Voices from Abroad: Some Recent Volunteer Feedback
A Broader View Volunteers Corp gives Donation to Makuyu Village - Kenya Program
June 2009
With A Broader View's donation, the orphanage was provided several bags of sugar, flour, dried milk, school supplies for the children, wash buckets, and 2 goats (and lollipops!). These items will allow the children to eat, wash cloths, clean themselves and learn English.
The Makuyu program is located in a rural village about 30 miles from Nairobi. There are about 70 children being provided a safe home, and cared for by the local staff and also ABV volunteers.
If you can help our programs with a donation,
Paypal Donation Account: volunteers@abroaderview.org
Toll Free number: 1-866-423-3258
Skype: abroaderview.org
All your donations are Tax Deductible and 100% goes to the program.
Thank you
Sarah and Oliver Ehlers
A Broader View Founders
Volunteer Name: Jason Thai
Project Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Program Dates: 4/27/09 – 5/25/09
Volunteered at: Viet Xuan and Ma’yam Orphan School
My Favorite Memory: Meeting the Vietnamese and being able to embrace their culture, eat what they ate, live how they lived and appreciate and enjoy what they do
I was surprised that….Everyone was so incredibly friendly and would go out of their way to ensure that I was being taken care of
The most difficult thing I experienced was….Initially, there was difficulty in getting my schedule finalized and communicating back and forth on items I needed to do on my own vs. what would be taken care of
My best received lesson…just how kind, friendly and just great people from other countries can be
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Clothing, people tend to wear long shelves and pants. Pack light and keep an open mind.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
It was an overall wonderful experience and I really believe you get an experience that general tourists never get, that experience of fully interacting with local people and appreciating their kindness and how wonderful they can be.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely
Volunteer Name: David Li
Project Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Program Dates: April-June 2009
Volunteered At: I taught English at an orphanage called CCH (Children’s Center for Happiness). I created a computer class at a vocational school run by PIO (People Improvement Organization).
My Favorite Memory:
Time spent with the host family and other local Cambodians who have helped me along the way.
Seeing the children at the orphanage really try their best to make the most of the education that they are given (many kids would approach me during their lunch break to receive additional English lessons).
I was surprised that….
A great majority of the humanitarian efforts come from foreign sponsorship and efforts, not the Cambodian govt.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
The climate in Cambodia. It’s very hot and very humid. Also, the mosquitoes.
My best received lesson…
Though the main reason that I decided to volunteer was to help in the humanitarian efforts in Cambodia, my best received lessons occurred outside of work. I went from knowing absolutely nothing about Cambodian culture and history to knowing a great deal. Furthermore, this time away volunteering also gave me much time for self reflection. It allowed me an “escape” from my real life and gave me time to evaluate what is important in my life and what is not.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Bring a good pair of flipflops, as well as plenty of bug spray.
Good places to travel to during the weekend/holidays is Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.
If given the option to either live with a host family or in a guest house, go with the host family. Much of what I learned about Cambodian culture came from just chatting with the families. Also, they are the number 1 reason I adjusted so quickly and so well to the Cambodian lifestyle. You will also get a much more realistic picture of how it is to “live as a Cambodian.”
Volunteering for one month in Phnom Penh is too short of a time, as you’ll find that once you’ve finally fully adjusted to the culture and city, it’s time to go home. Give yourself at least 2, maybe 3 months.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I have always wanted to dedicate a portion of my time to volunteer, and am finally glad that I was given this opportunity. Looking back, this ranks up there as one of the best experiences of my life. This is not to say that every single day here was filled with joy and happiness. There were times of loneliness, confusion, and, at the end of the day, whether it be teaching English or creating a computer course, a job is still a job. However, a few things made it all worthwhile:
One of my jobs here was to create a course on Microsoft Access and educate the existing IT teachers on the software to the point where the comfortably teach future students the software. Seeing something that I created being sustained and used after I have gone makes me feel that I have really added value, and can continue adding value once I’ve been gone.
In all honesty, teaching English is not something that I have ever really been interested in doing. I do not have a background in teaching languages and am rather uncomfortable at times doing it. However, I decided to do it just because I love working with kids, something that my job in New York does not allow me to do. The kids’ enthusiasm made it all worthwhile. All of these kids had a lower level of support than I did growing up, and it really surprised me the majority of them were so driven to do well in school and to distance themselves from the past life living on the streets. After just a few days, I realized that the children did not just see me as a volunteer who comes and play with them. They saw me as an educator and someone that is helping them create the future that they have envisioned for themselves. That attitude is what drove me to come in everyday and do something that I was not entirely comfortable with.
