I am Leatitia Mujawamariya, a young leader from the Association des Guides du Rwanda (AGR). I am very excited to celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day with all the people who are working hard to empower girls and young women through volunteer work.

Since my volunteering journey started, I have had various memorable leadership positions, and today, I would like to highlight a few of them. Let me start with my favorite experience, which has opened many doors on my volunteerism journey. At the age of 20, I served as a District Commissioner. This was a challenging position as it involved leading all Girl Guides from my district, including adults, but it was the best time for learning.

This position sharpened my communication and mobilization skills, thanks to my positive attitude and tireless energy in encouraging others to work hard and succeed. It also opened my mind to becoming a result-oriented young woman with a great passion for leadership and women's empowerment. Working with various stakeholders boosted my collaboration skills and public speaking abilities as I consistently went beyond my duties, seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and motivate other Girl Guides from my District.

When I express that volunteering brings me happiness, not everyone may fully grasp it. However, reflecting on the international event I participated in, where I connected with individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, it underscores how my global perspective has grown, enabling me to be more open-minded and understanding.

Volunteering in Girl Guiding not only provides space for personal growth but also serves as a platform to showcase your potential.

I strongly encourage young people to volunteer as it offers an opportunity to acquire the skills and experience necessary for professional development and making a positive impact in their community through volunteerism.