1. Getting to Know You

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to volunteer with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation?
What inspired you to get involved with the Foundation specifically?

My name is Babitha and I am a senior in high school. I started working with VFF because I wanted to use technology to help serve rural communities. I was able to visit RDT and talk with the students at the disability inclusive schools. It was really inspiring to see how these children were able to persevere and were able to have access to the resources they need to build a better future.

I also worked as an intern at Aame where I helped design a website of artisan handicrafts created by an incredible group of differently abled women. I was also inspired to see how resilient and talented these women are and recognized how helpful technology can be to spread their mission across the world. In America, I had the opportunity to host an India Giving Day event for VFF in Maryland which encouraged youth activism. I hope to continue contributing to this foundation as a part of the National Youth Leadership Council by raising money and using technology to raise awareness to the cause.

2. Volunteering Highlights

How long have you been volunteering, and what keeps you motivated?
Can you share a memorable project or moment from your time volunteering?

I have been volunteering with VFF for more than a year. Having been to RDT and having worked directly with the people whose lives are being impacted by the work of this foundation has really motivated me. In particular, I remember the students at the inclusive schools talking about their dreams for their future careers and how the resources VFF provides will allow them to fulfill these goals. Through volunteering we can continue to support these students and make a profound positive impact in their futures.

My most memorable project was the India Giving Day event that I hosted earlier this year. We conducted a youth leadership workshop where students partook in activities that encouraged them to drive positive change in their own communities. We also raised awareness about the inclusive schools and other rural development projects in India which allowed the students to gain a new perspective. Inspiring the next generation of leaders allows for us to continue making a positive impact in the world.

3. Impact and Community

How do you think your work has contributed to the communities the Foundation serves?
Is there a particular story or experience that stands out to you from your volunteering?

I hope that the website I worked on for Aame will have helped drive more users to discover their artisan crafts and spread their mission of empowering differently abled women. Additionally the India Giving Day event not only motivated future volunteers but also gave awareness to the work VFF is doing to new donors in the Maryland area. 

One story that stands out to me was when I presented the website to the women in Aame during their anniversary. There were lots of festivities designed to uplift the women and they had a very positive feedback to the website. It served not only to promote their artisan crafts but also their inspiring stories of resilience and courage.

4. Personal Growth

What have you learned through volunteering that has influenced your personal or professional life?
How has this experience changed your perspective on global development or social impact?

Being a part of VFF and volunteering for this foundation allowed me to gain a new perspective on how much of an impact non-profits can make to a community. Seeing the RDT facilities and how many children’s lives were being positively changed inspired me to work towards uplifting the community.

I also was inspired by how helpful the technology was at the inclusive schools in helping the children have a good education. These tools helped them learn despite being deaf or blind. This made me realize how powerful technology can be in bridging the opportunity gap across underserved communities.

5. Looking Ahead

What excites you about the Foundation’s future work, and how do you plan to stay involved?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with the Foundation?

I’m really excited to continue working with VFF as they have a profound impact on the rural communities in India. By working towards the UN sustainable development goals we can help empower these communities. I will continue to stay involved with the foundation by working on the VFF website so that we can better raise awareness to the fundraising events being hosted in the USA. I also will continue to fundraise and work on projects to increase awareness for the Foundation’s mission.

I would definitely recommend that new volunteers visit RDT if they have the chance. It was really transformative and impactful to see the rural development work VFF is doing in-person. Additionally, even running small fundraisers can have a big impact.

6. Fun Question

When you’re not volunteering, what do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not volunteering I like trying new foods, going on long bike rides, and watching cricket! Indian food is definitely my favorite but I also enjoy Chinese and Mexican cuisines. Apart from my hobbies, I like to code fun projects in my free time.

Additionally, can you please share a few pictures of yourself (either general or of you in India/visiting RDT)?