This experience has made me into more of a humble person. Life in Cambodia is very different from life in the States. Power outages occurred throughout the day. Though it was almost 100 degrees everyday, I had no access to air conditioning to cool myself down. Internet was not available except at an internet café. I’m not saying that when I go back to the States, I won’t embrace the luxuries that I once had because I definitely will. However, now I know that all it takes is some patience and open mindedness to realize that there are many things that surround us in the western world that is truly a luxury and not something we should take for granted.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.
Volunteer Name: Emily Winston
Project Location: Cusco, Peru
Program Dates: March 19-March 30, 2009
Volunteered at: Maria Salome Ferro orphanage
My Favorite Memory:
Was working at the boy’s orphanage and being able to use my Spanish skills to communicate with the young boys. I absolutely love being around kids so it was definitely a great experience getting to speak Spanish while helping and playing the young children.
I was surprised that….
So many people there were so poor yet so happy. It is definitely very different than living in the United States where people complain about the small things when people less fortunate, such as in Peru, have so little. You would never hear these children or parents complaining about how bad their lives were because they would find the positive in them.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Having to deal with my wallet being stolen and having to react to the situation efficiently. It was a very unfortunate situation that was definitely a slight set-back on my trip, but I made sure to deal with the situation to the best of my ability. In the end, everything worked out and I was able to let the situation pass and still enjoy my time in Peru.
My best received lesson…
I learned that anywhere you go, it is what you make of every situation that can make your experience either good or bad. Despite the circumstances, you must always have a positive attitude that can go a long way and impact others around you.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
I would definitely be careful of travel agencies and taxis who may try to take advantage of your money because you are a tourist. Know ahead of time what the expected rate is so that you are aware of what a local would pay. Also, I found you were able to get a better deal if you shopped with a local in the local markets because they do not try to rip off a local citizen. As for donations, I would recommend giving items such as school supplies that they may be looking for. Also, when you get to your volunteer location, you can ask the site director if they have a list of things they may need and you can purchase these while you are in the country.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I decided to volunteer during my spring break rather than go relax on a beach for a week. Instead, I wanted to help others while getting to experience a new culture and country. My love for helping people and traveling allowed for this volunteer work to be a perfect fit for me. I strongly believe it is important to do something like this during their lifetime if they have the opportunity. Not only are you impacting the lives of others through your volunteer work, yet you are also getting a better idea of what else is out there in the world around us in regards to customs and culture. It helps you gain a greater appreciation in life and the world that we live in.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes
Volunteer Name: Natalie Pope
Project Location: Concepcion, Chile
Program Dates: March 1st 2009- April 30th, 2009
Volunteered at: Programa de Intervencion Breve, Talcahuano y Programa de Intervencion Breve, Sagrada Familia en Barrio Norte.
My Favorite Memory:
Meeting with families and holding workshops with the kids at the project… The day we made chanchitos (piggy banks) with the kids was one of the best workshops, and the three siblings came back to the center before my last day to surprise me with cards they made for me.
I was surprised that….
The project coordinator, Katty, and her fiancé, Felipe, became such great friends of mine, even after returning.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Upon arriving, I learned that some of the families were involved in the PIB program due to neglect and sexual abuse of their kids, which was the most difficult for me since I immediately had pre-judgments to try and overlook.
My best received lesson…
One person really can make a difference in a child’s life, even if it just means making sure they have a good workshop experience, and a little fun.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Pack less than you want to- you’ll end up wearing the same 5 things over and over.
Be flexible and have an open mind… your experience will never be just as you imaged! (It may be better!)
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
The coordinators in Concepción, Chile were amazing and worked hard to enrich my experience. Both of the projects I worked at were very rewarding, and the employees at both organizations welcomed me and made me feel part of the team. I highly recommend the Concepción program due to the support I received from the project coordinators and the employees at both projects.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.
Volunteer Name: Margaret (Meggie) Spitzley
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras
Program Dates: 2/15/2009- 3/14/2009
Volunteered At: Orphanage
My Favorite Memory: I taught 5 & 6 year olds English and every single day we would start with counting in English and after 3 weeks of it I walked into the classroom and all the kids saw me and without me even saying a word they just started counting. It was an amazing feeling to see how eager they were to learn and to realize that I was making an impact on them.
I was surprised that…. The orphanage that I volunteered at was so much poorer then I could have imagined. It is amazing at the little things that those kids get excited over because they don’t have anything!! The last day for me and 3 other volunteers we found a little piñata shop and bought a big finding nemo piñata and those kids acted so grateful.
