Volunteer of the Month: Jenny Viau

This month we acknowledge and recognize Jenny Viau. Read about what inspires her to volunteer with Dream A Dream. Jenny Viau is a Canadian and has been a regular volunteer with Dream A Dream since January. From her first contact with Dream A Dream, Jenny felt as though this was what was missing in her life and she felt that she could really make a difference.  Jenny has been conducting English sessions at DreamConnect Center for young adults.

“Working with youth was what had been missing from my life – I actually looked forward to each class more than the kids! The motivation that these children have shown is so inspiring.  Some of the kids are there against the wishes of their parents, yet they persisted.  I congratulate them all! These children actually want to learn!” Jenny feels as though Dream A Dream has helped her in just as many ways as she has helped them.  She says that she has learned so much about herself throughout her experience, she has felt useful and good about her involvement.

Jenny shares one story of a Dream A Dream Funday, where each volunteer was responsible for a group of six children:  “One of the girls in my group asked if she could hold my hand, very shyly looking up at me, her eyes full of hope.  I said ‘Of course!’ and held out my hand.  Her face filled with joy and she skipped over and grabbed my hand with such force.  She then said to me ‘Thank you ma’am, some people don’t want to hold my hand.  They say I am dirty.  Thank you!’  To see her so happy for something as simple as holding hands was so touching, I felt something move inside me.” [caption id="attachment_480" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Jenny volunteering at Dream A Dream"]

Jenny is volunteering with Dream A Dream until January 2011, when she will be leaving India.  She feels that her experience in India would not have been the same if she hadn’t been involved with Dream A Dream and is so happy to have discovered “this wonderful organization whose goals renew my hope that this world will become a better place!” We are delighted to have people like Jenny who give their all to the children and reach out with all their heart to bring about a change in their lives. Thank you Jenny. You too can congratulate her at jenny.viau@gmail.com.