Liana Colakides’ passion is evident in the way she speaks, moves and achieves.
She is the founder and President of the Young Volunteers . In the span of only five years her energy and vision have grown Young Volunteers to an organization of more than 700 members, that raises about £90,000 per year for charity. In addition the organization undertakes several community projects such as creating a safe park in an underprivileged part of Nicosia, painting homes of the elderly and doing their gardening. Young Volunteers are now spreading their wings and expanding Greece and the USA.
Its members, all under the age of sixteen, learn from an early age, significant values that help them achieve at this tender age and beyond. Through their work they learn to be selfless, responsible, and innovative.
We interviewed Liana to discover what gives her this unique passion and ability to achieve a remarkable contribution to our society.
Q What gives you this passion?
My inspiration is my love and belief in children. I am aware of the wonderful things that each age group can display and contribute. Some of these things we have cast aside and forgotten as adults. However if we let then shine, even for a little while, in front of us, like a torch, then they will lead us to more beautiful paths.
Q. There are other adults who work with you. What motivates them?
Adult volunteers tell me that their involvement with the Young Volunteers has changed their lives. Caring for others and wanting to give part of yourself opens up new horizons. Helping someone helps you, develop as a person. We are constantly looking for situations that can be improved and working towards bringing about positive changes.
Q You sound confident that things can happen, things can change
I oppose the common argument “:But what can we do”: If we all do something even if it is small, then things will start improving. In volunteerism something is more than nothing. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.
Q What would you say was the most satisfying moment for you, within the Young Volunteers.
That is very difficult to say. There have been so many beautiful moments.
I remember one of our youngest members coming up to me and saying, “This was the best year of my life.” after we had just finished our fiesta with the Special Olympics team. Even though I was very tired at the time, having just finished running the fiesta for 5000 people, that sentence lifted me up. It was a powerful moment for me.
I remember another instance when a ten year old member called me to protest. He had been to see his friend who was living in very poor conditions. He told me that he could not accept this, and stand by as an observer. He wanted to do something to help. So he came up with the idea of holding a fund raising futsal tournament. We helped him turn his initiative into reality by assisting in the organization. Following the event he was able to discreetly offer the sum of money raised to the boy’s mother. That kind of action charges my batteries. We are making a difference.
Q I have heard that it is the children who make the decisions. How does this work.
It works very well. Major decisions are taken by the children’s council. This is an elected body of 10 children of all age groups, which works side by side the central committee consisting of 26 adults. The council enables the children to hear many different viewpoints on issues, and to respect different perspectives. At each meeting of the council there will be a parent observing. However, adults rarely get actively involved,, as the children are respectful of each other, even when they disagree. Disagreement with respect is something they practice. After discussing an issue they vote to decide what happens.
http://www.youngvolunteers.org
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