THE LEO LEGACYhow it works and I was really fascinated by the servicesprovided and all those leadership and the qualities Iwas expecting. So yes, I joined Leo Club.3) Who inspired you tostart volunteering?Was it a person or a moment in your life?It was more of a moment than a person. There came atime when I realized how privileged I am to haveopportunities that many people don't. I was also insocial service clubs in schools and high schools as well.Even though I was in social service club, of course, wedidn't have many events. But even without being inany club, I was always looking forward to helpingpeople or volunteering. I was constantly trying tovolunteer or participate in every event that our highschools provided or had. And volunteering always feltlike the right way to use my time and energy forsomething impactful. Also, yes, I really love doing this.That's how I got inspired.4) How is your Leo journey going so far? How does itmake you feel?Talking about my Leo journey, it has been incrediblyrewarding, and I must say, because it helped me togrow not only as a volunteer, but also as an individual.Page 49 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYSo being in Leo Club of Gaurishankar, it has helped meso so much. I never felt uncomfortable or anydiscomfort. And also I've made so many moreconnections. I've been participating in different kindsof events, and I talk to everyone, and now I have somany friends, I have so many connections, and morepeople to talk to. Yes, I've learned so many things. Ijust love exploring new things, and I think Leo journeyhas been giving me the things I've wanted so far. Also,I deeply respect everyone of my club and all Leo clubmembers because I've seen people and everyone hasbeen giving their 100% every time. And they alsoteach new members, new people or people around themto learn and also give 100% for their effort. Yes, I thinkit has been really going great and I love it.5) Which Leo project or event is closest to your heart?Why is it special to you?Talking about my closest memory to my heart, it wason the 17th of January when we visited SrijansilOrphanage, which is just about ten minutes away frommy home. There were 19 children at the orphanage,and we spent time playing, talking, and laughing withthem. In that moment, I didn’t feel like I was withstrangers. I felt like I was with my family. It felt asthough I had known them for a long time.Page 50 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYWe also donated essential items such as toothbrushes,toothpastes, sanitary pads, and stationery things theytruly needed. But what touched me the most was theemotional connection we shared. Seeing their smiles,their excitement, and their warmth made theexperience deeply personal for me. I was trulyemotional that day. It reminded me that volunteeringis not just about giving things, but about giving love,time and presence.6) What is the best thing you learned from being aLeo? How has being a Leo changed you as a person?The best thing I’ve learned is leadership throughservice. Being a Leo has made me more responsible,empathetic, and confident. It has also taught me howto work with different people, handle challenges, andlead with kindness.Through participating in many different events, weoften face various situations, and this has helped melearn how to deal with different kinds of people andchallenges. Overall, being a Leo has truly shaped theway I approach leadership and responsibility.Page 51 of 70
THE LEO LEGACY7) What do you enjoy most about volunteering withLeos? What does“Being a Leo”mean to you in onesentence?What I enjoy the most is working with like-mindedindividuals who share the same passion for service. InLeo, we often meet people who think alike we arealways ready to help, always willing to participate, andalways give our 100%. I really enjoy sharing thiscommon passion for service, volunteering, and helpingothers.If I had to describe being a Leo in one sentence:Being a Leo means using leadership as a tool to serveothers and create positive change.8) What message would you give to someone whowants to join Leos? Why should they start theirjourney?I would tell them to take their first step withouthesitation. Joining Leo will help you grow, buildlifelong friendships like I did, and give you the chanceto make a real difference. It’s a journey that shapes youinto a better leader and a more compassionate humanbeing.Page 52 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYInterviewed by- Leo Akithma DewangiIf you truly want results or meaningful outcomes,you have to start first. Taking that first step isessential. You can only understand the impactonce you begin. That’s why I believe starting thisjourney is truly worth it.Page 53 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYThe Inspiring Journey of Leo Prakriti AdhikariIn a world that often prioritizes individual success,some young leaders find their greatest fulfillment inthe service of others. Leo Prakriti Adhikari, thePresident of the Leo Club of KathmanduMachhapokhari, is a shining example of how passionand purpose can transform both a community and aperson.From Inspiration to ActionPrakriti’s journey into the worldof volunteering didn't happenby chance; it was sparked bya powerful example at home.Watching her sister, Leo Aakriti Adhikari, who wasworking tirelessly for the betterment of society,Prakriti felt a deep call to action.\"I saw her dedicationand realized that even small efforts can create bigchanges,\"she recalls. This realization led her tobecome a Leo. In her opinion, it’s a platform shebelieves is the perfect balance for personal growth andcommunity contribution.TRAILBLAZERS IN SERVICEPage 54 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYThe Sindhuli Mission: A Life-Changing ExperienceAmong her many memories, the Eye Screening andSurgery Program in Sindhuli stands out as the mostprofound. During this five-day mission, 153 successfulsurgeries were performed.I was far from home and exhausted, but the faces of thepeople we helped kept me going,\" Prakriti shares. \"Iam not from a medical background, but I learned tocheck blood pressure and assist in medical procedures.It was the sweetest journey of my life.\"A Legacy of Impact: 70 Programs and CountingSince joining, Prakriti’s journeyhas been nothing short ofremarkable. With 70 programscompleted under her belt, shecredits her success to the unwavering support of herclub members. Her portfolio of service ranges fromlocal awareness to life-changing medical camps: ChildAdvocacy: Organizing a Child Awareness Program atNiharika Shishu Kunja Secondary School.EssentialServices: Leading a water distribution program atLakhy Nakh.Family & Service: A hunger reliefprogram at United Prosperous Nepal, held on hergrandfather’s birthday, a moment where her personaland volunteer lives merged beautifully to bring smilesto children.Page 55 of 70
For Prakriti, being a Leo is more than a title or abadge; it is an identity. Through leadership, teamwork,and empathy, she has evolved into a more confidentand socially aware individual. She defines the essenceof the movement in one powerful sentence:\"Being aLEO means serving humanity with heart, leadership,and purpose.\"A Call to the YouthTo those standing on the sidelines of volunteerism,Prakriti offers a compelling invitation: Join the Leos.She believes that the journey is a dual path, one thatchanges the lives of the beneficiaries and the life of thevolunteer simultaneously. As she continues to lead theLeo Club of Kathmandu Machhapokhari, PrakritiAdhikari remains a testament to the fact that whenyouth lead with compassion, the entire world benefits.THE LEO LEGACYPenned by- Leo Isuri GamagePage 56 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYLEADING WITH PURPOSE, SERVING WITHHEART Leo Aakriti PandeyJoint TreasurerLeo Club of Kathmandu ChabahilIn a world that constantlydemands academic excellenand professional success, the true measure ofleadership lies in service, empathy, and purpose. LeoAakriti Pandey is a young leader who embodies thesevalues through her inspiring journey in the Leomovement.Aakriti describes herself as a Leo who believes deeplyin learning, leadership, and serving the communitywith purpose. Her Leo journey began with a simplecuriosity and a strong desire to do somethingmeaningful beyond academics. Encouraged by hersister, who was already part of the Leo movement,Aakriti took her first step into a world that wouldshape her confidence, skills, and sense ofresponsibility.Rather than being inspired by a single individual,Aakriti’s passion for volunteering grew from momentsof service. Having actively volunteered in school andcollege programs, she discovered a genuine love forhelping others and contributing to collective efforts.These early experiences laid a strong foundation forher commitment to community service.Page 57 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYHer Leo journey so far has been both fulfilling andempowering. Being elected as a member of the Boardof Directors has strengthened her sense of pride andaccountability. Through Leo activities, Aakriti hasdeveloped the ability to communicate comfortably withpeople of all age groups, a skill that has significantlyboosted her confidence and leadership presence.One of her most cherished memories with Leos isworking together as a team and witnessing genuinesmiles after the successful completion of projects. Forher, the joy of service does not end with the missionitself. It continues in the laughter, bonding, and sharedmoments of celebration that follow.Among all Leo initiatives, the Bolbum Project,conducted annually during Maha Shivaratri, holds aspecial place in her heart. This project involvescontinuous service for nearly 24 hours over 2–3 days,directly supporting devotees and the community. Theintensity of the effort and the visible impact onpeople’s lives gives Aakriti an immense sense ofachievement every single time.Page 58 of 70
Through her Leo journey, Aakriti has learned that trueleadership is rooted in empathy and effectivecommunication. These lessons have transformed herinto a more confident, disciplined, and sociallyindividual qualities that extend far beyond volunteerwork and into everyday life.What she enjoys most about volunteering with Leos isthe spirit of teamwork and the powerful feeling ofbeing part of something larger than herself. ToAakriti, Leo is not just an organization, it is a platformfor growth, service, and self-discovery.In her own words,“Being a LEO means leading withservice, integrity, and commitment.”Her message to aspiring Leos is clear and heartfelt:“Join Leos if you want to grow, serve, and make ameaningful difference while discovering your truepotential. The soft skills you develop here are notoptional, they are essential for real life.”Leo Aakriti Pandey’s journey reminds us that whenleadership meets compassion, service becomespowerful and change becomes possible.THE LEO LEGACYPenned by- Leo Anjalee PereraPage 59 of 70
THE LEO LEGACYPage 60 of 70International Relations and VolunteeringWhen people talk about international relations, theyoften imagine conference rooms, formal speeches, andhigh-level negotiations between states. I used to thinkthe same. Over time, however, my understanding ofglobal relations began to shift not through textbooksalone, but through volunteering and youthengagement that brought these ideas closer toeveryday life.My involvement with platforms such as UNICEFinitiatives and the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance(CAYA) Youth Empowerment Fellowship exposed meto conversations around child rights, climatechallenges, and youth participation. What stood outmost was not the scale of these issues, but how similarthe concerns were across different communities.Whether discussed in regional forums or localsettings, the struggles often echoed the same themes:safety, opportunity, and dignity.Through the UN online learning platform, I exploredtopics related to climate action and child rights. Thesecourses did not feel detached or abstract; instead, theyhelped me recognize patterns I could already seearound me changing weather affecting livelihoods, orgaps in awareness about child protection. Learning ata global level made local realities clearer, and localexperiences gave deeper meaning to global discussions.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 61 of 70Volunteering within local communities became themost eye-opening part of this journey. Throughuniversity clubs, I participated in activities focused onrural community wellbeing and animal welfare.Working in rural areas reminded me that solutionscannot be rushed or imposed. Progress often beginswith listening, building trust, and understandingpeople’s priorities. These moments taught me patienceand respect more effectively than any lecture.My role in the University Ambassador Program,carried out in collaboration with the National ChildProtection Authority, further shaped my perspective.Engaging in child protection awareness made it clearthat safeguarding children is not limited to policies orinstitutions. It depends on informed communities,responsible adults, and committed young people.Seeing how national frameworks connect withgrassroots efforts highlighted the importance ofcooperation at every level.Volunteering helped me realize that internationalrelations is not only about what happens betweencountries, but also about how global values arepracticed within societies. Ideas like cooperation,responsibility, and human security appear most clearlywhen people work together to address real problems,even on a small scale.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 62 of 70These experiences have influenced how I approachboth learning and life. They have improved my abilityocommunicate, work with diverse groups, and remainsensitive to different realities. More importantly, theyhave taught me that meaningful change does notalways start with large interventions. Sometimes, itbegins with showing up, listening, and contributingwhere you can.In many ways, volunteering has been my introductionto the human side of international relations. It is whereglobal concerns meet everyday lives, and whereresponsibility goes beyond borders.Penned by- Leo Tijini Fernando
THE LEO LEGACYPage 63 of 70Youth Volunteering and Global FriendshipIn today’s interconnected world, internationalrelations are no longer shaped only bydiplomats,governments formal agreements. Ordinarycitizens, especially young people, play a growing rolein building connections across borders. One of themost practical and powerful ways this happens isthrough volunteering.Volunteering may seem like a local activity helpingcommunities, supporting social causes or protectingthe environment. However, when these efforts connectpeople from different countries, cultures andbackgrounds, they become an important tool instrengthening international relationships.A practical example can be seen in internationalvolunteer programs and cross-border youth initiatives.When volunteers participate in disaster relief efforts,environmental conservation projects or educationalprograms abroad, they represent their countriesthrough compassion and cooperation rather thanpolitics. These interactions create trust, understandingand friendships between communities.For instance, Sri Lanka has benefited frominternational volunteer groups after natural disastersand during community development projects.