The most difficult thing I experienced was…. Leaving the kids was very difficult. While I felt that I had made a difference I wished I would have stayed for more than 4 weeks because I do not think that is long enough.
My best received lesson… Overall to just be thankful for all that I have.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If anyone is looking to give to the kids I would say to bring items instead of money because it is hard to know exactly what the school principal uses the money on and it is better to see the kids receive the items. We gave them each school supplies, a towel, and bar of soap while we were there and they really needed it and it was great to personally see them receive it. Also, it is best to bring a travel pack like a backpack or something so if you do travel on the weekends you don’t have to take your entire luggage. Finally, don’t buy a global phone. I was worried about waiting to get a phone until I got down to Honduras but the global phone plans were too expensive so I was told you can buy a phone down there. The night I got there I told the project director that I wanted a phone and there was a phone ready for me in the morning for only $15. Then you can buy minutes at any store on the streets and it’s a pay as you go so you can monitor how much you are spending and you don’t end up with a big bill. It was somewhere around 20 cents a minute so it was much cheaper then the international phone.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
My trip to Honduras was life changing. It was without a doubt the best month of my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The host family was perfect. They were the sweetest couple with 2 boys that were so cool. After spending the day at the orphanage teaching the 5 & 6 year olds English and having a blast, I got to come home and play with the two boys. I became very close with the family. They even asked me to come along whenever they were doing stuff as a family. The other volunteers were great too.
They were from all over the world and it was a great way to learn about different cultures and types of people. There was so much to do in La Ceiba. There were a ton of different restaurants and places to go at night. Pico Bonito was just a few miles away and we took a day there to climb the mountain and go whitewater rafting. Also the cheap bus ride to Copan to see the Mayan Ruins was well worth it. It is a whole different side of Honduras. We also went horseback riding there. The other weekend trip we did was to Roatan. We stayed in West Bay for very cheap and were right on the beach. I got to scuba dive and zip line. There was always something to do. The people in Honduras, no matter where we were, were so friendly. Of course you need to be cautious but I felt much more comfortable then I expected to being an American girl in Honduras alone. I plan on going back as soon as I get a chance and hopefully doing more volunteer to other countries threw A Broader View.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Definitely.
We appreciate you volunteering with Abroaderview Volunteers. We hope the experience was life-changing and you realize that one person can make a difference. Please email this form, or cut and paste into an email and send to:
Volunteer Name: Clair Crockett
Project Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
Program Dates: 9th March 2009 – 3rd April 2009
Volunteered at: Our Lady’s Hospice, Kalingalinga, Lusaka, Zambia.
My Favorite Memory:
The amazing people who worked in the hospice that were so welcoming.
I was surprised that….
People were in such poor health.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Seeing people die who would not die in the UK due to the lack of resources.
My best received lesson…
Very much a cliché, but not to take what I have for granted.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If medical students, bring a lab coat.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I learnt so many valuable things whilst volunteering in Zambia, mainly to benefit my career in medicine as we saw many things that we would rarely get an opportunity to see in the UK. I also learnt quite a lot about myself I think and it also made me appreciate the culture of Zambian people. I had an amazing time.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.
Volunteer Name: Patrice Dorrall
Project Location: Kpando, Ghana Africa
Program Dates: February 8 – April 5, 2009
Volunteered at: Kpando Orphanage
My Favorite Memory:
My fondest memories will be my host family and the children at the home.
I was surprised that….
Life was as hard as it in certain parts of Africa and that persons with AIDS are shunned for the most part regardless of again.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Seeing a baby buried in a shallow grave without the mother being notified.
My best received lesson…
There are too many to express. I think the trip just made me even more grateful for my life and for being a citizen of the United States.
Tip for future volunteers…
You really must put self aside and learn to live life in a way that is completely outside of your personal norm and comfort zone.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.
Volunteer Name: Genevieve Parker
Project Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Program Dates: February 17th – April 5th 2009
My Favorite Memory:
I was volunteering at the child and infant day care center and holding my adorable baby Susmita. She was new around the time I arrived a the center and always cried, never slept, never laughed let alone smiled, and never interacted with the other kids. After about a month and a half I was holding her in my arms and placing a small plastic toy on her head, making my usual but typically futile attempts to make her smile. And all of the sudden she laughed. It was the greatest sound I’ve ever heard. Soon she was clapping, talking (baby ta lk), sleeping, and playing with the other kids. I’ll never forget her.
I was surprised that….
The children stole my heart – completely.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Reminding myself that I did have a purpose there. Those kids need all the love, attention, and support they can get.
My best received lesson…
Patience, patience, patience
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If you look at all Nepali (Hispanic, Asian) you negotiate the taxi fares.
