Saavutettavaa vapaaehtoistoimintaa Raumalla – Caring Hearts in Action

Ulkoiluryhmän tukena toimi kolme taustatukivapaaehtoista, jotka jakoivat omaa osaamistaan ja olivat sujuvan toiminnan tukena.

Ulkoiluryhmä lisäsi osallisuutta ja mahdollisti sen, että jokainen pystyi käyttämään omaa osaamistaan yhteiseksi hyväksi. Täydellistä yhteistä kieltä ei tarvittu vaan riitti, että halusi auttaa ja olla läsnä.

Lue lisää Ieeshan ja Ishanin kokemuksista kesän aikana:

IEESHA, VAPAAEHTOINEN:

“Caring Hearts in Action – Rauma Summer Volunteering…
This summer I joined Avustajakeskus for free voluntary work in Rauma. We visited nursing homes, took elderly people for walks, and shared warm conversations. As an immigrant, it meant more than helping — it was a chance to learn Finnish, understand the culture, and connect with amazing people. Every smile and story made me feel part of the community. A huge THANK YOU to Avustajakeskus for guiding us so kindly. To my fellow immigrants: volunteering is a beautiful way to practice language and give back. You don’t need perfect Finnish — just a willing heart.”

ISHANI, VAPAAEHTOINEN:

“A Meaningful Outdoor Experience with Elderly People
My volunteering experience with Avustajakeskus has been a very meaningful and special experience for me. I feel proud and grateful to have the opportunity to support elderly people who may not always have the opportunity to leave their rooms or wards independently and enjoy the world outside.

When I started taking elderly people outdoors, I realized how something that may seem very simple to us can be very important to another person. Going outside, feeling the fresh air, seeing the sunshine, and enjoying the beautiful Finnish summer surroundings can bring so much happiness.

One of the most touching parts of my experience has been seeing how happy the elderly people become when they are outdoors. I noticed how they looked at the colorful flowers, trees, and surrounding nature with genuine interest and happiness. Seeing their reactions made me feel proud because I knew that, in a small way, I was helping them experience something beautiful.

This experience has also made me think more deeply about life. Sometimes I feel emotional when I think about the elderly people and wonder if they miss their loved ones, families, and the life they had before. Every person has their own memories, experiences, and stories. It has reminded me that companionship and human connection can be just as important as practical help.

I feel very grateful to be part of this volunteering programme organised through Avustajakeskus. It has given me the opportunity to gain real-life experience with elderly people while learning about Finnish culture in a natural and meaningful way.

As someone who is also learning Finnish, this experience has been especially valuable. I am able to hear and use simple Finnish expressions in real everyday situations. Even small conversations, greetings, and words exchanged during our outdoor activities help me improve my confidence in the Finnish language. For me, this is one of the most important parts of the experience.

I have learned that helping someone does not always require doing something big. Sometimes, simply walking beside a person, listening to them, having a small conversation, or helping them enjoy the outdoors can make a meaningful difference to their day.

I am very thankful to Avustajakeskus and everyone involved in organising these activities. The programme provides elderly people with an opportunity to get outside, enjoy nature, experience different surroundings, and have moments of happiness and connection.

I would especially like to express my sincere thanks to Mirva for giving me this wonderful opportunity to volunteer and be part of this meaningful programme. I am truly grateful for her encouragement, support, and trust. I would also like to thank the entire Avustajakeskus team for welcoming me and giving me the opportunity to gain such valuable experience.

For me, this volunteering experience is much more than simply helping with outdoor activities. It is teaching me about people, kindness, ageing, Finnish culture, and also about myself. I am gaining valuable real-life experience while giving something back to the community. Most importantly, I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life. Seeing the happiness of an elderly person while looking at a colourful flower or enjoying the Finnish summer has reminded me that happiness can sometimes be found in the smallest moments.”