Meet Sandra Mpofu, the Volunteering Development Officer with Dublin’s Volunteer Centres. Sandra promotes and facilitates volunteering by displaced persons, asylum seekers, international protection applicants, and beneficiaries of temporary protection.

“My work involves creating meaningful volunteering between organisations that involve volunteers and volunteers who are displaced persons. My work also involves helping organisations to engage displaced people, and support cultural integration.

“Travel and travel expenses can be barriers that prevent some displaced people in Ireland from volunteering. While for organisations, vetting, references, and language barriers can limit the volunteers who they engage.

“Volunteering helps with integration by involving you in the Irish culture and community, and increasing your network. And you develop various skills and experiences to help you understand the Irish work culture.

“Volunteering is a global call. In 2015, the world came together to discuss 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. As part of this, volunteering was recognised as a powerful and crosscutting means of implementation towards development. Cheers to all the volunteers contributing to this global goal!”

This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the power of volunteering to enrich our communities, bridge social divides, and create opportunities for meaningful connection.

Thank you to Sandra for sharing her story. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to share yours!

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