Considering Careers: running a charity and its challenges

By Hermione So

From Year 10 to Year 13, students are required to take part in community service opportunities in and beyond the classroom, not only to graduate, but also to gain new experiences, hone and develop new skills, and meet new people. Despite one’s age, community service, for instance supporting a charity, is highly beneficial for one’s growth.

Hanuman Charity is a registered society that aims to make positive changes for the underprivileged in Hong Kong. They host charity walks six times a week, and go to several districts in Hong Kong to feed the needy and underprivileged with homemade vegetarian meals. The RCHK Truth spoke with Hanuman Charity to learn more about the highlights and challenges of running a charity.

Naveen Sadhwani, the founder of Hanuman Charity, was born and raised in Hong Kong, which enables him to communicate fluently with the underprivileged and the charity's beneficiaries in Cantonese. He established the charity at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong and has been actively involved ever since. Along with his two daughters, Naveen Sadhwani manages and supervises all charity events.

Why did you start the charity? What motivated you to begin?

Sadhwani: Thanks to my parents, who instilled a charitable spirit in me from a young age, I have had many opportunities to give back to my community both in my hometown, in India and in Hong Kong. This has fueled a passion for charity work within me. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for me. Many NGOs in Hong Kong stopped providing basic necessities such as meals and toiletries to the needy, which left the vulnerable in an even more precarious situation. This motivated me to start my own charity.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Sadhwani: The most gratifying thing for me and my daughters is seeing the joy on the faces of those we serve every day. Nothing compares to the appreciation and happiness they express when they receive a meal from us and immediately begin to eat from it. It's a truly humbling experience that reminds us of the impact we can have on someone's life with a simple act of kindness.

What is the most challenging part of the job?

Sadhwani: Managing the financial accounts and keeping track of donations can be a daunting task. Ensuring that we have enough funds to continue our operations and provide the necessary resources for those in need is essential. It can also be challenging to keep track of the number of people who are interested in donating food or staple items for our meals. However, we have developed efficient systems to manage the financial aspects of our charity, and we have a team of dedicated volunteers who help us keep track of donations and inventory. We also prioritize transparency and accountability in our financial management to ensure that our donors have confidence in our work.

What is an important skill to work in this field?

Sadhwani: The most important skill in the charity field is strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for understanding the needs of the community and articulating the charity's mission and goals to potential donors and stakeholders. Empathy and compassion for those being served are also important.

Do you believe that this job will be in great demand in the future? Is this job desirable?

Sadhwani: Charitable work is essential, and the need for it will continue to grow as homelessness and poverty rates increase worldwide. Careers in the charity field are likely to be in high demand in the future. For those with a passion for helping others or skills that fall under the social service category, this type of job can be highly desirable. Working in the charity field can be a rewarding career choice, providing individuals with the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. However, it is important to note that working in this field can also be challenging, and it requires a strong commitment to the cause and a willingness to learn and grow as a professional.

Any recommendations for those who are thinking about a career in this field?

Sadhwani: For those interested in a career in the charity field, there are many options to consider. First, it is important to identify your passion and determine which area of the charity field you would like to focus on. This can include branches such as education, poverty, healthcare, and the environment. By aligning your interests with your values, you can find a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.

Secondly, gaining experience in the field is important as it allows you to gain hands-on exposure and develop valuable skills. This can include volunteering with a charity organization or interning with a charity-related program.

Lastly, considering further education can also be an important step in pursuing a career in the charity field. Many roles in the charity sector require specialized knowledge and skills, and pursuing a degree or certification in a related field, for instance business or public administration degree, can help improve your chances of landing a job in the sector.

Last, but not least, people often say, “You can’t make money from this”, what are your thoughts?

Sadhwani: The statement "You can't make money from this" is a common belief held by some people, but it is not entirely accurate. While charity work is typically not done for financial gain, it can still generate income in various ways. Charitable organizations can generate income through fundraising activities and donations from individuals, corporations, and governments. Additionally, some charitable activities can lead to financial benefits for individuals involved in the work that can lead to better employment opportunities or higher salaries in the future.

However, for those who are interested in both charity work and earning an income, pursuing a course specializing in social service can be a good option. This can help individuals attain jobs as social workers, who work directly with individuals and communities to provide support and resources. In addition to earning an income, social workers can make a significant impact in their communities and help those who are most in need.

All in all, supporting charities is vital, for it has a good influence on the neighborhood. Check out @hanuman.charity on Instagram if you have further inquiries.