them with international organizations and programs. These experiences strengthened my professional profile in ways I never anticipated. They enhanced my job applications and even supported applications such as visitor visas – proof that consistent community engagement builds credibility and trust. 

Where It All Began: Learning to Lead in Syria 

My volunteer journey began in Syria with the AFLATEEN Program at MOBADEROON, an entrepreneurship and life-skills initiative designed for teenagers. The program focused on developing social, communication, and leadership skills through hands-on learning and community projects, such as maintaining public parks, organizing competitions for local talented youth, and preparing meals to share with the community. 

Growing up in a country affected by global restrictions, access to modern learning resources and global trends was limited. Opportunities to develop soft skills of communication, networking, presentation, and leadership were rare. Participating in AFLATEEN was a turning point. It exposed me to inspiring trainers, collaborative learning, and the power of community-led initiatives. For the first time, I saw how structured programs could unlock potential and confidence. 

An example of training that I attended was Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a framework for empathetic connection, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, that focuses on expressing oneself using four steps: Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests, to foster understanding and cooperation, rather than blame or judgment. 

 That experience planted a seed: if learning opportunities were limited, why not create them? 

 From Inspiration to Action: Founding the Kaizen Team 

Motivated by what I had learned, I founded the Kaizen Team, an initiative focused on interactive learning for children. I convinced 20 university students to join the team, facilitated weekly meetings, led team-building activities, and connected with stakeholders to bring ideas to life. 

Together, we successfully organized events for more than 50 children and shared educational and motivational sessions with orphans at Dar Al-Tamyus.
We shared thoughts about time management and offered gift rewards for correct answers. We improved self-confidence and creativity with a painting exercise, presenting our dream lives and many more activities.

 This experience taught me how to build teams from scratch, manage projects, and lead with empathy. More importantly, it showed me that small initiatives, when driven by passion and collaboration, can create real impact.

Expanding Horizons: Volunteering in Turkey 

After moving to Turkey, volunteering became a bridge to people, opportunities, and understanding a new environment. I volunteered with the International Syrian Association for Education Development as an education consultant. This role significantly expanded my professional network and introduced me to virtual event management, online advisory platforms, and cross-border collaboration. 

I later joined MASEER Community, a local initiative supporting Syrian families through charity events. Beyond the direct impact on families, this experience gave me something equally valuable: a safe space to ask questions, learn about workplace culture in Turkey, and explore opportunities available to newly graduated Syrians. Volunteering helped me navigate a new country with confidence rather than isolation. 

Volunteering in Canada: Practice, Proof, and Belonging 

In Canada, volunteering became a way to translate my experience into the local context. At ACCT, I was able to practice my skills in a Canadian workplace, learn professional norms, and understand where my strengths fit best. 

My experience with Jumpstart Refugee Talent has been especially meaningful. Over time, I proved myself, took on increasing responsibilities, and eventually led to communications-related work. This experience felt very close to formal employment, not just volunteering, but contributing strategically, leading initiatives, and growing within a team. 

 Some initiatives I led with Jumpstart included leading the Beyond the Resume series and representing the Communications team at the SITTI event. I also drafted and reviewed engagement channel strategies to strengthen audience reach and impact. 

Why Volunteerism Matters 

I value every volunteer experience I have had, and I continue to support my community because I truly believe this: the more you give, the more you earn. Volunteering is a life course. It teaches you skills you cannot always learn in classrooms, introduces you to people who become friends and mentors, and gives you a sense of belonging wherever you are. 

Volunteerism is not just about filling gaps, it is about building futures, including your own.