For my service-learning project, I have started volunteering at a youth drop-in centre called Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS). YGOS is a youths-at-risk organization that covers a range of youth work from school social work to out of school youths, and youths in gang referred by the law enforcement agencies. My key role as a volunteer is to engage and befriend the youths during the drop-in sessions. This included engaging them in sports activities and playing board games with them.
The first day of volunteering was nerve wrecking as I was the only new volunteer from SUSS. However, the YGOS staff were warm and welcoming. They gave an overview of what the centre does and their expectations of volunteers. After the short briefing, I was asked to go ahead and befriend the youths. Funnily, the whole scenario reminded me of first day of school where one would try to approach people and talk them. Furthermore, I could see that the youths were wondering who I was as well. I decided push through the awkwardness and make small talk with a few youths who just entered the drop in centre. I introduced myself and asked them whether they are up for playing board games. Thankfully, at that moment one of the staff came by and encouraged the youths to go ahead and play board games with me.
The first day of volunteering was nerve wrecking as I was the only new volunteer from SUSS. However, the YGOS staff were warm and welcoming. They gave an overview of what the centre does and their expectations of volunteers. After the short briefing, I was asked to go ahead and befriend the youths. Funnily, the whole scenario reminded me of first day of school where one would try to approach people and talk them. Furthermore, I could see that the youths were wondering who I was as well. I decided push through the awkwardness and make small talk with a few youths who just entered the drop in centre. I introduced myself and asked them whether they are up for playing board games. Thankfully, at that moment one of the staff came by and encouraged the youths to go ahead and play board games with me.
I think the board games were a great icebreaker. It was easier engage in small talk while playing games. I was able ask them what school were they from, their CCAs, their interest and how long they have been coming to the drop in centre. There were actually lesser youths than I expected and then the staff told me that, tuesdays (which was the day I was volunteering) usually tend to have lesser youths compared to fridays. As the numbers were small, the staff decided to bring all the youths to play basketball and so I tagged along. I enjoy sports in general and therefore I had a pretty good time playing with the youths. Before I knew it, it was the end of the drop in session. The youth said their farewells and I had a debrief with the staff. I shared about the awkwardness and the need for me to step out of my comfort zone. The staff affirmed me that it will be easier once I come to the session regularly and when the youth becomes familiar with me.
Putting my own discomfort aside, I actually enjoyed myself during the session. It really brought me back to my secondary school days when talking to the youths. There was also a camaraderie culture within the centre, where there was mutual trust among the youths and staffs. All in all, it was a good first volunteering session and hope the the upcoming sessions would be great as well.
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