THERE has been a noticeable increase in youths coming forward to serve their communities, all in the spirit of voluntarism in the mining town of Linden.
In 2018, several youth groups were formed and those that were already established increased their visibility with members volunteering in community development projects. This was evident on the recent observance of International Volunteer Day, which saw scores of youths representing several youth groups, participating in a clean-up campaign for a clean–‘green’ Linden.

The move was commended by several regional officials and residents who were impressed by the many youths who continue to get involved in community work in order to keep them meaningfully occupied. This can have a positive ripple effect in the community, resulting in a decrease in crimes and reduction in issues such as teenage pregnancy, alcoholism and smoking.

Founder of non-governmental organisation, For the Children Sake Foundation, Vernon Todd, said International Volunteer Day is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Peace Corps Volunteers, government authorities and the private sector. Being proud of the overwhelming support received by the youths of Linden, Todd said it will not only benefit the community, but also those youths who have offered their time and resources to community development. “The humane impulse to assist and empower others, that motivates volunteers, rebounds back to them in the form of an enriched life. Volunteers offer life skills while expanding their own know-how; they empower communities while earning a sense of personal fulfilment at having made a difference in our world,” he affirmed

As a pioneer of voluntarism in Linden, Todd said it feels great to know that he has impacted the lives of many youths. He continues to play a role in voluntarism. “What I do contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate voluntarism into development programming.”

While community development is good, he also paid tribute to the Peace Corps volunteers and their counterparts, who are helping to address the outbreak of different diseases through prevention, awareness-raising and treatment activities. “Their assistance is particularly important as we battle misconceptions about these diseases and strive to show compassion for all those who are affected and infected as we continue to build a resilient community.”

He is urging more youths to pick up the spirit of voluntarism and commend those who have already given selfless service to others in an effort to change the present conditions for better in the future.

“No matter what your nationality and background is, all you need is your heart. Always remember the four Cs: Care, Compassion, Cohesion and Community. Work together to build a caring, compassionate, cohesive community. That is what volunteer service is all

about,” Todd said.
Some of the youth groups with a growing number of volunteers in Linden are For the Children Sake Foundation, Linden Youth Leaders, Linden Youth Network, Young and Thoughtful Youth Network, Healthy Living Youth Group and Linden’s Humanity Hub.