How well do we know our family? Because we see them everyday and we’ve known them for so long, there may be many things that we don’t know about them.
Sandhya and her family, her Sabal (brother) and Balram (father), learned a lot about each other during their Family Volunteers for Peace project.
The family decided to visit a local old-aged home together. Mathatirtha Old Age Home in Kathmandu, Nepal, is home for around thirty old mothers who have been moved out from their family for different reasons. Sandhya and her family wanted to find out more about why the younger generation find it hard to keep their elderly with them, and what, if anything, they could do as a family to help address the issue. As a daughter Sandhya wanted to help the mothers at the old age home, provide basic needs and medical support.
Dad, sister and brother pooled money together to buy blankets, slippers, socks, medicine and food. They cooked together and brought the small gifts and food to the home. At the home they served the food and spent time with mothers singing to them and playing games with them.
Sandya’s father reflected, “Volunteering and helping each other is part of Nepali culture. However, due to technology and a busy schedule there was barely any time to spend together. FVP gave me time and space to teach my children some values and advice that my father taught me.”
Her brother, Sabal said “ When my sister talked about volunteering together, I was a little suspect due to my busy schedule. However, seeing her excitement I couldn't deny and I think that was the best decision I made. I got to learn about the importance of family values and togetherness. When we talked to the mothers in the old age home, most of them said that they barely spend time with their children. I realized that volunteering with family is an act of learning about social problems and taking an initiative to solve it. I also got to know my sister have lovely heart to help others (because most of time she is yelling at me, sibling things :P) “
Sandya was surprised her brother could play the guitar and sing so well. “FVP helped me spend time with my family where I could share and learn many things. I could also discover many talents within my brother and father which I didn't know.”
After the first visit to the Old Age home, Sandya’s family identified many issues at the home that needed immediate attention. As they walked back from the aged home, they started listing relatives and friends who could help raise funds for the home. They started collecting masks, sanitizer, rice and more for their next visit to.
Sandhya’s family experienced the value of volunteering and its power to change society, and made positive new discoveries about each other.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the good sides of our family. But when we work together for a common good, it is a natural place to see the best of each other. When you start your Family Volunteer for Peace project, observe your family members during family meetings, implementing and reflecting. Take the chance to have deep conversations together, and enjoy revealing what's inside of your family. You may discover something you didn't know before.
Enjoy the journey of discovering news aspects of your family, and invest in deepening your love, trust and relationship.