Haika's Volunteer Journey and Goals

Haika Fahim, a 16-year-old student, founded Houston Helping Hands to address volunteer hour challenges during the pandemic. The organization, which is student-led, has grown to 200 members and aims to expand further. Haika discusses the challenges of balancing school and non-profit work, the importance of design, and future goals for the organization. She also shares her personal interests and the rewarding nature of volunteering.

What motivated Haika Fahim to start her non-profit organization?

• To earn extra credit in school

• To help her peers meet their volunteer requirements

• To avoid doing her own volunteer work

• To gain popularity among her friends

What was one of the main challenges Haika faced when starting her organization?

• Balancing schoolwork and the non-profit

• Getting approval from her teachers

• Finding a name for the organization

• Raising initial funds

How many members did Houston Helping Hands have when it first launched?

• 50

• 150

• 200

• 100

What aspect of developing the non-profit did Haika enjoy the most?

• Organizing events

• Recruiting members

• Designing the logo and website

• Logistical planning

What is one of the future goals for Houston Helping Hands?

• To become a for-profit organization

• To have chapters in every school district in Houston

• To focus solely on fundraising events

• To limit membership to only high school students

What does Haika plan to add to their Instagram page?

• Weekly volunteer challenges

• Photos of volunteer events

• Interviews with representatives from different organizations

• Daily motivational quotes

What are some of Haika's personal interests?

• Baking, reading, and painting

• Playing sports and video games

• Traveling and photography

• Dancing and singing

How does Haika view volunteer work?

• As a way to earn money

• As a waste of time

• As a rewarding experience

• As a mandatory task

What does Haika believe volunteering gives you the power to do?

• Make new friends

• Make change through time and hard work

• Earn extra credit

• Gain popularity

What gift did Haika receive from Houston Life?

• A new laptop

• A hundred dollar gift card to Sir Latab

• A volunteer award

• A scholarship