Finding Purpose Through Connection: Lys’s Volunteering Journey

For the past three years, Lys has been a friendly and familiar face at Pines Learning, giving her time each week to support others.

Her journey into volunteering began with a simple motivation to give back to the community, particularly to people new to Australia. Having lived in India, Hong Kong, England, and now Australia, Lys understands the challenges of starting over in a new country. That experience helps her connect with migrants as they build confidence and improve their English.

“Volunteering has been fulfilling and has given me purpose with a routine to my week,” Lys shares. Over time, she’s gained confidence speaking in front of groups, often sharing stories from her travels around Australia to spark conversation and help her students learn more about life here. She now leads a class that combines learning English with cooking – a relaxed, practical way to help people practise language skills while connecting over food and stories.

For Lys, volunteering is about giving back, connecting with others, and finding small but meaningful ways to make a difference.