Volunteers’ Week 2022 – Mala’s Story
Mala has spent the past four years volunteering with a range of organisations in Scotland and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her roles, having previously worked as a community development coordinator for forty years as well as a politician for fifteen before coming to Scotland. 
Amongst her numerous volunteering commitments, Mala has helped Nourish Scotland by promoting, giving awareness, campaigning and obtaining signatures on petitions about good food nation policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped as one of the front line volunteers at Central and West Integration Network to prepare food parcels for 110 families every week.
Mala has taken huge initiative to create opportunities for others to volunteer and reap the benefits within her local community. In summer 2019 she secured an overgrown plot of land on the Lambhill allotment sites and cleared much of the site with her son, creating an opportunity for community members to become involved with growing their own food. In addition to working on the garden, Mala recruited community members for gardening sessions each Friday throughout the summer, creating an opportunity for people to learn new skills, meet new people and benefit from activity outdoors.
“I am keeping myself busy by helping to contribute and sharing all my knowledge and skills to upgrade the betterment of the community in my local area.”
Mala brings a positive attitude and a strong sense of justice to society and to her volunteering. As an active volunteer with Central and West Integration Network (CWIN), Mala has been a Board member and Trustee since 2019, was nominated as a finalist for the CEMVO Scotland Ethnic Minority Impact Award under the health category for her contributes as a food researcher for the BAME communities and is now studying an HNC in Community Development at Glasgow Kelvin College.
“Despite being a member of one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, I am making my mark, having my voice heard and join in working towards social change in my host country.”
Mala considers herself to be a role model for others who feel stuck and unable to do much about their situation. She is an impressive individual and provides an incredible example for those wanting to get out and make a difference for those around them.
