First time volunteering - Kythe!

Since I have been doing this a few months now, I have decided to expand the change externally. I have been looking at a website called iVolunteer, where you get to volunteer to places that interests you. I initially wanted to do bio pots making or coastal cleanups, but it was either too far or too late in the day. My priority right now is just to help wherever I can with my allotted schedule for volunteering. So I searched for other things that interest me and I found Kythe.

Kythe was a foundation started only as a study by two women from Ateneo De Manila. As they ended there study they felt like the project shouldn't stop because it was already helping a lot of patients, so Kythe was created. Kythe is focused on putting happy smiles on kids who have cancer, broken bones, and in the Pedia Ward. 

You can only tend to the kids if you have attended the orientation, the schedules are posted on their website. You're only allowed to interact with the kids for 1 hour. The parents need to sign a consent form if you want your picture taken with their kid, don't worry forms are provided in the playroom. Also, the reason why I only have one picture. You also need to pay 350.00 for the Kythe shirt. The kythe shirt is a must in order to be recognized that you are a volunteer. You know people who didn't have a purpose was not allowed in the hospital. Besides the shirt nothing was needed to be paid, you will use the shirt whenever you decide to volunteer for Kythe again.

The Kythe coordinators were really friendly. I also enjoyed how the coordinators and volunteers expressed that they were also finding their purpose in life. It's great to be in a room with people you are sharing advocacy with. If you would ask me if it was hard, it really wasn't. Especially if you have the heart for kids. Even though they were sick, they were really 'makulit'! I played with 2 kids who were Jed and Yensen. There was a cart where kids get to choose what activity they want to do. They can play games, color some books and read. Some were challenging to entertain, those who were already in their teens find it awkward when you ask them if they want to play, so you have to capture their interest and that's when you can start the interaction.

This experience was very fulfilling and eye-opening. I was exposed to the image of how a public hospital works. The number of patients didn't match the number of beds, so 2-3 kids have to stay in one bed. Parents there became friends due to the number of days that they were already in there. Talking to each other was the only thing that killed their boredom. Kythe was really helpful since they make the patients happier despite the situation they're in. They get to have a friend or a playmate on most days, which elevated their mood and contribute to keeping the fight going. I was very lucky to be a part of this experience. I get to put a smile on their faces. It was a give and take experience, we made ourselves happier and fulfilled. I can't wait to try other volunteering experiences as well. And you don't have to worry if you're going alone, because a lot of people go by themselves. I hope I left a little excitement in you in terms of volunteerism and I hope you do help change the world one step at a time.