I am a mother of 2, a boy who will turn 14 shortly and a girl who just turned 11. We live in Dubai, a city where children grow in a bubble insulated from the poverty and depredations of the outside world, in many instances completely unaware of it. As we meandered through the mountains and valleys of Ladakh in Northern India on our summer vacation, we saw how hard life can be in remote societies, where everyone chips in to keep the house warm and family fed. The entire dynamic of family that exists there is completely different than what we experience, in fact it's safe to assume that beyond the love and respect between the generations, nothing else is the same between the construct or expectations of what we define a ‘family’.
In these societies, both parents and children are equally providers and caregivers at the same time. Unlike our societies where our kids go to school and then play sport, socialize or video game all evening till it’s time for bed, in Ladakh the children go to school and then toil the fields, herd the cattle or prepare meals in the evening. All work is collective and amorphous, done unquestioningly and instinctively. What then is the difference in character between our children and what way is better? If the responsibility of being a parent is to raise a well-rounded child, whose way is better to prepare a child for the travails of life?
What we can definitely agree on, is that a middle ground is best or at least more practical for the times we live in. So as my children grow into their teenage years, I am completely flummoxed as to how they should spend their time effectively, or what can they do that they can learn from?
This is a time of significant growth, where identities are shaped, values established, and basic skills of communication and conflict resolution are developed. I believe it is crucial to develop these traits outside of friendship or school circles, in the real world. To put our children outside their comfort zone is the most important thing we can do for their development.
This is where paid work or volunteering comes in. I believe they can play crucial roles in character building and personality development, and in providing practical skills that foster essential qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and resilience, the three most important qualities to grow into a happy and productive human being, a.k.a ‘success’.
In this blog, we will explore how engaging in both volunteering and paid work can profoundly impact a teenager's growth, preparing them for the challenges of adulthood.
The Importance of Volunteering
To firstly agree and understand that the world has tremendous social and economic disparities is the foundation to volunteering. It offers the opportunity to engage with various communities and develop a sense of empathy and compassion. It exposes them to different life situations and challenges, most importantly, broadening their understanding of the world. This exposure helps them appreciate the value of giving back, the impact of small yet valuable action and to understand the importance of social responsibility.
Furthermore, volunteering instills a sense of responsibility in teenagers. Committing to a cause or an organization requires accountability, teaching them the significance of following through on commitments and understanding the impact of their actions on others. This sense of responsibility is a cornerstone of character building, as it shapes their approach to relationships, work, and society.
Communication skills are another area where volunteering proves invaluable. In a world of smart phones that is making inter-personal communication smaller, it is absolutely essential to continue to build strong relationships founded on strong communication and action. My son who is an introvert, blossoms into a well-rounded communicator if given the opportunity and safe space to express himself.
In working alongside diverse groups of people, often in team settings, helps teenagers develop their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate, and work towards common goals. These skills are not only essential in personal relationships but are also critical in professional environments.
Another crucial role volunteering plays is in boosting self-esteem and confidence. Accomplishing tasks and receiving appreciation from peers and supervisors can significantly enhance a teenager's self-worth. It also allows them to discover their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset that is essential for personal development. Moreso, the elation and satisfaction it provides in bringing happiness to it recipients makes volunteering a core tenet to feeding the spiritual soul.
Lastly, volunteering provides teenagers with a broader perspective on life. By stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging with different socio-economic backgrounds, they gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. This exposure cultivates gratitude, humility, and a more nuanced worldview, all of which are vital components of a well-rounded character.
The Importance of Paid Work
While volunteering is crucial for personal development, paid work offers teenagers unique benefits, particularly in developing financial responsibility. Whether a waiter at the local restaurant or a lemonade shop or garage sale, paid work and entrepreneurship are cornerstones to financial responsibility.
Earning money through work also teaches teenagers the value of hard work and the importance of managing and budgeting their earnings. Paid work also instills a strong work ethic and discipline. Adhering to schedules, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling job responsibilities teach teenagers the importance of time management and adaptability. These experiences prepare them for the structured environments they will encounter in higher education and professional careers.
Independence and self-reliance are other significant benefits of paid work. Teenagers learn to make decisions, face the consequences of those decisions, and gain confidence in their abilities to navigate challenges. This sense of independence is crucial as they transition into adulthood, where they will be required to make critical life choices.
In addition to these personal benefits, paid work also enhances professional skills. In today’s world very few countries place tremendous emphasis on apprenticeship, Germany being one of them. The ability to learn complex skills like watchmaking or carpentry in mentored environments, where patience and dedication are rewarded with life changing skills are invaluable.
Whether it's customer service, problem-solving, or technical skills, the experience gained from paid work is invaluable for future career prospects. Moreover, building a work history during the teenage years provides a solid foundation for future employment opportunities.
Balancing work and life is another important lesson learned through paid work. Managing school, work, and social life teaches teenagers the importance of time management and prioritization. These skills are not only essential for their current lives but also prepare them for the demands of adulthood.
The Synergy Between Volunteering and Paid Work
While volunteering and paid work each offer unique benefits, the combination of both experiences provides a well-rounded approach to character building and personality development. The skills gained from volunteering, such as empathy, communication, and responsibility, complement those acquired through paid work, such as financial literacy, work ethic, and independence.
Engaging in both volunteering and paid work provides teenagers with a broader perspective on life and work. They learn the value of community involvement alongside the importance of professional growth. This balance is essential for developing a holistic understanding of the world and their place in it.
Furthermore, both volunteering and paid work offer opportunities to build social connections. Whether it's networking through work or forming friendships through volunteering, these experiences help teenagers expand their social circles and develop important interpersonal skills.
Volunteering in the UAE.
Here are some of the volunteer opportunities in the UAE.
- www.volunteers.ae – this site is semi-government run and offers placement across government institutions.
- Dubai Volunteering Center – At DVC you can get involved in actively helping to spread the culture of the UAE.
- www.dubaicares.ae - Volunteering is one of the main pillars of Dubai Cares’ community outreach activities and it offers members of the UAE community a chance to join the Dubai Cares' team in its initiatives.
- https://whatson.ae/2024/08/here-are-8-wonderful-places-to-volunteer-in-dubai/ - this link takes you to some opportunities in the UAE.
Paid Work in the UAE:
As of today, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 15 to work in the UAE. For those between 15 and 18 years, a Juvenile Work Permit (JWP) must be applied for. The conditions for a JWP are extensive mostly to protect young workers from exploitation from unscrupulous businesses. More information on this can be obtained from www.mohre.gov.ae.
On entrepreneurship, the government on the other hand thoroughly encourages entrepreneurships for all ages, and does not stand in the way as long as rules are followed.
The main areas of entrepreneurship for teenagers lie in technology, online shopping and social media. Harry Tomkinson of VIP Sneakers makes six figures selling sneakers online, and he is just 16. Many young Indian and Chinese students are actively mining Bitcoin in the UAE. Money Kicks is one of the most influential social media personalities in the region. The list goes on.
The Young Entrepreneurs Competition run by the Dubai Government aims to identify and develop budding entrepreneurs. These competitions run on a ‘Shark Tank’ type format, aim to bring the rigor of entrepreneurship to young students.
All in all there are multiple opportunities for entrepreneurship in the UAE. Finding the right opportunity for your child and then providing the resources to back it up are all that matters.