Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. As our lives today have become focused on ourselves, his statement is a gentle reminder that selfless service is a powerful path to realization, satisfaction and personal growth.
Volunteering with nonprofit organizations offers this experience, where an individual can break free from their daily lives. Their service is a need to better the lives of crores who have limited access to education, mentorship and guidance.
At NIIT Foundation, volunteers play a quiet but powerful role in supporting underserved communities and individuals by offering their time, knowledge and encouragement in ways that go far beyond traditonal classrooms or workshops.
The Many Faces of Volunteering
Volunteering can take many forms. Some people choose to mentor young adults, helping them think through career options or prepare for interviews. Others volunteer to teach underprivileged children, covering subjects like English, math, or digital literacy. Some bring specific skills such as coding, design, public speaking, while others offer consistent support, and patience.
What unites these efforts is a shared belief that small acts, when repeated, can build confidence, create opportunity, and broaden horizons for the underserved population.
Why It Matters
The under-resourced communities in India not only have limited access to infrastructure, quality education and financial resources – they also lack role models who help shape their aspirations. A volunteer’s time can help a student see new possibilities. It might be the first time anyone has asked them about their career plans, and offered to help them shape their decisions to reach their envisioned goals.
And always, volunteers come away as someone different. They experience a profound sense of satisfaction helping those who value their contributions, without expecting anything in return.
What Volunteers Say They Gain
Many volunteers describe the experience as rewarding in ways they hadn’t expected:
- A chance to develop empathy and patience
- A broader perspective on social realities
- Skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving
- Moments of genuine connection and shared learning
Opportunities to Get Involved
Volunteering with education-focused NGOs like NIIT Foundation can take many forms:
- Online or in-person teaching
- Mentoring students or young jobseekers
- Sharing career advice or technical skills
- Supporting workshops or community projects
Importantly, you don’t need to be an expert to contribute. Curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to engage go a long way.
For those looking for education volunteering opportunities or exploring NGO volunteering in India, there are many pathways to get involved. It can be as simple as offering a few hours a week to teach or mentor, or as involved as using their expertise in designing a full workshop or curriculum in consultation with NIIT Foundation’s team.
In the end, volunteering is as much about showing up as it is about expertise. Whether you are teaching a new skill, mentoring through a career decision, or simply offering encouragement, you are part of a quiet but meaningful change.
When you volunteer, you not only change someone else’s life, you also reshape your own.
