The Power of Volunteering

Every summer, thousands of Vietnamese students put on green shirts and travel to remote villages. They repair roads, teach children, and help farmers with the harvest. This movement, known as the "Green Summer" campaign, has been running for more than twenty-five years and shows how popular volunteering has become among young people.

Why do people volunteer when they receive no money for their work? The most common answer is simple: it feels good to help others. But research shows that volunteers gain much more than a warm feeling. They develop practical skills such as teamwork, planning and communication — exactly the skills that employers look for. Many young people also make lifelong friends during volunteer trips.

Volunteering can even improve your health. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly feel less stressed and more satisfied with their lives. For older people, volunteering provides a sense of purpose after retirement and keeps them socially active.

You do not need to join a big campaign to make a difference. Helping an elderly neighbour, teaching English to children in your area, or cleaning up a local park are all valuable forms of volunteering. As the saying goes, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."