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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020
Meet our Volunteer Marta Why did you choose to volunteer with Who Cares? Scotland?
The first time I heard about Who Cares? Scotland was while I was a student at the University of Strathclyde. It was during my final year when my tutor and I thought that Who Cares? Scotland would be a perfect organisation culminating with my learning journey. Throughout my studies, I was really passionate about making a difference in the society we live in and working with children and young people was always important for me. While on placement with Who Cares? Scotland, I met people who really made a huge
impact on my life. I realised that this is exactly what I wish to be part of. I chose to volunteer with Who Cares? Scotland because I have come across people who are really determined and passionate about making that difference and they do an amazing job. Through my placement, I have seen how life can pose difficulties to children and young people. Who Cares? Scotland dedicates their time to making this journey a little bit easier for them and I am thankful I can be a part of this.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? What I enjoy most about volunteering is how rewarding these opportunities are. Through my support, I hope I can have even the smallest positive impact on the day of every child and young person I
meet. I am glad I have an opportunity to spend time and get to know members of the Who Cares? Scotland family and I look forward to the opportunity of meeting many more!
What qualities do I bring to the young people I work with? I would like to think that I am a friendly, compassionate and supportive person who knows how to listen. With these qualities, I wish to encourage children and young people’s self-confidence and high self-esteem in their abilities because I understand what difference it makes when someone believes in you. This is exactly what Who Cares? Scotland has done for me. They helped me to come a step closer in overcoming my fear of public speaking by giving me the opportunity of being involved in their Listen and Learn sessions. Everybody encouraged me to believe in myself and, with their support, I have done it. My confidence and self-esteem grew and now I would like to give the same thing back to children and young people that might need this too.
I am proud to be a part of this amazing organisation. All their work and passion towards change is beautifully reflected in the famous quote by Marian Wright Edelman: “If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much”. This quote stuck with me through the start of my professional and personal journey and has driven me to be committed to something bigger in life. I understood the complete meaning of the message that Marian Wright Edelman tried to put across only when I started being a part of Who Cares? Scotland. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this beautiful organisation and I can’t wait to see what wonderful things you will do in driving for change for all Care Experienced people. I know all of you will make it happen.
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