Mathews was a student at Fountain of Life Community School when we launched our very first reading program in 2014. Once a month, we brought volunteers to the school to read with and to the children. At the time, Mathews was shy and quiet, often in the background. But over the Saturdays, he became one of the most confident readers.

We lost track of Mathews from the end of 7th grade through his high school years. But when he graduated, he came back to our Library to ask if he could volunteer with us. While studying computer science, he helped manage our technology and even teach computers to older teachers. But where he came alive most was when interacting with the children in our library - kids who were just like him. Matthews shares his experiences in this heartwarming letter.

“For as long as I can remember, my mind has always been filled with questions, mystery, adventure, and curiosity. I've always been the kind of person who needed something or someone to answer those questions, to pour into me, and help fill that gap in my life. Impact One has done exactly that.

When I was a little kid, I was faced with a lot of circumstances that were completely out of my control. Because of that, I lost my balance. I struggled with anger, and somewhere along the way, I lost touch with who I really was.

I remember when Impact One first came to my school. Those first few visits felt strange. As much as I wanted to learn how to read, it never occurred to me that I would have to read to someone else. At the time, I didn't think my reading mattered to anyone.

But, strangely enough, it did.

Impact One didn't just teach me how to read they opened my eyes to the possibilities of the world. Through books, I discovered adventure, imagination, and answers to questions I didn't even know I had. I could travel across countries and through history without ever leaving my seat. For the first time, I could see myself becoming someone. I could imagine. I could dream.

Most importantly, Impact One taught me how to care. They taught me to love myself, to love other people, and to love God. They taught me to believe that my life had purpose, and for that I will always be grateful. Even today, I still remember the song we used to sing "Father Abraham." It reminds me of those moments and how much they shaped me.

After completing Grade 12, I knew I wanted to come back. While I was pursuing my Software Engineering program, I returned to Impact One as a volunteer. Once again, they welcomed me with open arms. They gave me the freedom to explore different areas of the organization and encouraged me to find where I fit best.

Although I enjoyed spending time with the tech team, I discovered that what I loved most was reading with the children helping them learn to read, reading stories to them, and watching them experience the same excitement and confidence that Impact One had once given me.

Even when my Software Engineering program didn't work out the way I had hoped, Impact One never stopped believing in me. They encouraged me, mentored me, and continued to pour into my life when I needed it most.

That is why I will always be grateful to be part of the Impact One family.

Because to me, it has never just been an organization.

It has always felt like home.”

~ Mathews

A Volunteer’s Reflections

Seeds of Hope

Impact One