Our ability to reach our goals is only possible thanks to the commitment and persistent efforts of our amazing volunteers. In our first post of its kind, we are delighted to feature one of our newest volunteers, Lydia Kunaka-Steamer. Lydia is a Zimbabwean living in the UK and is volunteering with The Life You Can Save in the capacity of office support manager.
How did you learn about The Life You Can Save and why did you choose to volunteer with the organization?
Google! I have had a long-held interest in Economic Human Rights, and I believe that in the twenty-first century extreme poverty is not a thing which should still exist. Reading the book struck a real chord with me, and I wanted to find a way to support the work The Life You Can Save is doing. I am a strong believer in the idea that if everyone tries to make even a ‘small’ contribution towards improving the world we live in, collectively we can make progress and I was happy to share my skills and time.
What do you enjoy the most about volunteering with The Life You Can Save?
The people! The team is made up of people around the world, from different backgrounds and with different perspectives and points of view. It is wonderful to see our similarities and points of commonality and the team feels like a microcosm of the best parts of our world. Seeing all the support and interest members of the public show in the causes is very heartening also, and I am encouraged that the world CAN change for the better, and every day, ordinary people are taking steps to do so.
What is a “typical day” in your life?
Especially with the current health crisis, my days feel a little bit like ‘Groundhog Day’, with most days being quite similar! I spend most of my time doing ‘housewifely things’, such as the school-run and (socially-distanced!) chores. We live in a semi-rural location about half an hour from London, so sometimes I might see a sheep as I take a walk, or a fox or a squirrel. I do not have the most ‘exciting’ of lives, but I try and take small, meaningful actions whenever I can, and this includes my own small contribution to The Life You Can Save.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In 1777, Samuel Johnson famously said, ” when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” I strongly feel this still holds true in this day and age, though with the current restrictions options are somewhat more limited! If I had been born in another time and place, I might have hoped to be a ‘Renaissance (wo)man!’ I enjoy learning new things and understanding more of the world. I am alternating between relearning the French and Latin which I studied (cough) years ago at school as well as shorthand. I have also been looking into Shona customs and culture. I enjoy yoga, and try to start each day with a Sun Salute! The lockdown has also given me time to re-watch my favourite Star Trek series.
Thank you so much for all that you do, Lydia!
