A Journey of Understanding
Dear Sir,
I recently visited Indonesia as a volunteer with Reach Out to Asia (Rota). The trip changed my life. I would like to thank Rota for providing such a wonderful opportunity to me. I was the member of a 140-strong team which took part in volunteer activity in Indonesia in April this year after an earthquake there.
I was overjoyed when the vice principal of my school, Pakistan Education Centre (PEC), first told me that I had been selected as one of the Rota volunteers.
After finishing my exams of class VIII now, I would now like to share my unique experience with Gulf Times readers.
The trip made me more responsible and understanding. Before going to Indonesia, I never used to think much about the luxuries I had in my life. But when I saw how people lived in Yogyakarta in Indonesia after the earthquake, I felt rueful. I thought that I should be extremely thankful to Allah Almighty who has bestowed upon me such wonderful blessings.
I never knew what the word humility meant. Thanks to Rota, I learnt what humbleness is all about.
When I was told about this trip, I thought I was going to change the children's lives in the place I would visit, but I did not know that those children would change my life.
In Yogyakarta, I saw a different side to the world. The people there don't have the kind of luxuries we have here in Qatar. But they are very jolly and down-to-earth.
We went to a school which was being rebuilt. We helped in the construction of that school which was destroyed in the earthquake. We interacted with the local students. Over there I saw such talented children and it amazed me. I thought that if these young children, after going through a nightmarish experience, can do all these wonderful activities, why can't I? This journey gave me the determination to work hard and to realise the capabilities in me and to recognize my talent.
Having returned from this meaningful journey, I became responsible, sensitive and determined. My parents always believed that I was a careless person but now I am confident that I have made them change opinion about me.
At the ceremony of 'meet the volunteers' held in Qatar Foundation on May 30, all the volunteers and dignitaries of Rota got together. Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of all volunteers. She said that there were numerous opportunities in Doha for volunteer activities which needed to be explored. At the end of the ceremony questions and answers were welcomed from the guests. Many volunteers and their parents gave comments and suggestions for future activities.
Here, I suggest Rota to make a few groups of volunteers and assign them the following activities:
- Increasing the awareness of safe driving in Doha
- Visiting rehabilitation hospitals for elders in Doha
- Launching a movement against smoking
- Issuing periodical newsletters authored by volunteers
- Initiating a drive to grow more plants in the city
- Invite all Gulf Times readers to join us and be part of new volunteer activities organized by Rota in future.
Mishkaat Abid
Pakistan Education Centre
Published: Tuesday, 19 June, 2007, 02:10 AM Doha Time
Letters to the Editor - Gulf Times