My Volunteering Experience

Hey guys, my name is Avni Shah. I am 20 years old, and i am here to talk about my experience about how I started as a youth volunteer.

For four years I had been attending Camden Summer University (CSU), which takes place during the 6 weeks of our summer holidays. Soon they had a new training scheme called the Peer Motivators. Peer Motivators work with the CSU tutors, and their job is to motivate students who are attending CSU, to keep them tuned in and help them in the courses. I was interested and applied, but did not get the job.

I was then asked if i wanted to be in another Camden Youth and Connexions project called the Peer Inspectors. Peer Inspectors have 6 months training, before we are able to visit and inspect different youth clubs, to talk to young people who use them and get their opinion on how they feel and what needs improving. The whole idea of putting up the Peer Inspector programme, which was run by young people in Camden was to get young people thinking about ownership and involvement in what was important to us.

After the training gained in the Peer Inspector course, the following year I re-applied to become a Peer Motivator at Camden Summer University, and this time i got in.

By working on both projects, I gained many skills, a lot of experience and confidence; but the one most important thing I loved about both the courses was that I got to meet a lot of other interesting young people. This helped me get out of my comfort zone and gave me a chance to challenge myself and explore who and what I am. I also discovered skills and abilities I had within me that i didn't think was there.


Me in the centre, with Amanda (left) and Georgina
who nominated me for the EPIC awards (right).

Young people volunteering and giving part of our time to do something positive also benefits other young people alike. On a personal level we can build our confidence and gain accreditations when we complete tasks, undergo training and work with other young people on big projects. These accreditations are recognised by the borough and the people we work with, i.e youth workers, organisations etc. I was able to put these accomplishments in my CV which made it more interesting and would give a good idea to employers when they look to hire..

In 2005 I was awarded a Millennium Volunteer award (the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award), and recently I was also nominated for the EPIC (Exceptional Person In Camden) award 2006. This proves that if you are willing to put that extra mile in, you do get recognised for your hard work; in my case, nationally. For sure I know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

What about you - Are you ready for a challenge?

To find out more about Volunteering with Camden Youth and Connexions, please visit:
http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/education/youth-services/volunteering-with-camden-youth-and-connexions.en

Avni Shah