Veteran volunteers share their experiences

Dubai: Long- time volunteers engaged in educating and helping individuals with special needs dispel the myth that one needs formal training in this field. All you need is dedication and love, three such volunteers, who have been living for the cause, told Gulf News.

Setting an example for others, they have bridged many barriers — be it language or nationality — when it comes to volunteering and have been diligently pursuing their love for years together without any expectation in return.

Michelle Meuleman, who has been a volunteer for more than 27 years, says there is nothing more rewarding than the satisfaction this work gives. She feels that virtues of honesty and sensitivity toward fellow beings need to be inculcated by parents in their children.

“My grandma always told me never to turn my head away if someone stretched their hand toward me . You would know if that person is genuine and as a parent my first desire is to see them as kind and honest individuals even before I think of what profession should they opt for.”

Shobha Naraindas Bablani, 70, says her entire world today revolves around children with special needs .

Jackie Wentzel, a volunteer in this field for over seven years, finds no joy bigger than the hugs and smiles these children give her.

When Meuleman, a French, came to Dubai about three decades ago, she raised funds for charity by selling cakes and pastries she herself baked. Over the years, her passion has grown. She not only raised funds for them, she also taught special needs individuals, organised charity events and done much more. On one occasion, Meuleman raised Dh475,000 in six days.

“I would do anything — from contacting companies to even dancing in the streets if it could contribute to improving someone’s life.” Her exuberance is infectious and, sometimes, raises many eyebrows. Recalling the time when she went to India some 34 years ago, she said: “I just took those children on [the] streets into a café, made them have a Coke, things they would not normally get to eat. People asked me why. But it really meant a lot to them and it is these little things that can make a difference.”

She used her knowledge of several languages — English, French, Dutch, German, Arabic and also a little Hindi — to bridge the barriers but firmly believes: “You can break any hurdle with love, it needs no language. If you want to volunteer, you only need the will. Do not wait to get a formal training and just start if your heart is into it. The world needs such people.”

No hurdles managed to stop Bablani when it comes to being with her students in Al Noor. The warmth she exudes is reciprocated by an unconditional love from the children and Bablani’s world today revolves around them.

“I never feel that I am alone, I have so many children here,” she says.

Bablani was introduced to volunteering about 10 years ago by her sister after she retired. Since then, there has been no looking back.

“Sometimes I feel I should have come here earlier, being here is much more satisfying than any other work.”

It is dedication and love for the cause that one needs to volunteer and not necessarily any formal training, she feels. She helps the students learn needle work. Ask her about whether she faces any challenges in handling the students and she explains: “I was introduced to them and have never really faced a situation where I found myself unable to handle. The children are intelligent and more than that, sensitive. Unlike ‘normal’ people, they do not have any pre-conditions to love you. All I do is share my love with them and I get much more in return.”

A tragedy in the family filled Jackie Wentzel’s heart with gratitude toward those who come forward to help without expectation.

“From then, I felt I owed it to those in need. When I moved to Dubai, I came to Al Noor and its been seven years now, years of contentment and joy I would say,” she says.

Jackie helps the children learn basic skills like washing their hands, feeding etc.

“We did get an initial orientation, but lack of training would never come in way. Acceptance and sensitivity toward their requirements is all that you would need to help these children and I have never really faced any challenges. I would say that it is rewarding, not challenging to be with individuals who have special needs.”

Ask her whether she expects anything in return and she says: “A little tickle, giggle and hugs are my rewards. I would not trade them for anything else.”