From Our Volunteers - 2021

“I have been volunteering at the Addu City Office of MRC since 2017. Volunteering has given me the chance improve my skills by working in different fields with different types of people. Over the past year, the most memorable activity I experienced as a volunteer was the COVID-19 vaccination Programme, where I got to work with those at the front line and help many groups of people. I look forward to continuing to be a volunteer and work my way up, remaining as someone who helps the community.” - Maziya Waheed, Volunteer | Hithadhoo Unit

“I first got to know about volunteering opportunities at MRC through a social media post, and then became a volunteer after completing an ERT training in 2018. The positive image of MRC volunteers in the hearts of elderlies is also another factor that inspired me to begin volunteering. Throughout my time as a volunteer, events that involve assisting the elderly are the most memorable activities for me. The reason why I want to continue to be a volunteer is very clear to me: to help those in need. As a volunteer, I hope that our community becomes healthier and more connected.” – Aishath Yoosuf, Volunteer | Kulhudhuffushi City Unit

“Having been encouraged by some colleagues I worked with during tsunami relief efforts, I began volunteering for MRC in 2014. I think it’s important to give back to the community during times of need. I want to use my skills and abilities and work with other volunteers in a very supportive and fun environment, because I enjoy the bonds formed with volunteers working together in such extreme situations. The feeling of being a part of this community of volunteers who share similar values and desires is hard to quantify.

Some memorable events I’ve encountered as an MRC volunteer have been during the fire that occurred in Henveiru in 2019, where we had to calm some families who were searching for their loved ones, and in 2020, where I assisted in giving psychological First Aid to people during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times like these, I wish to see steps taken to remove all barriers that prevent families from receiving help during times of distress.”– Fiunaz Waheed , Volunteer | Male' Unit

“After completing ERT training in 2018, I became interested in joining MRC as a volunteer. Initially, I found volunteerism difficult because I didn’t have many people to lean on. However, as I continued volunteering, I found friends in other volunteers, and this served as another reason why I wished to continue the journey. Through the many memorable experiences that I’ve gained as a volunteer for the MRC, from the initial ERT training that started everything to mangrove clean-ups in 2021, I aspire to utilize every possible experience I receive for the betterment of the community, especially vulnerable groups like migrants and youth at risk.” - Ahmed Athif Ali , Volunteer | Kulhudhuffushi City Unit

“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during a very crucial time, I began volunteering for MRC, mostly at the vaccination centres in the connected islands of Addu City. Although working in the pandemic situation was challenging and frustrating, the joy of working as a volunteer changed it all for me. As I assisted people during the time I spent volunteering at vaccination centres, I experienced joy in helping others. Moreover, assisting the elderly citizens in getting vaccines gave me immense happiness. Though I found it a bit challenging to deal with people during the initial days, I found that it became easier with every passing day. Currently, I’m serving as a general member at the Hithadhoo Unit and dream to serve MRC by being in further positions.” - Maziya Waheed, Volunteer | Hithadhoo Unit

“I became an MRC volunteer in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and am now the Youth Member of the unit, also trained in Psychological First Aid. The main reason why I became a volunteer was because I wanted to help people. I also wanted to share that experience with a group of like-minded peers and enjoy spending time with my fellow volunteers. In the future, I hope that we can build a more resilient community that can bounce back from emergencies and other situations.”- Mariyam Amaal Abdullah , Volunteer | Hinnavaru Unit

“I started volunteering during the early days of the COVID-19 response. After witnessing the work done by MRC during the pandemic, I felt inspired to join the movement and became trained in first aid shortly after. What makes me want to continue doing voluntary work is the feeling I get when I can help the community and I enjoy all the voluntary services that I participate in. One of the most memorable activities that I took part was the Elderly Evening that was organized by the MRC in partnership with Kulhudhuffushi Women's Development Committee in 2021. In the future, I hope to go as far as possible in this line of work and to remain as an MRC volunteer.” - Aminath Maisha, Volunteer | Kulhudhuffushi City Unit

“I began my journey as an MRC volunteer in Addu City in November 2018, after hearing about the movement from a friend. I’ve learnt that what makes me want to continue volunteering is knowing that I am helping people in need. As someone who has always loved contributing to a good cause, I aim to keep volunteering as much as possible. Being a volunteer has also given me the opportunity to learn new things and overcome new challenges. I’ve attended many training sessions, such as First Aid and Emergency Response trainings, where I learnt skills which are vital in emergencies and its one of my favourite parts of being a volunteer with the MRC. I hope to continue using the important lessons I’ve learnt during my time as a volunteer to build a community where more people become interested in volunteerism and is wholeheartedly appreciated by everyone in the community.” - Hawwa Shaushan, Volunteer | Hulhumeedhoo Unit

“While I was working for Australian and Canadian Red Cross Movements in 2007 as the Community Education Officer to help the tsunami affected island communities in the Maldives, I became involved in the formation of the MRC. During this time, while traveling to help different island communities and witnessing the desperate situation of the citizens, I felt that helping them in any way I could was necessary as a human being. Now, as an MRC volunteer and a Male Unit Board member, I continue to volunteer because I'm inspired by the need to help those in need. Although every year that I've volunteered for MRC has been enjoyable in many ways, providing psychological first aid to those in need, and helping conduct activities held for the elderly have been particularly memorable. As a volunteer, I hope to be a key person involved in as many activities of MRC to make the movement highly recognised in different communities.”- Mariyam Saeeda Ibrahim , Volunteer | Male' Unit