The Inspiration

For a few years now, I have always wanted to join a volunteering project. After seeing my cousin, Dina, volunteer with the Malaysian Medical Association in Kuching, and knowing that she had a invaluable experience and also tons of fun, I wanted to be part of that as well.

Sadly, due to schoolwork and just unfortunate timing, I was unable to proceed with this plan.

Until last Christmas break when I was discussing my 2015 post Sixth-form, pre-university summer plans with my dad. He made it clear that I were to do something meaningful this summer like get a job or do something productive as he was quite annoyed and frustrated at me last summer where I spent 3 months at home, just lounging about. It wasn't only him that got annoyed, I was too.
The consequences of my actions last summer, ended up with me gaining 10kg and having nothing much to talk about when I went back to college the following Autumn.

So this year, I want to make a change. The initial plan was to stay here in the UK and find work. However, with my visa expiring and the cost of living is just too high, I decided to do some overseas volunteering. After weeks of researching and contemplating, I finally decided that it was most meaningful that I do something back home.

The volunteering options in Sabah were open wide. Ranging from conservation to education, I was spoilt for choice. In the end, I opted with the programme that allowed me to experience my home state in the best way possible.

After heavy discussion through Whatsapp with the parents, I finally got the green light.

However, I wouldn't want to burden my parents by asking them to fund my whole "excursion", instead, I started with my own fundraising page.
It's not much, but I hope people would support it as fully as my parents are.

This volunteering experience will not only cover the 6 weeks I'm about to spend in my "backyard" but also the process that led up to it and also the aftermath. Looking forward to the journey ahead and I do hope you'll join me.

Till then,
Liza x