Swallowing the volunteerism pill

With thousands of Namibian graduates twiddling their thumbs at home, along with hordes of other youth who are bent low by a 46% unemployment rate, it is not an easy pill to swallow when the concept of volunteerism is bandied around.

This is understandable, given that many dreams and hopes for the future are based around materialism - owning a home, a car and being able to splash cash on the things we desire.

Commentators argue that the act of volunteering is more common in the Western world than in developing countries, because most people are cash-orientated and there aren't many open volunteering opportunities. Nevertheless, Namibia, and Africa, does have a core of volunteers doing the best they can, while gaining valuable experience and finding upliftment in the act of helping others.

With much moaning and groaning concerning having 'experience' when applying for jobs, volunteerism is a viable option to tick that box.

Besides gaining experience, the obvious other benefits of volunteering are: Counteracting the effects of stress, anger, anxiety and depression; increasing self-confidence, and fostering a sense of purpose.

It may not be ideal, in the sense that the monetary gain - at least in the short-term - may not be there, but it can ignite something deep within. If it's in your field of study or even something unrelated, it can guide your future career choices and put you on the path to well-deserved success!