It was only when I became a UNICEF volunteer when I realized that a simple act of volunteerism could make such an immense impact not only for the community and the child, but even for oneself.  I have had countless memories which I am grateful for since I became an active volunteer. My favorite was an encounter which I consider as a miracle.

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Back in the year 2013, we had the privilege to spend an entire day with children with different special needs. I was lucky to meet a 7 years old Cyril Manabat look-alike girl named Diana, a deaf-mute. She was shy at first and we had some communication difficulties, thankfully though, I was able to learn some sign languages and communicate with her with the help of some student volunteers who know sign language. As the day went by, she slowly opened up and we actually had a lot of fun together. Her smiles and laughter were priceless.

 

Towards the end of the day, she was playing tag with her friends as I was watching nearby. We were all surprised to hear her shout a high-pitched “Ate!!!” directed to me as she was running towards me. She hugged me while I was still in awe about what just happened. I confirmed with my co-volunteers if what I heard was right. They all heard it too. We asked her to repeat what she just said, but she could not or would not do it again. Nevertheless, it was already ingrained in me. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I was given to make a deaf-mute child so happy to the point where she could suddenly shout “ate!”

 

Two years later, I saw her again in a similar event. She was silently seating in a corner when I approached her. As soon as I did, her eyes brightened up and she gave me one of the warmest hugs I have ever received from anyone. That solidified my belief that the act of volunteering makes an immense impact on a child. It may just be a few hours of our time, but for them, it meant so much more, something worth treasuring.

 

Whenever I do some volunteer works, all the sleepless nights and physical exhaustion were nothing compared to the happiness that we bring in each child and community that we get to reach out to. Those smiles and genuine happy faces make it all worth it. Every minute spent doing volunteer acts are all worth it.