February-April: pleasantly warm days – chilly nights. (Mid April it gets REALLY hot and that’s only the beginning) Get out of the city for day trips Prepare your sinuses for the first week in the city (pollution is brutal). Bring Sudafed/tylenol sinus/ etc. if you are prone to sinus infections. Buying a mask or wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I trusted AbroaderView to place me in reliable, honest organizations that are 100% committed to making a difference. AbroaderView brought me to Uganda in 2008. The trip was my own without any friends or family traveling accompanying me. But with AbroaderView I honestly never felt alone. The best example of how much I trust this organization is that I went back to AbroaderView for my next trip to Nepal in 2009. They fit me with an organization as passionate as I am and knowledgeable as I hoped to be. Thank you AbroaderView!
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Certainly.
Volunteer Name: Cathy Sweeney, Emily Caron
Project Location: Olevolos, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Program Dates: Jan 10 – 29, 2009
Feb 13 – 27, 2009
Rewards:
Certainly the most rewarding part of our experience was interacting with so many wonderful people, those who helped facilitate our volunteer placements, those who invited us to interact with the children and young women in their care, and particularly those who welcomed us into their homes. We were frequently touched by the positive ways in which people tackle daily life under challenging situations. Often it seemed, we were more aware of the lack of material wealth than were the people we met. And yet, we very rarely found this fact of life to impact the joyous energy with which people lived their lives. What a lesson to us! The most wonderful part of our experience was sharing time with the beautiful children and young girls at our placements, getting to know a bit about them and being welcomed when we arrive daily. People were so willing to share with us in so many ways. We were truly blessed in these interactions.
We felt so fortunate to spend our homestay time with two such lovely families. We were made to feel so welcome and enjoyed any opportunities we had to participate in the daily lives of our families. Each family had it’s unique make-up, and offered us a unique experience. Whether cooking with Sarah in the mud-hut kitchen, playing cards for hours with Noel, attending church services with Grace or playing with little Mousa, we felt at home and part of the family.
Challenges:
As with most volunteers, we arrived at our volunteer placements with lots of energy and enthusiasm to “do something”, to help in any way we could, to make a difference. One of the dynamics which we found difficult, therefore, was the lack of resources which limited our ability to assist. At times we felt that we were unable to do anything concrete, which we found frustrating. As was suggested in information we received from A Broader View before we left, we found that creative self-initiating, which included purchasing supplies to work with, assisted us in overcoming this challenge to some degree. Learning to work in “African time” also took us some adjusting. For us, sitting around doing nothing for a few hours seemed a great waste of time; for our hosts, it was just part of the relaxed rhythm of life.
The language barrier also made it difficult for us to interact some days in a meaningful way, particularly with the girls at Kiwohede House. We worked to learn the language, and were able to communicate to a limited degree in a variety of daily situations, but not enough to feel that we or they could share ideas to make our presence helpful to them. With the younger children at Mama Jane’s it was easier to interact without a solid grasp of the language. Games, finger plays, songs, … are so much easier than discussions around sexual health or life challenges! We would have enjoyed our interactions more with a better grasp of the language.
When we were considering the wide range of volunteer opportunities available to us, we considered a build experience. (I regularly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, so had lots of wonderful experiences in this area.) In the end, we decided that we really wanted to interact with children and young people, so chose our placements with this in mind. In hindsight, given that our two placements were for short periods of time, (2-3 weeks), we found it difficult to feel the difference we were making in any concrete way. Whereas a build would have an obvious outcome, working at the orphanage and the youth center left us wondering if we had made any impact. If we were to do another international volunteer experience, we both feel that a longer time frame would be more beneficial to the people that we would choose to serve.
Tips:
Come prepared to work in a nursery school/preschool setting. We had not realized that the orphanage was a day center also, and that most of our interactions would be in a classroom setting for children aged 3-6. Any simple to use lessons (songs, finger plays, games, number awareness or alphabet activities,) would be helpful to the teaching staff and children there. The children are taught mostly in English, but would benefit from simple reading and writing lessons in Swahili as well. The teachers there appreciated our assistance in understanding how to use some resources left or sent there by others.
Though people appreciated the small items we brought from home, most of what was really needed could be purchased in the village, town or city near our placements. For example, needs at the orphanage included food, shoes, pencils and notebooks. At Kiwohede House, food was also needed for the girls, as well as supplies for them to practice their sewing and batik skills. We were able to purchase these at very reasonable
costs in the market place. It seems best to spend some time at the placement first to ascertain the most critical needs.
