For many, COVID-19 was a period of immense change and uncertainty. For UTS SOUL Award graduate Karishma Lakhapate, it provided an opportunity to give back to the not-for-profit sector – an area hit particularly hard by the pandemic.
Using her skills in engineering – Karishma is studying a Master of Engineering and a Master of Business Administration – she volunteered for Wesley Mission, working in their aged care service to redevelop and refurbish retirement villages and homeless care centres.
‘I wanted to use my professional skills to help those who are most vulnerable … those who are most in need. The opportunity with the Wesley Centre provided me with just that.
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‘Every time I visited these sites, I would think how each one of us is working towards making someone's life better,’ she says.
The SOUL program offers opportunities to give back, and also learn new skills and gain on-the-ground experience while doing so.
In her time with Wesley Mission, Karishma was involved in key strategic property development projects, working through different project phases including concept designs, authority approvals, and planning proposals. She also experienced the process of community consultation.
‘Engaging with community is essential for society to flourish,’ she says.
‘When we build a place for a particular community it needs to cater to their requirements and contribute towards their growth and development.’
Karishma also got to better understand the big picture of how such organisations are run.
‘We would have meetings to even discuss a breakfast and dinner menu for the temporary accommodation of the homeless people seeking shelter. It is commendable how no matter was simply brushed off.’
Volunteering has always been a passion for Karishma.
In her hometown in India, Karishma volunteered for beach clean-ups, painted at railway stations, and even taught young girls at an orphanage
‘It takes guts to volunteer and work selflessly for a cause, but it’s a really fulfilling experience. Just go for it,’ she says.
Volunteering can be life-changing. If you are a UTS student and you are interested in finding out more about the UTS SOUL Award, visit our webpage to find out more and sign up to develop your ability to be a change-maker and driver of social innovation.