The Chayil Foundation organises inaugural training and orientation programme for volunteers

The Chayil Foundation has held its first-ever training and orientation programme for volunteers to help push forward the agenda of the foundation.

The programme, which was organised for 11 volunteers on March 23, 2024, at the premises of the foundation, sought to leverage the diverse skills of the volunteers to enable them to become agents of positive transformation in societies.

The programme was in two sessions, with the Programmes Manager from Volunteer Konnect in Nigeria, Solomon Okwuchukwu, leading a presentation on “The Top-Performing Volunteer” in the first session.

Solomon guided the volunteers through understanding top-performing volunteers, their exceptional qualities and skills for effective organisation use, and how they can make an impact using the organisation’s platform.

The other session drew the volunteers to internalise the vision, mission, and objectives of the Chayil Foundation, as well as communicate the code of conduct and specific programme plans and expectations.

In an interview, Founder of The Chayil Foundation, Eileen Oduraa Ninson, underscored the importance of the volunteers to the foundation, such as cost avoidance in the hiring of specialists as well as contributing to the success and impact the foundation seems to achieve.

“Volunteers are the bedrock of organisations like ours. They are crucial to the success and impact we seek to make and the agents of transformation we want to churn out.”

“They connect us to areas far and beyond; their availability to do the work in various capacities helps us make a greater difference and impact communities. The task of impacting can never be done alone,” she noted.

Speaking on the tasks the volunteers would be assigned to, Mrs. Ninson stated that they will be assigned to the various departments of the foundation, which include programme coordination, communication and public relations, finance and administration, and research.

She highlighted that Chayil’s scope of work cuts across healthcare, vocational and skills development, microfinance schemes, and legal aid.

Mrs. Ninson further stated that there will be regular engagement with the volunteers via WhatsApp and e-mails to keep them informed about special projects, programmes, and opportunities.

“We have ‘The Be Chayil Mastermind’, which ensures ongoing skills training and development to build the relevant skills and stay engaged with the cause.”

“There are special projects like our annual Acoustic Night of Hope fundraising event, which will see these volunteers take responsibility, plan, and ensure perfect execution.”

Emphasising the impact the volunteers will have on communities and individuals, Mrs. Eileen Ninson disclosed that the training session will empower them to inspire confidence and share knowledge with the communities.

She also mentioned that as the foundation is focused on the SDGs, the volunteers will join in the vision to inspire others and make a difference in their lives.

“And so we expect that they will lobby for systemic changes and policy reforms to be put in place for the marginalized,”  she added.

The founder of the Chayil Foundation also shared her vision of having a volunteer hub, training volunteers, and upskilling them with specialised training to support other organisations.

“We see more collaborations and partnerships with organisations on this journey to expand reach and make more impact. Our volunteers, we envisage, will have virtual opportunities to allow other people from across the continent and even beyond a chance to make a difference in the community, like online mentoring programmes,” she highlighted.

Meanwhile, some volunteers shared their reactions to the training and orientation sessions.

“It is my first time volunteering with any organisation of this nature. It is very paramount to me because, as a first-timer, it is important that I come to understand the concept that is being driven and also identify with the organisation very well, understand my roles, and know how I can be very efficient and effective in their development. Now, I am not just a volunteer, but I consider myself a stakeholder in the whole body, and I am grateful to be here,” Rex Addo said.

“I learned a lot from today’s training, especially looking at how to be a top performer as a volunteer and what you need to excel at in your role as a volunteer. And I also learned about the entire concept, what this foundation stands for, and the part I can play to make the goals of this foundation achievable,” says Emmanuella Appiah.

Mrs. Ninson urged interested individuals who wish to be volunteers or supporters of the Chayil Foundation to get in touch through their website, https://www.thechayilfoundation.org, or call +233200563464.