Swaying trees, strong but gentle winds caressing you, sunlight finding their way through the luscious leaves, throwing some light upon the cemented floor which over the years has been a victim to the unforgiving weather -elucidating an air of tranquility. Would it not be an enchanting experience to be there. Sounds like some beach resort? Beep, you got it wrong this time.

It is SILRA Home
home to a hundred over leprosy-treated patients.

Every Saturday afternoon, come rain or shine, volunteers flock to the home to render their services to the home and the residents therein. You could be wondering how come these volunteers have nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon like catching up on some movie or a nap. The truth lies in one of the nature of volunteerism. Sacrificing one's time for the sake of others, finding satisfaction in devoting their time and re-directing their energy towards a meaningful activity.



Volunteerism is a synergy of mind, energy and time but it is not an endangered task.

You think only the volunteers are the brave ones? Wrong again. Once shunning away from the eyes of the public for fear of being teased about their physical deformities, the residents who are ordinary people like you and me, have never gave up on their outlook of life. They have come out of the dark, though there are some minor reservations. These people are the leading examples of positivism, carrying out each day with a sense of hope and a better tomorrow.



Even when in pain, they appreciated it because they knew that there is dawn beyond that. Even when in loneliness, their inner aspirations and determination did not let them go easily. Even when feeling helpless, they tried and achieved because they wanted to show the world that they are also like us and they can do it too. They struggled and they still do. We, on the other hand, take things for granted.

Carrying a cup maybe a natural act for us but for some of these residents, it takes much effort, time and pain.



But as volunteers, how can we in our own ways help to bring more light into their lives?

Don't forget that smile. It's free and no language is needed to communicate it down.

Talking heart to heart helps to open them up for more conversations to come. Asking them about their past life make them feel comfortable that the past is not as ugly as they think. Organising events for them shows that you bother to reach them further.

Make them feel recognised, make them feel like ordinary people. There is only one lifetime. Give them what you can.

Give them your heart. Give them your hand.

It doesn't take much. Just some basic ingredients of a slice of time, a spoonful of genuine desire to help, flowing from the heart and perhaps a pinch of effort.

(by P Ponmagal)