Volunteerism is an integral part of any society, it is cost effective and efficient to say the least. Volunteers are swift to react when there is an issue in the society, addressing poverty issues, feeding the homeless, providing free healthcare and so on.
Recognising the importance of volunteerism, the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 listed volunteerism as integral to develop a more civic behaviour. Volunteerism is sanctified in shift 3 of the blueprint.
Shift 3 emphasises on the development of values-driven Malaysians through plans of expanding the Student Integration Plan for Unity (RIMUP) program. A touchstone or criterion of this shift focuses on serious development of students in terms of values, attitude, and morale as established by the Malaysian government.
The enhancement in the spirit of volunteerism among students through RIMUP program, is indeed a proactive measure for the future generation. In Malaysia, activities involving volunteers are usually supported through the non-governmental agencies initiated by individuals or groups.
These non-governmental agencies are usually initiated by professionals assisting people in needs, with either food, shelter, money etc. These support groups collect funds through donations, personal contribution of volunteers themselves, and charity sales in order to support these groups of people.
Efforts such as emotional, physical, and spiritual support are also important as motivational factor. Often times, people facing calamities need a friend to share their story and assist them to rebuild their lives. Imagine a person who has lost all belongings in a flood, these people have a very hard time coping with the reality that they are facing.
Imagine still having to pay the bank for a car that you don’t have, having to live in a shelter until a proper home can be built. These are very trying times and people in such situations require more than just financial support to rebuild their lives.
However, the involvement among Malaysians is lesser than we expected. The same agencies, organisations and people are often looking forward to give assistance in times of need. There is no doubt, that Malaysians still lack the spirit to volunteer. The sacrifice and effort are just too much to bear for many. For those who do volunteer, it is a lesson in life that they never forget.
Volunteers are important to the development of an integrated and closely knit society. Even small efforts from volunteers can make a great impact on the social landscape of any country. A small effort such as keeping a neighbourhood clean can help reduce crime. We as citizens have a collective responsibility towards our neighbourhood, community, country and planet. If we do not take care of our own, we can’t expect others to do it for us.
By,
Dr. Muhd. Khaizer Bin Omar
Department of Science and Technical Education
and
Rehan Ahmad Bin Jamaluddin Ahmad
President, Intellectual Wisdom Society
