I am MFA Zaman, a Team London Ambassador who has been volunteering since the London Olympics in 2012.
My volunteering journey
The London 2012 Olympics were a life changing event for me and Team London has helped me to keep the legacy of the games alive.
On 8 November 2011, I received an email confirming that I was officially one of the 8,000 Games-time Ambassadors. It was a significant moment in my life when I got this news. It elevated my confidence and encouraged me to reach for my dream.
Over the years, I have spent time as a volunteer welcoming people from around the world to London. Every summer, Team London runs a 6-7 week programme to welcome visitors to the capital. The programme was paused in 2020 due to Covid-19 but returned this summer. It made me happy because I got to meet with other volunteers for the first time in a long while. We're like family who have known each other since 2012.
I have volunteered at the London 2012 Olympics, Rugby World Cup England in 2015 and ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019. I ran in the London Marathon to raise funds for disabled children in the UK and I'm currently volunteering at a cricket club and Inter-Faith project. I have been awarded for my volunteering which always encourages me to carry on my service for others.
Team London is always helping me to get involved with various opportunities - especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Team London gave me the opportuity to volunteer at the NHS Nightingale hospital and later as part of the vaccination programme.
Why I love volunteering
Volunteering is in my blood and breath because it has given me so much. Once upon a time I was homeless and a victim of slavery in the UK and had no hope in life. Volunteering has given me hope to explore life with vision.
Team London is a unique programme which encourages people to engage with the local community. It is not only helping people to volunteer but also to learn new skills to enlighten your life.
Why you should volunteer
The most beautiful part of volunteering is, anyone can do it. The person only needs the right intentions and motivations to make a change. We want to help each other, and volunteering is the best way to help. It gives you the opportunity to meet with new people who share your experiences. It has allowed me to overcome challenges and win the battle. So now it is time to give back to volunteering.
Helen Keller said, "Life is an exciting business and most exciting when it is lived for others."