FOR Malika Singh, volunteering is more than a way to spend her free time – it is a responsibility, a passion and a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Whether contributing to community initiatives, developing outreach campaigns or supporting those in need, Ms Singh has spent years dedicating herself to service.
While she is a nurse by profession, her passion for volunteer work has shaped many of her values and guided the path she follows today.
Long before entering the healthcare field, Ms Singh discovered the importance of giving back.
As a high school student, she and a group of friends established a youth club and became actively involved in community projects.
Through those experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for service and the positive impact individuals can have when they work together to support others.
When university studies brought her to Suva, many of those activities faded into the background.
Academic responsibilities demanded much of her attention, but her desire to serve never disappeared.
That passion found a new home through Vision Fiji.
Singh first encountered the organisation after being named a recipient of the Fiji Children’s Award in 2020.
“To be completely honest, I had not heard of Vision Fiji before that,” she said.
The award introduced her to a network of people committed to community development and social change.
After relocating to Suva, she sought opportunities to reconnect with volunteer work and soon became involved with Vision Fiji. Today, she serves as an executive member of the organisation.
“One of the biggest lessons I have carried with me is the importance of staying grounded.
“My experiences through volunteering taught me to be grateful for what I have and to never lose sight of the realities that many people face.”
At the centre of those values is the person Singh credits as her greatest influence, her mother.
“Without a doubt, my biggest influence has been my mother.
“Her actions taught me that kindness doesn’t always have to come in grand gestures.
“What keeps me motivated is knowing that, in some way, I have been able to make a difference.”
“Whether it is comforting a patient, supporting a family, helping someone recover, or contributing to positive change through volunteer work, those moments remind me why I do what I do.”
For Malika Singh, volunteerism is not simply an activity but a way of life.
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