“Human beings are members of a whole.” Words of the Persian poet, Saʿdī Shīrāz, perfectly frame what I believe volunteering truly is. We are all part of the global family, and by helping each other, we make our communities stronger and more resilient. I am Golazin Hemmaty, UN Volunteer with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Iran, and I believe there is no action too small to make a difference. The only important thing is our collective efforts for a better future for everyone, everywhere.
I remember the day vividly—my father had just returned from one of his work trips. As he unpacked his bag, he handed me a small, suitcase-like package. My eyes lit up; I loved puzzles, but this one was different. It wasn’t the usual puzzle with Disney princesses or cartoon characters I was used to. Instead, it was made of 20 cubes, each face contributing to six unique puzzles.
As I carefully turned the cubes to piece them together, I noticed something special about the pictures. They showed children in different settings—playing, laughing, learning—but they all shared the same radiant happiness. Even the packaging felt unique, with its suitcase-style design and a picture of a mother and child encircled on the front.
Curious, I asked my father, about it. He explained, "This puzzle is created by an organization that helps children all over the world have better lives. It's called UNICEF."
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I am, now, a Media and Communication Officer with UNICEF, the same organization that I have admired since I was eight—the cube of pictures from my childhood is again in my hands, but now, in my role, I make sure the children I support as a volunteer can have the same dream-filled eyes and hope I did.
At the UNICEF Iran office, my volunteer assignment centers on documenting and reporting on the multi-dimensional programmes. These include water and sewage systems in some of the driest villages so that every child has access to safe water, and building the skills of adolescents so they transition from learning to earning with equal access to employment opportunities.
I create visual and written content for social media channels, showcasing UNICEF’s projects and advocating for children’s rights in a way that truly engages the audience. Beyond digital content, I often go on field missions across the country, where I report on results.
Through photography, videos, and storytelling, I bring the experiences of children and other beneficiaries to life. This approach makes our work feel more tangible and impactful, going beyond mere reports and statistics.
Iran, with its rich history dating back to ancient Persia, is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, renowned for its magnificent architectural wonders and vibrant traditions in art, literature, and poetry. Despite its cultural wealth and natural beauty, our country faces significant challenges, including the harsh realities of an economic slump, an upsurge of inflation, mass unemployment, and environmental challenges. This is where the children of Iran suffer the most—especially those from vulnerable areas.
What I learned about volunteering over the years is that every small act of kindness and service matters. What we, the volunteers are able to achieve on the ground, working with communities and making sure every voice is brought to the fore—that's what compassion and solidarity are all about.
And that's what Saʿdī Shīrāz, the poet from the 13th century, had inscribed:
Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain,
If you've no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.