Douglas Asamoah has been volunteering at Fight for Peace for the past year as our Volunteer Lead. Here he tells us how he got involved with our organisation, what he has experienced through working with us, and his key takeaways from his time at team Fight for Peace.
I stumbled across Fight for Peace while working at an asset management firm. Their work intrigued me—in my view, here was a charity that redirected youthful energy in the most admirable way possible. They offered discipline through martial arts and built a strong sense of community and camaraderie among young people.
When the opportunity arose to spend part of my sabbatical with Fight for Peace and help roll out their volunteer program, I nervously but excitedly took the plunge. What followed was an unexpected journey of support, inspiration, and newfound community.
My role as Volunteer Lead was a departure from my usual financial models. The tasks were unfamiliar—revamping the volunteer program, organising volunteer days, coordinating schedules, and managing logistics. Yet, from the beginning, the team embraced me, generously offering their time and input. After several iterations and board approval, we had a working plan.
Whether doing clothes inventories or various roles during boxing shows, the collective effort was palpable. These days were filled with laughter, shared stories, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
A highlight of my time was participating in the sports programmes. Engaging in boxing, MMA, and muay thai alongside young people was tough but fun. Their contagious energy pushed me to give my best, even though I often found myself panting at the back of the class. I confess, the sessions left me sore for days but very satisfied.
At a boxing competition Fight for Peace hosted, I saw how young athletes supported each other, cheered each other on, and celebrated each victory. These small moments of connection gave me a renewed appreciation for what Fight for Peace was accomplishing.
Two of Fight for Peace’s key values – embracing and inspiring – stood out during my time there. I came to Fight for Peace hoping to help in any small way, but I am leaving with a newfound sense of community and inspiration.
As I return to my career, I carry with me the lessons and memories from my sabbatical. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a vibrant community and am inspired to bring the same sense of support and collaboration into my professional life. This journey has been a testament to the power of embracing new experiences and the incredible impact of inspiring and being inspired by those around us.
Volunteers are vital to our work and we offer several roles for those wishing to contribute to our mission of supporting young people to thrive. To register your interest in volunteering at Fight for Peace please email info@fightforpeace.net.
