As a young person living in Colombo, volunteerism has shaped the way I see both my city and myself. I was first introduced to wetlands through a programme by Love a Tree Foundation, but what started as a simple learning experience grew into something much bigger.
For youth today, volunteerism is more than just an extracurricular activity. It gives us a sense of direction during a time in life when everything can feel uncertain. We are constantly thinking about exams, careers, and expectations. Volunteering reminds us that we are not just preparing for the future — we are already capable of making a difference now.
It teaches us responsibility in a real way. When people rely on you to show up, contribute, and take initiative, you begin to understand accountability. You develop discipline, confidence, and leadership skills without even realizing it.
Volunteerism also builds awareness. In Colombo, we are surrounded by environmental and social challenges. When youth step into volunteer spaces, whether environmental, social, or community-based, we begin to understand the deeper issues affecting our country. That awareness turns into empathy, and empathy turns into action.
Most importantly, volunteering gives young people a voice. It shows us that we are not too young to contribute. Our energy, creativity, and ideas matter. Instead of waiting for change, we become part of creating it.
For me, connecting with wetlands through volunteering opened my eyes. But beyond that, it showed me how powerful youth involvement can be. When young people volunteer, we don’t just help causes — we grow into responsible, compassionate citizens who care about the future of our communities.
