Volunteers are like a golden gift to our center because they give without measure, without any expectation of a return, and with a heart full of love. For some years, the MSP has encouraged the program of volunteering because it is part of our mission to increase awareness of mental health within the community. For the majority of the population, whenever one comes across a mentally challenged patient, the first reactions are that of resentment and avoidance. A mentally challenged individual is mostly characterized as “aggressive”, “dirty”, “untouchable”, and many other definitions you don’t want to hear now. So many ways have been tried to change this mentality. People may listen to lectures, read books and literatures, but there is no one best way of learning that can be compared with direct contact with the real world.
MSP welcomes volunteers of various ages, gender, responsibilities, and from across the world. Some of the activities that volunteers participate in are: ergo-therapy, sitting and talking with patients, playing games such as soccer, table games, and participating in various occupational therapy (OT) activities offered at the center. The majority of volunteers have been adults, some coming from religious institutes, others from the neighboring parish community such as prayer groups and scout troops. Our goal is to extend the program to target the younger population such as elementary and high school age population with the plan to instill mental health awareness at a younger age. In addition, we are planning to establish a permanent program for volunteers who wish to commit themselves for a longer period. YOU CAN BE ONE OF THEM. WE WILL BE GLAD TO HAVE YOU.
By Jean-Clement, fc
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