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 64 of 70At the same time, Sri Lankan youth volunteers havealso joined global initiatives focused on climate action,public health awareness, and community development.These exchanges allow young people to learn newskills while sharing their own culture and experiences.Volunteering also helps address global challenges thatno country can solve alone. Climate change, poverty,education inequality and health crises requirecooperation beyond borders. Volunteers working withinternational organizations contribute to solutionswhile creating networks of collaboration betweennations.Another practical aspect is student led volunteeringand university partnerships. Many universities noworganize exchange programs, social service camps, andcollaborative research or development projects withforeign institutions. Students work together on realcommunity issues, building friendships and mutualrespect. These relationships often last long after theprograms end, shaping future cooperation in business,education and diplomacy.Digital volunteering is also becoming important.Online tutoring, fundraising campaigns, awarenessprograms, and social media activism allow youngvolunteers to support causes globally withouttraveling. This form of volunteering connects peopleacross continents and encourages global solidarity.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 65 of 70Beyond helping communities, volunteering developsleadership, communicatio and problem- solving skills.These skills prepare young people to becomeresponsible global citizens who understand culturaldiversity and respect different perspectives. Whenfuture leaders grow with such experiences,international relations become more cooperative andless confrontational.Importantly, volunteering shifts the focus fromcompetition between nations to collaboration amongpeople. Instead of seeing borders as barriers,volunteers see opportunities for cooperation. Smallacts teaching children, planting trees, supportingvulnerable communities contribute to larger globalharmony.For young people, especially university students,volunteering offers a chance to become ambassadors ofgoodwill. Every local community project has thepotential to connect with global efforts. By servinglocally, we contribute globally.The future of international relations may depend lesson negotiations in conference halls and more onpartnerships built through shared human experiences.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 66 of 70Volunteering reminds us that beyond politics andpolicies, people everywhere share common hopesfor safety, opportunity and dignity.If we want tobuild a strong legacy for future generations,volunteering must be seen not only as service butas a bridge connecting nations.Throughcompassion and cooperation, youngvolunteers can help write a new chapter in globalrelations one built on unity, understanding andshared responsibility.Because sometimes, the strongest diplomacybegins with simple acts of service.Penned by- M.A.Nethmi Vishodha Munasinghe
THE LEO LEGACYPage 67 of 70Volunteering as a Bridge Between NationsWhen the world is full of wars, political fights anddisasters, what can one person do? Sometimes thebiggest changes in international relations don’t startwith government officials but with ordinary peoplewho choose to volunteer.When people help others without expecting anythingin return, it strengthens friendship and mutual trust.Volunteering is not only about helping others, it alsoshapes you. You learn leadership skills, make newfriends, identify your strengths and weakness andbuild confidence. In a world of crises, volunteeringhelps to reduce the suffering of people, build peace andstrengthen the connections between countries.Volunteers understand people at a level wheregovernments often struggle to reach.The Israel and Gaza conflict is one of the most tragicsituations faced, where thousands of people weredisplaced and shortage of basic needs. Even though thepolitical situation was complex, internationalorganizations and volunteers continue to help peopleon both sides who are suffering. This shows the worldthat human kindness can cross borders even whengovernments disagree.
THE LEO LEGACYPage 68 of 70Recently, Sri Lanka faced severe floods andlandslides. These affected thousands of familiesand damagedvproperties. Countries like India,Japan, China, USA and many European nationsprovided aid. This proves how internationalrelations can directly improve people’s lives. Notonly the government but also the local andinternational volunteers stepped forward withfood, medical camps, rescue teams, emergencyshelters, educational programs, environmentalcleanups and community rebuilding projects.Their efforts might be small but it helped familiessurvive the difficult moments.Maybe one person cannot stop a war alone. Maybeone person cannot fix the entire world. But oneperson can change a life, improve a community orbecome an inspiration.Penned by- Leo Ushana Fernando
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