"The Maths Volunteers Foundation is an organization established in 2020 with a mission to promote mathematics, not only in Pakistan but also globally, and especially within Pakistan, all services are offered free of charge. The organization is run by a group of volunteers led by Mr. Wajid Ali.  They organize various events related to mathematics and invite distinguished speakers from well-reputed institutes worldwide. The Maths Volunteers extended their services to provide training for young mathematicians. They recently advertised an opportunity to select two student representatives (one male and one female) from major universities in Pakistan. On October 22, 2023 “The Maths Volunteers Foundation” organized a session for the introduction of newly recruited student representatives. In this blog, we describe our experience as “Student representatives” in this introductory session which was both informative and fun.

The session was chaired by Humaira Butt (Event Director) and led by Wajid Ali (Executive Director) of the Maths Volunteers. The primary focus of the session was to clarify everyone's roles and responsibilities within the foundation. The session covered a wide range of topics, from how the foundation got started, its mission, and the support it provides to students, soft skills like writing formal emails, creating CVs and cover letters, motivation letters, personal statements, and research proposals. They also touched on important aspects of formal communication, working together as a team, and developing strong leadership skills.

During this session, the executive director shared some valuable information about the services offered by the Maths Volunteers. These services include short courses, seminars on advanced maths topics, research guidance by offering research and reading courses. This kind of support is particularly valuable for undergraduate students who might not have many opportunities to do research at their colleges. Apart from academic help, the Maths Volunteers also provide financial and moral support to students facing financial difficulties and wanting to continue their education. If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Maths Volunteers team. It was good to know that anyone can contact them via email or book an appointment by visiting their official website. Their dedication to assisting students in accessing educational and research opportunities is commendable, and their willingness to assist those in need is an invaluable resource for students looking to further their academic and research journeys.

The Maths Volunteers is also present on all major social media platforms which makes it more accessible for students. For students who are seeking more information about the foundation and what they do, their official website is a great place to start. Interested individuals can also check out their YouTube channel, where they have posted recordings of the talks and short courses that can be really helpful. Moreover, they have a WhatsApp group for sharing information and holding weekly Q&A sessions. All the details about scholarships are available on their official website, so you can find everything you need there. And remember, "The Maths Volunteers Foundation" is not just about math; it's also about personal growth.

It was great to meet other student representatives from different universities in Pakistan. All of us introduced ourselves and shared our areas of interest, hobbies, and goals. Mr. Wajid Ali also motivated the representatives to assist each other. The session concluded with a fun Kahoot game, featuring questions related to the session and “The Maths Volunteers Foundation”, adding a fun element to the event. Moreover, Mr. Wajid Ali made an exciting announcement during the session by revealing a special prize for the winner of the Kahoot.it game session winner. This session provided valuable information and the opportunity to interact with students from various universities, facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge on effective writing and communication. The Kahoot game was a fun ending to the session.

In conclusion, we would say that “volunteering is indeed an act of heroism” and the aspect of training student representatives is an important addition to the services provided by Maths Volunteers. This showcased their commitment to empowering students with both mathematical and non-mathematical skills. As a beacon of support and education, Maths Volunteers are making a significant impact on the lives of students. Whether you are passionate about mathematics or seeking personal growth, “The Maths Volunteers Foundation” is a valuable resource worth exploring.

Remarks:

We would recommend that the Maths Volunteers team consider organizing future sessions that focus not only on our mathematical skills but also help in enhancing social skills. For readers, our advice is that joining “The Maths Volunteers Foundation” sessions are not just about mathematics but also about personal growth. If you have a good understanding and unique ideas, participating in the sessions allows you to share your insights with other attendees."