We would like to thank those at A Broader View, both at home and in Tanzania, who provided us with such a rich experience.
Sincerely,
Cathy Sweeney
Gayle volunteered in an orphanage in Chile for 1 week (February 2009)
Post Trip Survey for Abroaderview Volunteers
Volunteer Name: Gayle Gordon
Project Location: La Serena, Chile
My Favorite Memory:
I have many memories but my favorites are the bright-faced, eager children at the orphanage and the warmth and generosity of my home hostess.
I was surprised that….
The children seemed so happy and the orphanage was so well run. The “tias” (permanent staff) were caring, attentive, and very well organized.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Initially understanding the directions of my lead “tia” at Hogar. (Diapers, bottles, etc weren’t in my Spanish vocabulary!)
My best received lesson…
Resiliency of children, even those in the most difficult situation.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Casual, washable and “tough” clothes for working. Explore both LaSerena and Coquimbo; public transportation (micro buses and collectivos) are inexpensive and easy once you learn how to use them.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
The children were wonderfully responsive, and I hope that my caring briefly made a difference. Living in a home gave me an invaluable experience to get to know Chile - its people, challenges, culture and food. It also gave me a great opportunity to practice my Spanish. I was sorry that I was only there for one week.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes
Dana and Halley volunteered for 1 week in Honduras (March 2009)
Post Trip Survey for Abroaderview Volunteers
Volunteer Name: Dana Nelson
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras
Program Dates: March 8-14
My Favorite Memory: Giving the children a new towel with their name written on it to take home. Several of the littlest ones cradled the towel like a baby and rocked them. I wanted to take one girl home when she kept referring to me as MaMashe looked just like a Cabbage Patch Doll!
I was surprised that. I would fall in love with everything about the experience our host family and friends, Manuel our ABV coordinator, the other people who were volunteering, the Honduran culture and city, as well as the children who were so happy with so little.
The most difficult thing I experienced was. Leaving.
My best received lesson the world is full of opportunities to make a difference, and it is returned to my own heart a hundredfold.
Tip for future volunteers (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Please keep it simple you need very few items to survive in a 3rd world country. We brought 50 used towels for the children, 60+ tennis balls for toys (Sharpee markers personalized both items for the kids), tons of crayons, markers, watercolors, pens, pencils, etc. that others had given us. All without spending a penny. We are not sure that all our items will stay at the preschool, because the teachers seem to enjoy the fruits of the donations too. But that is not terrible. Be prepared to get sick you only need to brush your teeth once with tap water, or swim in a river, to get an intestinal illness. But if you eat a Pepto Bismol after each meal, and bring Imodium AD, you will survive most of the illness.
Some need a Xithromax to get cured. Our host family gave me key lime juice with 1 teaspoon of salt, and that got me through the worst of the nausea. We expected to be volunteering all day, everyday. Were pleasantly surprised that there was plenty of time and opportunity to sightsee, hit the beach, and enjoy the others in the group.Manuel and his assistant Fernando were perfect hosts to us. We are definitely recommending A Broader View to other.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
My college age daughter wanted to volunteer in an orphanage for spring break. I am privileged that she invited me to go with her. We have done many similar events, but this was by far the best because A Broader View worked hard both before we left and while we were there to make it a win-win experience. If you have ever considered volunteering in community service, and want to truly experience a culture firsthand, this is an organization that can make it happen.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Gladly
Natasha volunteered in an orphanage in Honduras for 4 weeks (February 2009)
My Favorite Memory: when the kids started grasping the English language and getting feedback from what I was teaching.
I was surprised that....there were so many volunteers both with ABV and without. Was also surprised that the family I was with was so accommodating and the house was very nice, and bigger than mine at home.
The most difficult thing I experienced was....no real difficulties, I'd been to Honduras before and have an open mind for culture.
My best received lesson...was to try to speak whatever Spanish I knew, even though it was embarrassing because I knew so little. I was able to get a good grasp of the language in three weeks just by trying to learn and asking locals for help.
Tip for future volunteers... (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Regular clothing is fine to wear around town. T-shirts, shorts and capris are all I wore and had no problems with harassment. As for personal items, pack light. Within 3 days none of the female volunteers wear makeup anymore, and there's no need for hair appliances, just relax and soak in the culture you're surrounded by. It's easy and close to do anything regarding sightseeing, I was able to take a weekend trip with some other volunteers and Spanish students to Copan ruins. We also hiked in Pico Bonito park and went white water rafting. You'll be able to see and do everything you want, and Manuel (the ABV program director) will make sure you're taken care of, safe, and will help with tourist trips as he knows so many people in town.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I'm so glad I did this program. