By Zakiah Senin
At the end of each volunteer programme, volunteers will usually sit together to share their feedback about how the programme went.
I recall one incident when my actions were questioned by a young volunteer in his early twenties. As he voiced his critique and suggestions for improvement, my heart whispered, “It’s easy for you to say this, because you don’t know the real problems.” Or, “Are you just trying to show off? Hopefully, you won’t show up again after this.”
These inner murmurs disturbed my thoughts and shook my emotions. Yet, when responding to his criticism, I tried to choose my words carefully so that I would still appear rational and professional.
On the drive home, the silence remained unresolved. I truly felt insulted, disrespected, and unappreciated. Suddenly, my inner voice spoke: “You are not humble enough yet…” — and I was startled.
The Essence of Humility
This trait is deeply tied to the world of volunteerism, and in fact, it is essential for anyone who calls themselves human.
Humility prevents a person from feeling superior to others, even if their knowledge is vast, their experience extensive, their position high, or their wealth abundant.
A humble person realises that everything they possess is only by God’s permission. This awareness nurtures gratitude, which in turn opens the heart to accept, appreciate, and respect anyone.
Kevin Hall, in Aspire (2010), wrote about this. In English, humility comes from the Latin word humus. Humus refers to dark soil rich in nutrients formed from decomposed plants and animals. It is known as the “life force of the soil” because it retains moisture and serves as a reservoir for nutrient ions.
Fertility of the Soul
Soil containing humus allows seeds to sprout, grow, and flourish, eventually producing abundant flowers or fruits that benefit those around them.
Such is the nature of humility. It nourishes the soul and directly spreads goodness to anyone, whether connected to us or not. Over time, we will experience the beauty reflected in the actions we take.
Believe me: even a snake that slithers at the bottom of roots does not lose its venom.
(This reflection on volunteerism represents a principle close to my heart. It is also included in my book Suka Rela Sukar Lawan, published by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka in 2024.)
Zakiah Senin is a steadfast senior volunteer of Yayasan SALAM Malaysia, an NGO that has been involved in volunteerism for the last 30 years.