Two Years of Making a Difference

Yeabsera, UNICEF volunteer

For most of the time, Yeabsera followed a familiar routine: attending classes and studying. She wanted to do something more. Something through which she could make meaningful contributions to her community. An opportunity came right in her second year of university.

Having parents who were refugees encouraged her to explore ways to help her community and people around her. She was introduced to the UNICEF volunteering program through her university, where she would have the ability to work on projects to help children in her community with their education and well-being.

Back in her high school years, her school urged students to do community service that allowed her to find opportunities and take part in volunteering projects in schools and orphanages. Over time this meaningful engagement she had with her community encouraged her more to continue doing what she found fulfilling.

Her UNICEF journey began last year with the Literacy Program, where she worked with children from underprivileged households to help them with their studies. Through free clubs open to any child facing barriers to educational access, she taught math, English, and organized recreational hours, allowing children to unwind and connect with each other.

What she still carries with her is the love and kindness she received back from the children. She shared with us a sweet moment: when she returned for the third time, children recognized her and ran up to hug her. Ultimately, that small moment made her realize that her work had made an impact.

This year, Yeabsera serves as treasurer for UNICEF, contributing to the organization’s financial and budgeting processes. Her role also involves attending events alongside the UNICEF board and UNICEF South Africa, supporting initiatives through financial coordination and helping ensure that the necessary resources and supplies are available for their implementation.

Over these two years, she has been able to make a difference to people around her and learn about different stories and perspectives that have helped her understand her identity and the world better. When she was asked what she would say to herself before starting this journey, she shared: “Anything is possible! You do not have to be the most experienced in this field. What you need is the heart and to care for others.” Perhaps most significantly, she explains that volunteering does not always have to be something so planned; everyone can help in their own ways and with the resources available to them to build a greater future.