Northside students set to embark on life-changing mission  

This summer, Sarah Amete from Drumcondra and Dyna Shibu from Beaumont, both Social Care students at TU Dublin Blanchardstown, are set to embark on a life-changing volunteering experience in the Philippines.

The pair of college friends will join a group of volunteers with the Cork-based charity, SERVE, to work with children and teenagers in need.  

Through the SERVE programme, Sarah and Dyna will be involved in educational and creative activities, including teaching English, as well as running art, music, and drama sessions.

The duo’s passion for volunteering stems from their backgrounds and personal experiences, and they are eager to bring their skills and knowledge to this important mission.  

For Sarah, who is Ethiopian, her passion for Social Care was ignited by her personal story.

Growing up in Dublin, Sarah developed a deep sense of empathy and a desire to support people from diverse backgrounds.

“My experiences have given me insight into different people and cultures, and I hope to work with unaccompanied minors in residential care in the future,” she shared.  

Dyna, who comes from a strong cultural heritage with her parents from India, has always wanted to volunteer, and her family has been very supportive of her decision.

“My parents have always encouraged me. I am excited to bring my skills and experiences to the table.”  

The opportunity to volunteer in the Philippines came about after a friend of theirs participated in the SERVE programme last summer and highly recommended the experience.

Sarah and Dyna agreed that summer after third year was the perfect time to take a break from their studies and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Both are eager to learn and grow while bringing their talents to the children and communities they will work with.   

SERVE is a development and volunteering organisation committed to providing equal opportunities for poor communities living in Southern Africa, South-East Asia, and South America.   

Inspired by the belief that ‘Solidarity in Action’ can improve the lives of the most vulnerable, SERVE works in partnership with local communities and organisations to offer high-quality vocational and educational learning opportunities.

For more information about SERVE’s work and the volunteer projects, visit www.se