From volunteering to a Masters in Development Practice: Sinéad Murray shares her experience
UCDVO Delhi 2013 team members (Sinéad third from left)
Degree: BSc General Nursing
UCDVO Project: Delhi, India (2013)
Currently: Undertaking a Masters in Development Practice in UCD/TCD
I was eleven years of age when I watched my first documentary. It was filmed in homes for the mentally and physically disabled in Bulgaria. The children and adults, particularly the children, were subject to horrific conditions and abuse by staff members. None of these children had anyone to care for them and were completely abandoned, by their families and the state. The documentary was filmed shortly after Bulgaria became a member of the European Union and I was deeply disturbed by the awful scenes. From then on I had developed an interest in the different countries of the world, people's cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.
I went to UCD to study Nursing and loved it. In my first year I decided to check out the societies and what they could offer. It was not hard to find UCDVO, they have such a large (yellow) presence on the campus and I was immediately intrigued by stories of the past volunteers and by the genuine friendliness and enthusiasm of its members. I decided to apply to volunteer in my first year at UCD but I wasn't successful. Looking back, it was the best decision, I wasn't ready.
In my third year I decided it was something I had to do. I felt as though I needed to explore the wider world and I felt passionate about helping people. I didn't know much about sustainable development but I had a genuine passion and a willingness to learn, so I applied again and I was offered a place on the UCDVO Delhi team. We began our pre-departure training and I got to know the other team members, who later became some of my closest friends.
It was an early morning in June 2013, when twenty five eager and nervous volunteers chaperoned by two Group Leaders embarked on the journey to India. I will never forget stepping out of Delhi airport into the overwhelming humidity and I though “wow”. Immediately I was taken aback, there was a mixture of excitement and disbelief and I couldn't wait to get to work. I was placed along with two other volunteers and an Indian translator in “Aasra”, a short term home for boys which was run by the organisation “Salaam Baalak Trust” meaning “Salute the Child”.
This home catered for up to sixty boys (3-16) from a range of backgrounds, some had run away from poverty or abuse, some got separated from their families and lost in crowds at festivals and some were simply abandoned. They become “street children”, living off what they could find and are subject to unimaginable abuse living on the streets. Salaam Baalak rescues these children, places them in homes and tries if appropriate to reunite them with their families.
Our job as volunteers was to engage with the children, to provide them with a routine through non-curricular activities (there are no formal education services provided in this particular home). We aimed to teach them basic English, Geography, Arts and Crafts and Maths. This was made easier by the help of the fantastic translator. Using the money we raised we were able to bring the children to a water park for the day, which was an experience to say the least as some of these children had not left the home in months! We also painted a mural on the walls as they were in need of refurbishment.
Every day I walked into that home excited and left feeling inspired. I began thinking of my future career in Nursing and pondered if it truly was for me. I wanted to feel this excitement and to witness this undeniably sustainable work everyday. When I returned from Delhi and entered into my final year of college, I couldn't forget my experience. I made the decision to look into further studies on development, and once again UCDVO helped me with this. I found an MSc in Development Practice, a combined degree between UCD/TCD, I researched it throughout my final year and attended many events held by UCDVO on sustainable development.
I graduated and decided then to apply for the masters. I got accepted and I'm currently closing the chapter on my first semester. It was the best decision I have ever made and if not for my time with UCDVO I genuinely do not think I would have had an experience so amazing that it would change my whole perspective on life, as cliché as it may seem.
I made life long friends abroad and in Ireland, I gained a fantastic support system in UCDVO and I learned that no matter what you think is best for you, life always has another plan. In my opinion volunteering does not have to change your career path, or even your life, it's about giving, sharing your knowledge and opening your mind to the greater world to make something sustainable no matter how big or small an impact you have.
