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| My foster family in Lamjung, Nepal, the Ghimires. |
Today, a decade ago, I dedicated my life to volunteering. An international volunteer's life is not a cloud nine but it is like chocolate. We volunteer for a lot of reasons, but one thing remains, every day we encountered individuals who are wonderful and unique and they have their own story to tell that celebrates triumphs, defeat, betrayal, inspiration that touched our lives. Today, I will share with you 10 important lessons in life that I learned in my volunteering life in the last 10 years.
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| Communicating with the Kenyan brethren in one of the slums on Nairobi after the post-election violence where I am inspired by their resilience and positivity |
TEN IMPORTANT THINGS I LEARNED IN INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING
2. Spread positivity
3. Be a catalyst of change
4. Exude the culture of excellence
5. Advocate the culture reflective practice
6. Raise the standard by helping people to learn through humility
7. Smile is the best weapon of diplomacy
8. Be open-minded but do not compromise your values
9. Be inspired but be a source of inspiration
10. Be respectful and always willing to learn
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| Doing fieldwork in Rwanda with one of the national volunteers, Athanase who was very helpful to me by providing me with local insight for an international project. |
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| Visiting the largest solar power plant in Rwanda with Mustafa in Rwamagana District |
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| Bi Fatma and Bi Kamaria provided me with motherly affection after the death of my mother. while on placement in Pemba Islands in Zanzibar. |
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| Mama Masai, pasteurizing for our morning milk in Iringa, Tanzania |
