| Meet our Volunteers |
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Haqmail Israuallah is originally from Afghanistan and came to live in Monaghan in March 2008. He is a doctor by profession and is volunteering with the Red Cross.
“Although this is my first volunteering experience in Ireland, I also did a lot of voluntary work in my own country, before I came to Ireland. While studying medicine in Afghanistan, I also taught chemistry, biology and physics in a secondary school for 2 years. I felt my country needed the help. I also worked with the ICRC Centre (International Committee of the Red Cross) in Afghanistan.
I started volunteering with the Red Cross in Ireland 3 months ago, through the volunteer centre.
It has been wonderful to work there, as I can not practise in Ireland yet, so it helps to keep my medical knowledge fresh. I am also learning about the medical rules in Ireland and it allows me to use my skills to help those in need. It has also been fundamental in helping me integrate into the local community.
I cannot thank the volunteer centre enough for the work they have got for me and how it’s helped me. Without the opportunity to volunteer I would have nothing to keep me occupied during the day, and has gave me the chance to play my part in helping Ireland due to the problems they are facing now’’
Masud Hassan from Pakistan is one and a half years living in Monaghan, and volunteers in the Age Action charity shop in Monaghan and with the Red Cross. Mostly my work involves covering sporting events, and if an incident occurs I can administer First Aid to the injured party. I also do one day a week working in the Age Action charity shop, where I help sort through the donated items. I love to meet new people and share my knowledge of medicine to the benefit of others, and also I’m continuing to learn. I’m also inspired by helping out the community.
One particular incident stands out in my mind, where a young girl injured her wrist while playing Gaelic football. While we administered First Aid she got quite distressed thinking she could never play again. After the swelling and pain started to subside and she realised it wasn’t as serious as she thought, she was so thankful to us. These things give you happiness. I fully recommend to people to volunteer as it helps to satisfy their mind and soul by serving the community’’
“I’ve been doing various volunteer projects since 2002, and have also worked with St. Patrick’s accommodation centre closely. I have a strong interest in other cultures and love to meet people from various backgrounds. I was also approached to work on Junior Achievement programmes in various schools around Monaghan. This involved introducing primary school kids, among other topics, to the concept of the community. I’ve also ran resource projects in St. Louis and in the ModelSchool.
All these projects have been a great benefit to the local community and I’m proud to have been involved in them. I was unaware of the volunteering opportunities out there until I started this work and its brilliant to be able to give something back through volunteering. It has also helped me immensely, in getting into university and my own self confidence. I have always had a keen interest in meeting new people, learning about new cultures and languages, and this is the way to do it! I also hope that through my work, others will be inspired to volunteer as well”
Marie McKenna, from Castleshane has worked with the Drumkill Daycare Centre since October 2008 “ I got into volunteering in Drumkill as I had planned to do a Healthcare support course and this was a route to getting some hands – on experience in that sector before I went on to study it. The Centre is for people with Alzheimer’s who go there for a restbite and my main duties was basic care, organising activities for the residents, helping out in the kitchen, all that kind of thing. I then started my course in January 09 and have found that my voluntary work has been a real help, rather than sitting listening to what its like to care for others, I have now got the experience behind me and it helps with my coursework immensely. It has also made me more aware of the Alzheimer’s condition, and how it affects not only the sufferer but their family as well, and I know how important Centre’s like Drumkill are to the community.
Id recommend to anyone thinking of starting out on a new career but are a wee bit unsure to try to get volunteering in that sector first. It helps you determine if you’re really interested in it and will also be a great help when you start to study. I have also met lots of new people through my work and will help when it comes to looking for a paid position”
Aisling Kelly, 24 from Castleblaney has volunteered at the Youthwork Ireland Youth Club in Carrickmacross, and with Monaghan and Portadown Partnership (MAPP)“I was inspired to do some volunteering as I completed an Hdip in Community and Youthwork and wanted to put it to some use. I had previously volunteered in Dublin inner city centre and loved it! The community spirit was incredible and I really enjoyed working with the kids. When I then moved back to Castleblaney and contacted the Volunteer Centre, I was put in touch with Carrickmacross youth club. Shortly after this I then heard of a volunteering opportunity with Monaghan And Portadown Partnership. This was great as I was given the opportunity to work with a group of youths who were travelling to Vienna, Austria to complete work experience. My role was to assist the co- ordinator, Hannah and to help the young people in their work placement, organising social events and providing day to day support.
We stayed in Vienna for 6 weeks and had an absolute ball. At times it was tough, supervising 19 aged 18-25yr olds is never going to be easy but they were a great bunch and I have made friends for life! I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I’ve had.
By doing this, not only have I benefited from the experience of living in another country but I feel I’ve really given something back to the community. It was so worthwhile to see how the group developed over the 6 weeks and I felt a great sense of pride that I was a part of that. I’d really urge people to give some of their free time, without volunteers organisations just wouldn’t happen”
 Aisling Casey, from Smithboro, is volunteering in Ballybay Wetlands Centre and the Citizens Information Centre.“I’ve been volunteering in the Ballybay Wetlands Centre nearly a year now and really love it. Like many people in Ireland these days I was made redundant and had the time to kill. I found out about volunteering at the Wetlands Cemtre after contacting the Volunteer Centre. This volunteering opportunity suited me as I have done a degree in Environmental Protection and I also have an interest in horticulture.
