By Caritas Malaysia
GEORGETOWN — In conjunction with the Jubilee of the World of Volunteering (8–9 March 2025, Rome), Caritas Malaysia, in partnership with Caritas Philippines, organised a Volunteer Management Training from 7–9 March 2025. The program, attended by 23 staff and volunteers from all Diocesan Caritas offices in Malaysia, was a follow-up to the Disaster Response Training held in September 2024. It is part of Caritas Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of diocesan staff and volunteers in responding effectively during crises, with the goal of building a stronger and more efficient emergency response team.
The training was facilitated by Mr Cecilio “Ava” Guardian from Caritas Philippines, a seasoned expert in community development and humanitarian aid, and organised by Ms Pauline Yeo, the Administrative Executive of Caritas Malaysia.
This initiative marks an important step in strengthening volunteer management systems within Caritas Malaysia. Participants were introduced to a structured, nine-step approach to volunteer management, covering the entire volunteer lifecycle—from recruitment and preparation to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The sessions also emphasised the fundamental principles of volunteering and their significance in effective volunteer engagement.
A Call for Structure and Efficiency in Volunteer Management
In his opening address, Fr Fabian Dicom, National Director of Caritas Malaysia, underscored the need for a structured and efficient approach to volunteer management to ensure the timely and effective delivery of aid. He highlighted that the training focused on equipping participants with skills in rapid assessment, humanitarian aid delivery, and volunteer management, all of which are crucial in strengthening Disaster Response Committees within dioceses.
Fr Dicom urged participants to take the knowledge gained back to their respective dioceses and communities, emphasising the importance of preparedness, organisation, and compassion in volunteer management. He also encouraged the sharing of experiences and ideas to foster collaboration and enhance Caritas’ disaster response capabilities across Malaysia.
Recognising the Invaluable Role of Volunteers
A key takeaway from the training, echoed by many participants, was a renewed recognition of the essential role volunteers play in the organisation. Ms Clista Sintian from Caritas Kota Kinabalu emphasised that volunteers should be treated with the same respect and value as regular staff members.
“Volunteers are not to be exploited; rather, they should be seen as an integral part of the mission, deserving of appreciation and recognition,” added Ms Patricia Bai, Director of Caritas Keningau.
Many participants found the training invaluable in deepening their understanding of volunteer management. It provided clear methodologies, mechanisms, and guidelines for developing and sustaining a successful volunteer program.
Fr Davie Entalai, Chairman of Caritas Kuching, noted that the knowledge gained would help address existing gaps and suggest ways to improve identified weaknesses.
“This knowledge is crucial in strengthening volunteer engagement, particularly within each parish Caritas,” said Amado Degullacion from Caritas Sandakan.
Ms Anna Amandus, Chairperson of Caritas Sandakan, further highlighted that volunteering is a calling in every ministry.
“Volunteers need to be guided, supported, and given opportunities to grow,” she said. The training reinforced the idea that volunteering is not just about serving others but also about personal growth and transformation.
Francis Tan from Caritas Penang shared, ‘The training has helped his team to understand the strategy in volunteer management. They are now better equipped and will be able to plan and manage a volunteer system that is more structured and organised. This training is invaluable and will benefit the Parish Caritas leaders in managing volunteers and programmes.’
Equipping Volunteers for the Future
By the conclusion of the training, participants had gained a comprehensive understanding of the essential organisational steps and key considerations required to establish a successful volunteer management system. They left equipped with the knowledge needed to develop a structured volunteer management plan, ensuring that processes and best practices are well-documented for future reference.
Additionally, participants were empowered to formulate actionable plans for establishing Volunteers for Disaster Response Committees and other related initiatives aimed at strengthening volunteer engagement.
As part of the ongoing capacity-building efforts within the Caritas Confederation, the facilitator will continue to support Caritas Malaysia in finalising necessary mechanisms, including policies, guidelines, tools, and templates. This ensures that volunteer management remains a sustainable and integral part of the organisation’s operations.
A Simple Ritual to Celebrate the Jubilee of Volunteers: A Celebration of Service and Love
The closing ceremony of the Volunteer Management Training was marked by a deeply moving and symbolic prayer ritual, celebrating the spirit of service and love that volunteers embody. This sacred moment, held on the final day of training, was a reflection of the Jubilee of Volunteers happening in Rome that same weekend. It served as both a moment of gratitude for the commitment of volunteers and a prayer for continued strength and guidance in their mission to serve others.
Participants were reminded that they are not masters but servants of love, called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. A moment of silence allowed everyone to reflect on their personal journey of service. Then, in a symbolic act, the three priests present blessed the palms of participants, signifying the sacredness of their work and the call to serve with love and compassion.
Commitment and Sending Forth
At the end of the prayer ritual, Fr Fabian Dicom invited the participants to renew their commitment to serve with joy and dedication. He reminded them that, as volunteers of Caritas, they are called to be bearers of hope and witnesses of God’s love, serving with humility and compassion.
This simple yet profound ritual was not just a conclusion to the training but a reaffirmation of the mission entrusted to each volunteer. It was a moment to recognise that their work extends beyond providing aid – it is about embodying love, solidarity, and a deep commitment to uplifting those in need. The ceremony served as both a blessing and a commissioning, sending them forth to continue their journey of service, bringing light and hope to the world.
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