From the heart: 5 volunteers from Equatorial Guinea explain what motivates them to help others.
Imelda Bendje
"Being a volunteer means giving, contributing, supporting in any situation that arises, without expecting anything in return."
"From within my community, I provide the necessary help while always putting forward my role as a volunteer.
During the recent flooding in the city of Luba, dealing directly with affected people, made me feel that I was truly making a difference.
Being a volunteer is not a job, it is a choice. It is having a generous heart. Voluntary action must be clear and without hidden intentions.”
Justo Ndong Osa
“Being a volunteer means serving with the heart, without expecting any reward. It is an expression of love for others, a commitment to the community, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.
I know the language, customs and values of my people. This allows me to approach others with empathy, speak confidently, and act respectfully.
The community sees me as one of their own, and this opens many doors. During an awareness campaign, some community members had doubts. By knowing them personally, I was able to speak with them closely. This built trust and encouraged them to participate actively.
During a visit to a family affected by an emergency, we not only brought assistance but also company. A mother told me: ‘Thank you for not forgetting us.’ At that moment, I realized that simply being present is already a form of help.
To all volunteers around the world: thank you for your dedication. Even if we are in different countries, we share the same compassionate heart. Let us continue serving with love, because every action counts.
María Paz Mbá Abeso
“For me, being a volunteer means acting with solidarity, not expecting financial rewards, and serving with the heart.
During the Mpox awareness campaign, I was able to translate for elderly people who did not understand what we were talking about, and this allowed the message to be delivered more clearly.
My message is: Let us continue helping and supporting with our hearts those who are in need.
Leyda Nguere Bekari
“For me, being a volunteer means offering or dedicating my free time to carry out an action or a service for the benefit of others and society.
As I am part of the community, I am aware of the real problems it faces. In this way, being a volunteer helps me interact with my community and extend a friendly helping hand.
When we were collecting waste and cleaning the streets (following floods in August 2025), our work came with a message: keeping the streets clean improves public health.
In my community, the perception of my work is very positive. It is seen as a driving force for social well-being, benefiting both those affected and those providing support.
As a volunteer, I would like to say that being able to draw a smile on someone’s face is something that truly comforts us.”
Arcadio Edu Miko
"As a volunteer in my community, I try to help others, whether financially or morally, so that they do not feel abandoned or discouraged.
As a volunteer, I have lived through experiences I would prefer not to relive. Seeing people suffering in public hospitals touched me deeply, and even though I don’t have much, I try to share what I can by bringing occasional help to hospitals, such as water bottles, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Recently, the city of Luba suffered flooding due to heavy rains, and many families were left without shelter. This encouraged me to join my fellow volunteers and go on-site to help by sweeping the streets and removing the debris left by the water.
I would like to first thank the other volunteers for all their efforts, because thanks to them I have also been inspired. I ask them to continue being patient, because being a volunteer is not easy.
Helping others without expecting anything in return is one of the most beautiful things in the world."