My Journey with Youth For Seva
“We often believe that volunteering is about changing someone else’s life. I began my journey thinking the same. But somewhere between preparing teaching aids, making countless volunteer calls, painting classroom walls, correcting answer sheets, and watching children smile with excitement, I realized something unexpected, the person who changed the most was me.”
When I first joined Youth For Seva as a volunteer intern, I believed I was stepping into an opportunity to contribute to society. Like many first-time volunteers, I imagined community service as participating in events, interacting with people, and making a difference wherever possible. While all of that certainly happened, my journey turned out to be far more meaningful than I had imagined.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work with three different teams; the Corporate Volunteering Team, the College Relations Team, and the STEM Team. Each team introduced me to a unique dimension of community service and helped me understand the diverse ways in which meaningful social impact can be created. Working across these teams also allowed me to contribute to most of Youth For Seva’s core focus areas including education, environment and health & hygiene.
Education: Creating Opportunities to Learn
Teaching Aids Distribution at Government Schools
Education has always been one of the strongest tools for transforming lives and through Youth For Seva, I had the privilege of contributing to this mission in several meaningful ways.
As part of various educational initiatives, I helped prepare and distribute teaching aids, educational charts, and Braille storybooks for government schools. These resources were thoughtfully designed to make learning more interactive, engaging, and inclusive for students. Visiting government schools and witnessing children eagerly explore these materials reminded me that quality education extends far beyond textbooks. Sometimes, a colorful chart or an activity-based teaching aid can spark a child’s curiosity in ways we often underestimate.
My experience with the STEM Team was particularly memorable. The team conducts interactive educational sessions in Kannada for students studying in Kannada medium government schools. These sessions simplify concepts through engaging activities and are followed by assessments to evaluate students’ understanding
Although I was not directly involved in teaching the sessions, I had the opportunity to evaluate the students’ answer sheets after each session. Initially, it seemed like a simple task. However, as I corrected each paper, I began to understand its significance. Every correct answer represented a concept that had been understood, every improvement reflected the effectiveness of the sessions and every paper became evidence that our collective efforts were making a difference. It taught me that meaningful contributions are not always made at the front of the classroom. Sometimes, supporting the learning process behind the scenes is equally valuable.
Protecting the Environment, One Step at a Time
Another important aspect of my internship involved contributing to environmental sustainability.
I participated in plogging activities, where volunteers collected litter while walking through public spaces, promoting both cleanliness and environmental awareness. I also took part in tree plantation drives, reinforcing the importance of preserving nature for future generations
Wall Painting at Government Schools
One of my favourite experiences was participating in classroom wall painting projects at government schools. What initially seemed like painting walls soon became much more meaningful. Bright colors, educational illustrations, and engaging artwork transformed ordinary classrooms into cheerful learning spaces that welcomed students every morning. Watching these classrooms come alive reminded me that a positive learning environment can inspire children just as much as good teaching.
These activities taught me that protecting the environment does not always require grand initiatives. Small, consistent actions carried out collectively can create lasting impact
Health and Hygiene: Caring with Compassion
Youth For Seva’s commitment to community well-being also allowed me to contribute to initiatives focused on health and hygiene. Together with fellow volunteers, I prepared menstrual hygiene kits for women and girls and wellness kits for senior citizens. While assembling these kits, I realized that they represented much more than basic supplies. They symbolized care, dignity, and the reassurance that someone genuinely cared about another person’s well-being
It reminded me that compassion often finds expression through simple actions. A thoughtfully prepared kit may appear small, but for the person receiving it, it can make a meaningful difference.
Learning Experience
Working with the Corporate Volunteering Team gave me the opportunity to collaborate with employees from organizations such as Google and Salesforce. It was inspiring to witness professionals from diverse backgrounds dedicate their time and skills to community service despite their demanding careers. Whether preparing teaching aids, assembling community kits, painting classrooms or creating Braille storybooks, every volunteer contributed with enthusiasm and humility.
Through the College Relations Team, I witnessed the power of youth participation. I interacted with volunteers, encouraged participation in upcoming initiatives, and realized that creating social impact begins by inspiring others to become part of the journey. Every conversation became an opportunity to build a stronger community of volunteers committed to service.
Each team had a different role, but together they worked towards one common purpose, creating positive change in society. This experience showed me that meaningful community service requires not only passion but also collaboration, planning, and collective effort.
Lessons Beyond Volunteering
When I look back at these six weeks, I realize that the most valuable lessons were not taught through presentations or orientations. They were learned through experiences.
I learned that no contribution is insignificant. Whether preparing educational materials, correcting answer sheets, planting a sapling, painting a classroom, assembling hygiene kits, or simply encouraging someone else to volunteer, every effort contributes to a larger purpose.
I learned that volunteering is not about recognition. It is about responsibility.
I learned that service is not measured by the number of hours we spend but by the sincerity with which we contribute.
Most importantly, I realized that social change is never the result of one extraordinary individual. It is created by ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things together.
Youth For Seva showed me that every volunteer has a unique role to play. Some educate, some organize, some inspire, some create, some support, and some quietly work behind the scenes. Yet every role is equally important because every contribution becomes part of a much larger impact.
A Journey That Continues
Although my internship has come to an end, the lessons it taught me continue to stay with me.
Volunteering has changed the way I view society, responsibility, and even myself. It has taught me to appreciate teamwork, value empathy, and believe that meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to act.
To anyone considering volunteering, my message is simple:
You do not need extraordinary skills to make a difference. You only need a willing heart.
Every volunteer begins with one small step, one decision to give their time, their effort, and their compassion. That single step has the power to touch countless lives, including your own.
As I conclude this journey, I carry with me memories that will last a lifetime, lessons that will guide me in the future, and a deep sense of gratitude towards Youth For Seva for giving me the opportunity to learn through service.
Because in the end, volunteering is not just about changing communities, it is about allowing communities to change us.
Sharon Poorvi V
Volunteer. Bengaluru