Contribution Name: Chesker / SMU / Social Gifting
Pseudonym: Social Gifting
Year of Author :2000
Participating in Social Gifting, a social entrepreneurship initiative, has been an eye-opening experience. My role in volunteer management provided me with different perspectives on the complexities of coordinating efforts behind the scenes, especially in an organisation dedicated to supporting people with needs and the elderly. These individuals are often overlooked, and it was inspiring to witness how Social Gifting offers them opportunities to earn extra income or engage their time in meaningful ways.
Throughout my involvement, I gained valuable insights into the backend operations of a social enterprise. From organising volunteer schedules to ensuring that the needs of both the volunteers and beneficiaries were met, I learned how important effective management is to the success of these initiatives. In my opinion, it is easy to overlook the amount of coordination required to match volunteers with opportunities that align with their skills and interests, but my time in this role has deepened my appreciation for the effort and care that goes into making these things possible.
One of the biggest challenges I encountered was the language barrier, which significantly limited my ability to engage in more direct volunteer work. Since many of the beneficiaries and volunteers primarily spoke Chinese, I found myself at a disadvantage as I am not fluent in the language. This was a humbling experience, as it made me realise the importance of language in building connections and effectively communicating. It also highlighted a broader issue in volunteer management—ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for volunteers from diverse backgrounds. While I did my best to contribute in other ways, such as assisting with logistics and supporting my team, I often felt that I could have done more if the language barrier had not been an obstacle.
Looking back, I wish I had been able to engage more directly with the beneficiaries. Despite this, I am very grateful for the learning opportunities this experience provided. It has strengthened my resolve to improve my language skills and time management to be better prepared for similar opportunities in the future. Moreover, it has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges that social enterprises face in creating inclusive environments for both volunteers and beneficiaries.
Moving forward, I hope to continue supporting initiatives like Social Gifting, and I am determined to find ways to bridge the gaps that hinder meaningful contributions. This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to community service and my belief in the power of social entrepreneurship to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.