September Spotlight on Service

Enji, you spend your summers dedicated to the service of others. Can you tell us more about this?

In the summers of both 2023 and 2024, I volunteered around 3-4 times a month for Red Cross Mongolia. I was a volunteer with the Youth Summer Camp Gathering of Mongolian Red Cross. I attended donation campaigns, participated as a guest in the 4th edition of the series of interviews organized in anticipation of the Mongolian Humanitarian Day (July 31), and distributed 41 food parcels to 42 households in the Bayanzurkh region of Ulaanbaatar city – a region recently affected by flooding.

I also helped with the organization of the Humane Dancer Competition, which was begun by the Red Cross Committee of Songinokhairkhan District. With this, I participated in the festival of 1,000 children with disabilities of the target group and ensured the safety of 150 children of Songinokhairkhan and Bayangol districts. I was pleased to help at the “Blood Donation Day” which was held at the National Blood Transfusion Research Center and received a certificate as a volunteer activist with the ability to promote blood donation.

Have you been able to meet other like-minded volunteers along the way?
Yes, and I’ve had the opportunity to activate the Red Cross Youth group for other high school students by participating in a training course organized for the youth of the Nest Secondary School. 

What motivates you to engage in service leadership?
I choose to do all of this because I have a strong passion to help others and contribute to my community. Volunteering allows me to become part of meaningful causes, enhance my leadership and teamwork skills by collaborating with her community, and give back to society. 

What impact has your participation had on you as a person?
Not only can I see the impact of the people and communities I’ve worked with, but also the positive impact on myself. I’ve been able to develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as my understanding of social issues, including the need for disaster preparedness, environmental care, and community health. My reciprocal service has also allowed me to work in diverse teams and to communicate across different cultures and languages. I like to think that I’m developing as a more compassionate person through my actions. 

Are there any other aspects of your experience that you would like to share?
I’ve always been passionate about environmental conservation and I believe in the mission of NGOs that benefit the community.

I’m also a member of a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Mongolian Future, focused on specific community support and environmental activities. This organization contributes to the wellbeing of children at the Children Centres hospital by donating clothes and medical supplies. It also supports animal welfare through donations to the UB shelter, and improves public spaces through clean-up initiatives.

I volunteered here twice in August of 2024, as I wanted to support vulnerable groups, such as hospitalized children and stray animals by providing essential supplies. This experience, similar to my work with the Mongolian Red Cross, has developed my organizational skills and empathy, as well as my gauge of the importance of environmental sustainability. 

Clearly, Enji is a student dedicated to the service and care of others, working with organizations that truly help people and animals in need. Her summer activities have had an incredibly positive effect not only on her community, but on the development of herself as an empathic person. She has embodied the TASIS message and dedication to service treasured by Mrs. Fleming and highlighted in our Mission Statement.

Interviewer: Mairead, Grade 12 student