This week we are sharing reflections from some of CVS Inverclyde’s volunteers. Volunteers support a range of projects while learning new skills. Maryam Baraki is new to Scotland and volunteers to make friends and improve her English.
My name is Maryam Baraki, I am originally from Kabul in Afghanistan. I arrived in Scotland in March 2025 and now live on the West Coast in a town called Greenock.
After settling here, I was referred by the Job Centre to join a ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group at the West of Scotland College. This group has courses to help improve my language skills. I have found these courses very helpful and have also had the opportunity to network and make a number of close friends.
While in Scotland, I have visited several cities and what I have found is that the peoplet have been some of the kindest people I have ever met.
To help my language skills and in the local community, I volunteer in the kitchen at the Lyle Kirk Church. This volunteer opportunity means a lot to me as it allows me to contribute to the local community and connect with people from different backgrounds.
Going forward, I hope to move into a full-time role and have a career in either beauty therapy or nursing. I have a strong interest in both these fields of employment. In my free time as well as volunteering, I love to run and often go jogging along the beautiful coastline near my home. This gives me a wonderful sense of freedom, strength and connection to my new home.
To find a local volunteer opportunity that suits you, visit www.volunteerinverclyde.com or email admin@cvsinverclyde.org.uk