Building homes at 14

A partnership with Project Zero To Hero

In this era, lending a helping hand to others is seen as a rare gesture. There are plenty of reasons why most of us do not volunteer. Some of the reasons include,

• Not getting anything in return
• Don’t benefit easily  
• Lack of free time
• Feel that our efforts are not being appreciated
• Shy/awkward/out of place because they’re the only one who wants to do it and it feels as if they’re the only ones trying to make a difference
• Find it uncool

And many more..

However, Iffah Yasmin Bte Abdullah, 19, a year two student from Diploma in Mass Communication began volunteering journey as young as 10 years old. Her parents who instilled such values in her has made want to continue to do good. It started out with helping out at the orphanage and old folks home, followed by joining 4PM, a Malay Youth Literary Association, in an event called Ramadan on Wheels which she takes part annually. And she finally made a move to join UNICEF when she was 14. According to her, UNICEF focuses on the less fortunate kids, ranging from orphans to those have been abused by their family.

Photo Credit: Iffah Yasmin

Iffah shares her experience when she was with UNICEF, " I participated in 2 of UNICEF’s project to help out the children in Tanzania. We helped them by building a school and put together a little show for them just for entertainment. We also went to Cambodia to build a school, a community hall and teach them basic English. UNICEF has a vision to support child rights and I believe that their efforts to raise this awareness around the world is recommendable."

Her volunteering spirit has inspired her friends to join her in this volunteering journey and "it was a very satisfying feeling to know that just by doing so little, i can inspire others around me to join me to do good".

Photo Credit: Iffah Yasmin

Iffah is one of those inspiring people with a kind heart. We hope with this story, you would be inspired to do good. Maybe not in helping kids but maybe animals or your community.

Just by building a roof above their head, you can make someone happy. There are many organizations that you can sign up with. You can either sign up with Sg Cares, Red Cross, Volunteer Singapore or 4PM. For animal lovers, sign up at SPCA.

Go make someone smile this weekend!