I am 19 years old. I go to Hesed for 14 years already. I study at the University. Actively I participate in many events of the community. We were always taught that «ours» need to be helped! Therefore, I became a volunteer. I organized different projects in the community, often I visit our veterans, I take part in all concert performances and festive events of the community. I like to be a volunteer, so, I realize myself in some plan. Communicating with the people who are older than me, I learn a lot of useful information. It would be more correct to say that this is very important for me. As, I consider that the volunteer movement is the voluntary movement directed to the improvement of the life. And the volunteers are the people working voluntarily, with the agreement and personal desire. The world is not without kind people. And not everything can be made always with the money.

Ermakova Irina Aleksandrovna, 45 years old. She is a therapist of the highest category. She is a lot of years in the community. Irina with her husband and three remarkable daughters constantly participate in all communal projects and events. Irina, as the highly skilled doctor, constantly advises all members of the community who ask her for the help. Annually, in summer camps, she remains irreplaceable and the most favorite person both for the adults, and for the children. Irina, as the member of dancing collective, always participates in the concerts or statements devoted to various Jewish holidays. And three her daughters, very gifted and musical little girls, are the leading soloists in the musical and vocal ensembles. According to Irina’s words — profession of the doctor, is her personal attitude towards the people and her desire to help those who are nearby, — and it is also that driving mechanism of the fact that she is a volunteer of the Jewish communal center.

I am a teacher. Today, I am engaged in the production of the purified bottled water. I have got to the Jewish communal center when I began to bring my daughter to the summer camp, a few years ago. I became the volunteer absolutely consciously. I consider that each person wants the heat and kindness, and the volunteers give to the person the chance to feel necessary and to give the heat and attention. And the volunteer, helping people, also feels necessary for the people. I worked as the volunteer in «Mini-Club», being engaged with the children as the teacher, also, I participate in various projects of the community. As the volunteer I take part in the “Kosher-Smack” project devoted to the preservation and promoting of the Jewish cuisine among the younger generation. Volunteering, from my point of view, is a disinterested and voluntary aid where especially people need it. And the volunteer, in his turn has an opportunity to self-actualize through the activity, to embody some his aspirations and requirements through the service to people. I am in the center on the photo.

Hello, my name is Evangelina Grigonis, and I'm a volunteer. As a member of the community, I pay close attention to everything happening within it and, whenever possible, I assist in various projects and initiatives. I have been involved in several community and city events.

I am also a representative of the AJT youth club and lead several different projects. I easily find common ground with children and enjoy teaching them something new. That's why I conduct informal education sessions at the children's club and help out at a summer day camp during school holidays.

Among my other volunteer projects are "Food Security," where we collect food packages and distribute them to those in need, as well as "Generations Chronicle" and "Shabbat as a Separate Form of Art," where I assist in organizing and preparing meetings for participants. Additionally, I contribute to the "Socialization Club" and "Day Club."

I appreciate that volunteering opens up vast opportunities for self-realization and communication. Moreover, I like seeing that my efforts are needed and important. I believe that volunteering is the best way to make our world a better place!

I am 16 years old. I am a vocational school student. Besides, I go to choreography school and take part in fire shows. I have been attending the Jewish Community Center all my life. I take an active part in many Jewish Community projects, help organize concerts, performances, and festive events. I have even volunteered as a madrichim at the summer camp. I have decided to become a volunteer because I like to help people and I love children. As a volunteer, I gain experience, develop new valuable skills and knowledge. In my view, a volunteer is a person who voluntarily and free of charge helps those in need. I believe that our activity is useful and necessary.

Natalya Kuleshova has been a volunteer with Hesed in Almaty since 2020 and plays an active role in the community's life. She organizes vocal lessons for children and youth, actively participates in the "Socialization" club, and takes part in projects such as the "Day Center," "Theater," and "Chronicle of Generations."

Natalya demonstrates professionalism in her work, finding an approach to each person and paying attention to everyone. She also contributes to the planning and organization of community events, concerts, and other activities, giving them a special touch and significance.

Hello, my name is Alisa Kilibaeva, and I am a volunteer. Since childhood, I could never remain indifferent if someone needed help. I felt a strong need to assist and improve the lives of others. As I easily connect with people of different ages and always seek active communication, my creative talents pushed me to find ways for self-realization.

Volunteering has united all my aspirations and desires. Today, I actively participate in the community's life and various projects, as well as city and community events. I volunteer in projects like "Shabbat as a Separate Art Form," "Rapid Response Group," and "Food Security." I also enjoy working with children, so in the summer, I help in the children's day camp and conduct classes as part of informal education at the day center.

Additionally, I assist in organizing themed evenings for youth and participate in AJT international quizzes, intellectual games, and represent the community at various events. Volunteering has opened up unlimited opportunities for self-realization, and most importantly, I feel part of a significant and important mission to help others!