Living overseas can mean not having access to employment opportunities. However, volunteering can be hugely beneficial for both you and your community. It can help you find friends, connect with others, learn new skills and help your future career. We head to Brunei to find out how army families are helping out…
Rekhadevi Gurung Rai
Rekhadevi Gurung Rai choose to be a volunteer with the Army Welfare Service (AWS) in Brunei. She explained: “I have a two-and-a-half-year-old who goes to the mother and tots group and I had free time to help.
“It means I’m able to be with her and help at the same time. It’s also a great way to meet other people and it keeps me busy.”
As a volunteer for AWS, you can update your skills and gain qualifications at the same time. Free courses range from safeguarding and food handling to sports leaders awards and playwork qualifications. To volunteer, you don’t need any prior experience or qualifications, just enthusiasm.
The thrift shop, located across from the Naafi in Tuker lines, relies on volunteers for roles including selling, dealing with customers, sorting out and pricing the goods, keeping records and dealing with money.
Annie Cook, who works at the shop, said: “By volunteering, you’re putting a little bit back into the community and have the satisfaction of helping others, working as part of a team. You’re also in a prime location to meet people. You can volunteer for two to three hours a week and no experience is necessary.”
If you’re overseas and have a few hours to spare, why not see what volunteering opportunities are available in your local area?