My day there consists of maintenance of the general area; guiding school tours around the wetlands helping them identify plants and also some secretarial work in the office. I get to use a range of my skills here and I never get bored as there’s such a variety to get on with. Volunteering in the Citizens Information Centre I give out advice to the general public on things like their entitlements regarding social welfare, and their rights and responsibilities. There is plenty of benefits from volunteering. In particular the environment is benefiting due to the nature of my role at the Wetlands Centre. Volunteering has also helped to refresh all the knowledge I learnt in college. In addition to this I have gained work experience and through the Volunteer Centre I participated in a First Aid Course free of charge. It’s really worthwhile and has helped me meet new people and learn new skills”  Ciara Conlon, 22, Clones is volunteering with Monaghan Volunteer Centre and with Age Action charity shop in Monaghan.“I got involved with volunteering as I felt it was necessary to help people in need. My aim is to follow a career in non-profit organisations and charity work. It started when I had some time on my hands and wanted to be more pro-active in my community. Its quite rewarding to do work that is beneficial to others and not just for me. I love helping out in the local charity shop, sorting through and steaming clothes donated by others, and working on the shop floor making it attractive to customers. It’s heartening to see the generosity of the local people and the quality and quantity of items donated is incredible!
I also work closely with the Volunteer Centre and am helping out with the organisation of Monaghan’s Give It A Swirl Day (GIASD). I’m actively seeking organisations and volunteers to get involved with national volunteer day and set up projects beneficial to their local communities and the people within them.
I’d definitely recommend anyone with spare time on their hands to get involved with volunteering; it’s most rewarding and is a great confidence boost. It has helped expand the way I think, act and feel in society and given me fulfilment knowing I am helping others’’
Maggie Smith, from Monaghan town, volunteers with the Citizen’s Information Centre in Monaghan. “ I started volunteering after finishing my law studies. Due to the recession, I was unable to obtain an internship and decided to contact the Volunteer Centre to see what volunteering opportunities were available. Although I work 2 jobs, I felt that volunteering in the Citizens Information Centre would benefit me. My role at the Citizens Information Centre involves dealing with social issues, giving out information to the unemployed about social welfare benefits, and the odd domestic violence case. Volunteering in the Citizens Information Centre has helped me to identify social problems we face in our community that I didn’t know existed. It has also inspired me to work on the humanitarian side of law when I start working as a solicitor.
I really enjoy volunteering in the Citizens Information Centre just as much, if not more, as my paid jobs. It really makes me feel good about myself and also has helped me meet similar minded people . I feel I’m getting involved with my community more. I really hope people who are in the position to do so get out and volunteer, particularly if affected by the current economic crisis like I was. I think sitting at home can make you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, and while others are benefiting from my work, I also benefit as my communication and social skills have defiinitely improved. It has opened up new avenues for me and I definitetly recommend it!’’
 Damien Murphy, from Dunraymond, is currently volunteering with the Positive Age 'Good Morning programme, and in the past he has also participated in fundraising street collections for the IrishHeart Foundation, Self Help Africa and the Irish Wheelchair Association“I got inspired to volunteer about a year ago when I suddenly became unemployed and had spare time on my hands. I thought it would stand to me when I was looking for another job and also that it would help me appreciate all I have. I’ve been volunteering for a year now and have done many ‘flag’ days, selling badges and fundraising for all sorts of charities, such as the Irish Heart Foundation and the Irish Wheelchair Association. In February 2009 I started volunteering with the Positive Age 'Good Morning' Project. This is basically a free telephone service for all older people in the Monaghan area. Volunteers ring them for a wee chat and if they have any queries regarding benefits they are entitled to we can give them the information. Mostly though they just want to chat, my phone call may be the only one they get all day and it has really made me realise what such a simple thing like a 5-10 minute chat means to someone. It gives you such a different perspective on life.
To anyone out there who has been made redundant recently I really recommend you to get involved in volunteering. It gets me out and about instead of being in the house and gives me a purpose to the day and a real sense of self-fulfilment. It’s also a social outlet for me. I reckon that this country is in a bad enough situation, but without volunteers it would be a whole lot worse”
 Raymonde Tsenuokpo from Togo, in West Africa, has been living in Monaghan for 6 years. She has volunteered with the ISPCC and the Positive Age 'Good Morning' Project. “ I first got involved with volunteering in 2003 when I was going through the asylum seeking process . At this time I could not work or study and I needed something to do with my time. Volunteering gave me a way to meet new people and really helped to interact and integrate into the community of Monaghan and learn about Ireland.
I volunteered with the ISPCC for 3 years, and spent time with a lot of vulnerable children, mentoring them in an activity of their choice such as horse riding or Irish dancing. It was such a rewarding experience seeing them doing something they enjoy and watching them learn and grow in confidence. Through the ISPCC I was given the opportunity to do the ASSIST programme, which provided me with the skills of dealing with people with suicidal thoughts. This was of great benefit for me, and I can now add this onto my CV.
Volunteering is something everyone should do. It teaches you that life is not all about the money you can earn, you put all your heart into it and every good thing you do, you will never lose. Those who have no occupation just now should get involved in one of the many programmes. It helps you feel good about yourself and take pressure out of your mind. It gives you something to look forward to and lots of people out there need your help. You will get your reward one day!’’
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