June 22, 2026
Empowering Future Leaders Through Volunteering: IDFA’s Student Volunteer Program
At the Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA), volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. While many of our volunteers are people living with immunodeficiencies, family members, carers, and healthcare professionals, we are also committed to supporting the next generation of health leaders through our Student Volunteer Program.
The program provides university students with the opportunity to gain practical experience within the not-for-profit health sector while contributing to meaningful projects that support the primary immunodeficiency (PI) community. Students bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new skills, while developing a deeper understanding of patient advocacy, community engagement, and the challenges faced by people living with rare and chronic conditions.
One of our current student volunteers, Umu, is studying Health Service Management and Public Health and has a strong passion for advocacy and community wellbeing. Through her volunteering role with IDFA, Umu has been able to combine her studies with purpose, contributing to projects that help people feel seen, respected, and cared for.
“Volunteering with IDFA is truly empowering. It has strengthened my commitment to supporting others and deepened my understanding of the impact compassionate care can have,” says Umu.
For Umu, volunteering has been about much more than gaining professional experience.
“I volunteer because making a real difference in people’s lives brings me genuine happiness. IDFA gives me the chance to support people living with immunodeficiencies and contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and desire to help others.”
As part of her current volunteer project, Umu is developing an IDFA Ambassador Pack—a resource designed to support members who wish to become advocates and representatives for the organisation. The Ambassador Pack will provide guidance, tools, and opportunities for members to share their stories, raise awareness, and become the face of IDFA within their local communities.
Projects such as this not only strengthen IDFA’s advocacy efforts but also provide students with valuable experience in project development, stakeholder engagement, communications, and community-focused leadership.
The Student Volunteer Program reflects IDFA’s belief that investing in future health professionals and leaders benefits both students and the communities they serve. By creating opportunities for students to contribute in meaningful ways, IDFA is helping to build a more informed, compassionate, and engaged healthcare workforce for the future.
Through volunteers like Umu, we continue to see the powerful impact that passion, purpose, and community connection can have in supporting people living with primary immunodeficiencies.
