Need for concerted volunteerism: Caritas Samaritan’s approachNeed for concerted volunteerism: Caritas Samaritan’s approach

“Knowing Caritas India’s work during the volunteer training was inspiring; it motivated me to reach out to the young people of my area to give them a better understanding of working for the society.” – Maheshwar Das, Caritas Samaritan

Bihar is India’s most flood prone state, with 76% of the population in the North Bihar living under the recurring threat of flood devastation. Hajipur district of Bihar is home to a large portion of young people who are trapped in alcohol consumption, unemployment, intoxicated and other evils. Mr Maheshwar Das and Mr Prince David, Caritas Samaritans from Bihar decided on taking up the task of guiding the youth of Hajipur towards development of the society. After returning from the volunteers training programme by Caritas India, Caritas Samaritans conducted a one-day seminar on the “Need for Organised Volunteerism”. 50 participants comprising young and middle aged attended the seminar. The program was facilitated by Mr Maheshwar & Mr Prince themselves. They began with sharing their experience of volunteering with Caritas India. Prince also added value to the session as he shared from his on-field experience of being involved in assessment and distribution in Sitamarhi district, Bihar. During the program Mr Maheshwar shared about Caritas India and oriented and motivated the participants on Caritas India’s contribution on towards the marginalised and its positive influence on the lives of many people.

The latter half of the program focussed on making the participants aware on the available skill development centres nearby their locations. This information was provided to divert their free time towards more productive utilization. Caritas Samaritans are also responsible to spread the essence of volunteerism and expand the volunteer base among the citizens of our country. Through this orientation the spirit of volunteerism was also instilled among the participants.

Report by United Nation suggests “India is projected to be the youngest nation in the world by 2020, and the 250 million people preparing to join India’s workforce by 2030, will be either its biggest asset or its biggest vulnerability. It is a truth universally acknowledged that India’s ambitious growth objectives can be realised only by harnessing the immense potential of its youth. Volunteerism is one way in which India can invest in its youth. It offers young people the promise of solving developmental challenges while also enhancing individual skills, social participation and inclusion.” The goal of the seminar was achieved by the participants agreeing to take up disaster preparedness to face the future flood situation.