Volunteering, the New Wealth of Students: The Importance of Skilled Volunteering in Educational Settings

Introduction

Education institutions and universities have always been important to the development of society (Moscardini et al., 2022). Colleges and universities can enhance students' future preparation by offering a comprehensive education, enhancing soft skills, and partnering with businesses for real-world experience. Education planners and educators of today must prepare educational systems for the rapidly changing world of tomorrow while fostering in students a lifelong love of learning (IIEP-UNESCO, 2018). With the increased market demand for new skills, academic institutions must balance providing high-quality education and have the responsibility for ensuring the acquisition of new skills and conducting research (Harfoush, 2021). Engaging youth and promoting education relevance, equity, and inclusion are crucial for 2030 SDG achievement. Volunteering helps address illiteracy by reaching, supporting, and educating young people in innovative ways (Al-Hammadi, 2019).

Students can reap the benefits of volunteering and see its impact on their personal growth, their professional trajectory as well as their health. Volunteering is a powerful tool that can help students develop the necessary attributes to become responsible, empathetic, and engaged individuals. The development of interpersonal skills is another significant benefit of volunteering. Skill-based volunteering allows students to utilize their unique talents and expertise, resulting in measurable results and impact, unlike traditional charity activities that can be fulfilled by anyone. Effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration with diverse groups are essential skills highly transferable to various aspects of life. Volunteering provides a unique platform for students to refine these skills in a practical setting. Consider a student volunteering at a local food bank. In this role, they must communicate with fellow volunteers, coordinate tasks, and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking assistance. These interactions foster empathy, enhance emotional intelligence, and equip students to work effectively as a team.

The function of volunteering in the field of education is varied and often debated. While some schools and universities completely overlook it, others require students to complete a certain amount of volunteer work before they can advance academically or graduate (Dienhart et al., 2016). However, if students are not properly introduced to volunteering, they may lose out on valuable experiences (Cloyd, 2017). On the other hand, making volunteering a requirement can raise significant concerns and inadvertently shift students' focus toward external benefits rather than nurturing an appreciation for the intrinsic value and true essence of volunteer experiences (Storm, 2010).

This chapter presents a framework for educators and policymakers to consider volunteering through a new lens that aligns more with the changing dynamics of the 21st century. Through this new perspective, educators can help their students discover previously untapped potential, leading to a generation of well-rounded, engaged individuals better equipped to tackle future challenges. The chapter examines the benefits of volunteering for students, focusing on how it may boost a student's career, foster a growth mindset, build healthier habits, provide practical skills, and foster leadership and stronger communities. The chapter further emphasizes that educational institutions can promote a culture of volunteerism and increase student interest in volunteering.