YANGON: Dec 5 is International Volunteer Day, a day dedicated to honouring those whose quiet acts of service hold communities together. Across Myanmar, volunteers stand ready to help whenever their communities need them.
Among them is 18-year-old Wai Yan, a member of the Pale Volunteer Fire Brigade, who prepares for emergencies of all kinds, including fires, traffic accidents, floods, and urgent rescues.
He has been volunteering with the fire brigade for about two years. His work often involves rushing to accident sites, carrying injured people to safety, and helping families escape danger.
"In our volunteer fire brigade, we take part in fire extinguishing, rescue work, and emergencies," he said.
What keeps him committed is simple. "I like helping people. I rescue people from traffic accidents and send them to hospitals," he said.
Though not everyone praises their efforts, he remains steadfast. "Even though some people downplay our work, I feel happy doing it," he said.
"I'm not rich in money like some of my friends, but I'm rich in goodwill. I'm rich in the 'thank you' given by the people we help," Wai Yan said.
On International Volunteer Day, young people like Wai Yan represent thousands of volunteers across Myanmar who support their communities through generosity rather than wages.
Volunteerism is deeply rooted in Myanmar's social fabric. Aung Myo Paing, chairman of the Green Challenge Association, an organisation focused on large-scale tree planting and environmental restoration, said that their environmental efforts rely heavily on public participation.
"In commercial businesses, people are paid to do their jobs. But for activities like tree planting, we depend on volunteers," he said. In Myanmar, funeral services and many social duties rely on the same spirit, he added.
What sets volunteers apart, he noted, is purpose. "Paid workers focus on earning their wages, while volunteers contribute out of goodwill and a desire to help their communities."
His organisation also promotes reducing plastic use. "We conduct seminars on plastic reduction, but our efforts only succeed when people voluntarily change their habits. The mindset to reduce plastics is important. Volunteering involves not just people, but the mindset."
That mindset guides 36-year-old Ma Thin Thin Mar from Twante township of the Yangon region, who has volunteered in various activities for more than a decade. She teaches at monastic schools, raises funds for vulnerable and orphaned children, and organizes blood donation drives.
"Even when resources are limited, we find ways to help," she said. "If we can't provide money, we find donors. If food is needed, we cook and distribute it ourselves."
"Volunteering is meaningful and noble. Goodwill brings good fortune," she said.
Humanitarian organizations also rely heavily on volunteers. Professor Dr Mya Thu, a full-time executive committee member of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, said volunteers are essential to the organization's operations.
"Volunteers contribute with goodwill, without taking any cash or advantages," she said. "They work on the frontlines of humanitarian efforts across the country. They respond before, during, and after natural disasters or emergencies."
The Myanmar Red Cross Society trains volunteers in first aid, blood donation support, health awareness, traffic safety, psychosocial assistance, and child-friendly activities.
"International Volunteer Day is a day to honor every volunteer who deserves recognition around the world," she added.
Myanmar's Department of Social Welfare relies on the same network. Deputy Director-General U Lwin Oo said volunteers help support elderly people, women, persons with disabilities, children, and disaster-affected families.
"Our department alone cannot manage everything. We need to rely on volunteers," he said.
The department provides training and technical support for volunteers, U Lwin Oo added.
"Volunteering is a noble deed. Volunteers are good-hearted people, and they are truly helpful," he said.
The theme for International Volunteer Day 2025 is "Every Contribution Matters." - Xinhua
