Clifden student Martha Lilly O’Callaghan is preparing to leave for The Philippines on a four-week ethical volunteer programme with Irish charity, SERVE. Martha will leave in July after completing three months of pre-departure training. Martha will travel with ten others to work with the Badjao community in Cebu.
Martha told the Advertiser that volunteering is in her blood.
“I grew up in a household where volunteering in the community was the norm and as soon as I was able to, I volunteered. I am aware that I have grown up with great privilege, only through luck and I am keen to give something back.”
“I am currently studying social care practice in ATU Sligo. As a secondary school student I enjoyed volunteering with local youth services and helped deliver programmes to local Irish and Ukrainians young people.”
SERVE’s work contributes to the 17 Global Goals. As a part of their commitment to becoming Global Citizens, volunteers engage in an extensive training programme in the months leading up to their placement overseas. The training focusses on understanding challenges and barriers to community development. All volunteers also learn about self-care to support their Global citizenship. Check serve.ie for more information.
While on placement in Philippines, Martha and others in the group will be doing activities like caring for young children through play, songs, crafts etc; facilitating English lessons and much more.
At an age when voluntourism has become more common, Martha shares, “I am looking forward to experiencing another culture and being able to share what I have learnt at home with the people I will meet.”
Martha needs all the help to help make an impact. Please support her fundraising efforts at https://gofund.me/cc3e44c2
