On Friday, we said goodbye to Roisin, who had been volunteering in the Habitat Ireland office as part of her university placement. Read more about her experience below.
Over the last six weeks I have been working in the Habitat for Humanity Ireland office in Lisburn, I have learnt so much that I can take with me into my future. This experience has been unlike anything I have ever done before, working in an office and learning more about Habitat for Humanity. During my six-week placement, I really enjoyed getting to understand Habitat for Humanity as an organisation, the local work they do and the global work; as well as the restores, meeting customers, volunteers and members of staff. I have had new experiences and gained new skills and thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
I attended the Love Your Home show with Becca (the Communications Manager), where I got the opportunity to discuss Habitat and Restore with people, some who knew about Habitat’s mission and some who didn’t. I also visited Restore Belfast where I got the opportunity to meet the Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian and hear a presentation from Jenny, the Chief Executive. I also visited schools with Pete, (Engagement Officer) where I helped deliver the schools engagement programme.
Being at Habitat for Humanity these last few weeks I have learned a lot about local issues and global, how to help by volunteering and encouraging people to donate items that they may not be using instead of dumping them, promoting sustainability over waste.
Working with Habitat for Humanity Ireland has been a truly rewarding experience for me. During my time with Habitat, I have had the opportunity to learn about the meaningful work that helps families access safe and affordable housing. Being part of a team that is dedicated to improving communities and supporting people in need has given me a strong sense of purpose. I have learned about new and different ways in which help is available locally for people who need it and the opportunities for people to volunteer and help in their local communities in Ireland and across the globe.
I have enjoyed meeting a wide range of volunteers and staff who share the same passion for making a positive difference. Speaking to new people and hearing their stories has allowed me to understand that Habitat for Humanity aims to help, abiding by their mission and striving to help people.
This experience has helped me develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while working on projects that have a real impact on people’s lives. Seeing the difference these efforts can make for families has been incredibly motivating and inspiring.
Overall, my time with Habitat for Humanity Ireland has been both personally fulfilling and professionally enriching, and it has strengthened my commitment to community service and helping others and encouraged me to look for opportunities to give back in my local area.
