SAIVA: Making A Difference And Building Connections

By: Shibhany Nandhakumar

Teens who shared

Volunteer Experience: Varenya and Saanvi

The South Asian International Volunteer Association (SAIVA) has become a cornerstone for individuals eager to give back to their community. Through various events and initiatives, volunteers gain valuable experiences while making a positive impact.

Two of our teen volunteers Saanvi and Varenya share their experience with SAIVA about what inspired them, their most memorable experience and something they learned!

Saanvi’s journey with SAIVA began when she discovered their website while browsing online. “I came across SAIVA’s website while I was looking at something else online. I learned it had volunteering opportunities for all ages, so I thought it would be a good idea to meet like-minded people and have a fun experience.

That kept me motivated to continue working with SAIVA.”One of the most memorable events Saanvi has had the opportunity to work on is the Diwali at the Domain Festival, a major event organized annually by SAIVA to celebrate the festival of Diwali. “A memorable experience would be the Diwali at Domain festival that SAIVA provides opportunities for every year. Each year, I got the experience to learn, meet new people, and make connections with people of all ages.”

Through her volunteer work, Saanvi has also gained essential life skills. “From volunteering, I learned to be patient and manage my time to ensure that the people I help receive the best results and not simply an output. This has helped me plan my day-to-day schedule as well.”

Varenya’s path to volunteering with SAIVA was introduced by her friends, who were involved in SAIVA “I’ve initially started to volunteer with SAIVA through my friends and I’ve gone to a few of the events and loved the work I was doing. A couple of times during those events, I’ve talked to Megha, and she’s helped me find a better place in SAIVA and come up with other events.”

One of Varenya’s standout contributions was her involvement in the marketing efforts for the Diwali at the Domain festival. “A memorable experience is when I’ve helped do the marketing part during the Diwali at the Domain event. I’ve helped make the flyer posters and street signs,” Varenya said.

For Varenya, volunteering with SAIVA has not only been about contributing to the community but also about forming personal connections. “I’ve learned the importance of communication and how volunteering can open up other opportunities to make new friends and gain new experiences.”

Both Saanvi and Varenya’s experiences highlight the incredible impact that volunteering with SAIVA can have—not just on the community, but also on everyone who joins in! Whether it’s learning to manage your time more effectively, building meaningful connections, or diving into event planning and marketing, their stories show just how much you can grow through volunteering with SAIVA.

SAIVA is a vibrant, open platform where anyone of all backgrounds or age can get involved in meaningful work, develop valuable skills, and make lasting friendships. As Saanvi and Varenya have shown, volunteering with SAIVA isn’t just about giving back—it’s about discovering new opportunities, personal growth, and making a real difference in your community! If you’re looking to give back, make an impact and have fun, SAIVA is the perfect place for you! There’s a place for you to get involved, learn, and be part of a passionate community working towards positive change. Visit saiva.org for more information!