From Curiosity to Community

How Volunteering Changed My Life

My volunteering journey started when I was just 17. I was walking with a friend and asked her, “Where are you going?”

She replied, “To our class.”

Curious, I asked, “What class?”

She said it was a youth entrepreneurship class as part of a program called Aflateen.

She explained it was a one-year program for youth aged 15 to 17 that focused on social projects and entrepreneurship. I immediately asked if I could join, and she said, “Of course!” That moment was the beginning of a life-changing journey.

When I joined, I found myself surrounded by many inspiring young people who were eager to make a difference in their communities. The atmosphere was full of energy, with icebreakers and team-building activities that made me feel included and excited. One of the facilitators, named Bisher, stood out to me. His way of communicating with youth was so smart, engaging, and motivating. I remember telling him, “My eyes are on you,” and from that point on, I knew I wanted to walk a similar path.

This was my first time truly realizing the power of youth working together to improve their communities. I felt like I had found my place—and my purpose.

I soon became a dedicated member of Aflateen. Eventually, I was promoted to the Fadateen team, a group selected from among the most committed and talented youth in the program across Syria. I stayed with them for two years, learning valuable skills such as public speaking, communication, financial literacy, leadership, and teamwork.

Each workshop and activity helped me grow more confident—not just in my voice, but in my ability to make a difference. I began to see myself not just as a participant, but as a future leader.

Inspired by what I had learned, I started my own volunteering team called Kaizen, which means continuous improvement. We were a group of 10 to 15 university students, and together we created interactive workshops for kids. We taught them subjects like math, chemistry, cooking, and even how to care for animals and plants. I also taught the team soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through fun, hands-on activities.

Leading Kaizen was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It showed me that leadership isn't about giving orders—it’s about listening, guiding, and growing together.

Later, I moved to Turkey and continued my journey. I volunteered with MASEER Community, leading fundraising projects to support people in need and organizing professional networking events for youth. I also joined the International Syrian Association for Education Development as a consultant, helping newcomers understand the cost of living and how to settle in Turkey.

This chapter taught me adaptability. Volunteering in a new country came with new challenges, but it also opened my eyes to the global community of people willing to give and support one another.

When I moved to Canada, I didn’t stop. I became a volunteer at the Arab Community Centre of Toronto, taking on several roles including workshop facilitator, program coordinator, and customer service representative. Each role helped me grow and gave me the opportunity to support others in meaningful ways.

Canada gave me the opportunity to combine all my past experiences into impactful service. I saw how my voice and story could inspire other newcomers and help build a stronger, more connected community.

Looking back, volunteering has truly shaped who I am. It improved my communication and presentation skills, strengthened my self-confidence, and gave me a strong sense of purpose. Helping others brings me deep happiness and motivates me to stay active, keep learning, and continue giving back to my community.

This journey has been more than just a series of roles—it’s been a way of life. And I’m proud of every step.

If you’ve ever thought of volunteering but weren’t sure where to start—just say yes. That small step might change your life too.