“Swimming is a life-changing gift that gives power that lasts a lifetime”.
The Transformative Power of Volunteering with Swim in 1 Day (SID)
The Mutual Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering has always been seen as a way to give back to the community, help those in need, and make the world a better place. But what many people may not realize is that the act of volunteering could profoundly impact the volunteer’s life as well. This has certainly been my experience as I dedicated my time volunteering with the Swim in 1 Day (SID) Africa.
A Desire to Help Others
When I first started volunteering with the SID project, I was driven by a desire to help others. I wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of others by elevating and empowering them through Swimming. I was reminded once again that swimming is not just liberating, but a powerful booster of confidence, and joy. However, what I didn’t anticipate was how this journey would lead me to discover my deeper sense of purpose.
Witnessing the Strength of the Human Spirit
Having learnt to Swim in 1 Day myself, and working as an understudy SID Volunteer with people living with disabilities (PWDs), my eyes have been opened to the incredible strength of the human spirit. The experience of witnessing a visually impaired or blind woman, who had water phobia, learn to also Swim in 1 Day and master the skill in 3 classes is still an unbelievable reality for me. Not to mention watching in awe, as one of the SID students, a one-legged amputee teenage boy “Femi” defied all odds contrary to expectations and swam at sea for 3 hours nonstop with our Founder. Something that I still am unable to do. Femi only got 2 months of training before he was able to do this. I honestly look at him as a Super Teen now and do not even think of him anymore as someone with a disability because he obviously achieved much more than I could in a very short time.
The Power of Hope and Love
These experiences have exposed me to what happens when the sunshine of hope is brought to people without hope. And how it illuminates their path and empowers them. I am a firsthand witness to the power of determination, perseverance, courage, and strength of will and the transformation that occurs with the joy of our students knowing that someone really cares. The amount of love I have received, impacted me enormously, and it is incredible because I thought I was going to be the sole giver of love.
Finding My Life’s Purpose
Through the triumphs of our many SID students, right under my very watchful eyes, I found my purpose in life that includes helping others unlock their potentials, no matter the obstacles they face.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment
In the end, my journey as a Volunteer with the Swim in 1 Day (SID) Africa has been as transformative for me, as it has been for the students I’ve had the privilege of working with. While I set out to make a difference in their lives, they’ve undoubtedly changed mine for the best.
I have gained a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of patience and humility, and a deeper sense of meaningful connections. All these, and many more virtues I have attained, and will cherish for a lifetime. I feel that this is just the beginning of greater things to come and one of the best decisions of my life.
The Two-Way Street of Giving
Volunteering with Swim in 1 Day SID Africa, has taught me that the act of giving is a two-way street—what you give in time, effort, with love, you often receive tenfold in personal growth, fulfillment, and joy.