For an NGO in South Africa, volunteers are invaluable.
Volunteers are ‘support people’ who offer their time and skills freely thereby contributing to the vision and mission of an organization. Their role is crucial as they provide essential services, actively participate in raising funds, assisting with marketing and building a community around the staff who manage the day-to-day functions. Many volunteers offer expertise in a certain area or field, such as education, training, project management or food security and this enhances the work and brings a different dynamic whilst equipping other volunteers and staff members.
At Usapho Indlu we are very privileged to have a strong and committed group of volunteers who serve in so many different processes, projects and programs. We are excited to highlight their impact and the joy they have in serving their community through Usapho Indlu
Gavin and Leon drive our truck on a Tuesday morning and collect donations which they deliver to our office in town, Dellville Park Food Garden and our Thembalethu site. They interact with our donors and are crucial in marketing our needs and developments to all who donate goods. Gavin is always expressing “that this is the highlight of his week” and brings such value to our organization. He is also part of our Prayer Intercessors team.
Janet Loopstra, from ‘Food on the Move’, is a weekly donor and collects reusable garden waste for our compost production. She collects from neighbours and friends and has a truckload ready for pick-up on a Tuesday. She also collects good kitchen waste, including peels and pips, in buckets which is essential for our Food Security Program.
Linda Soekoe expressed interest in volunteering when she visited us two years ago.
She instantly developed a heart for our ladies and wanted to have a regular group that she could meet with on a weekly basis, taking them to places of interest and doing fitness and exercise in places they don’t have the opportunity of experiencing. This is how forest walks and beach walks became part of our upliftment program. The impact is enormous. Our ladies are now working on their health and well-being and, having learnt to communicate and express themselves, they now feel they are being “heard”. Six ladies rotate every term, and each group has a six-week program.
What is so valuable to Usapho Indlu is that each one of these volunteers serve on a weekly basis, never missing a beat, and are deeply committed to being part of our programs. They know if they don’t show up there will be a gap in our program for that week, and the staff will need to carry that load. The support of our volunteers enables us to keep our staff and admin costs down whilst also allowing us to invest in our programs.
If you would like to find out more about becoming an Usapho Indlu volunteers, please do not hesitate to get in touch by completing our volunteer form. Alternatively contact us on info@usaphoindlu.org.za or 0722415442.
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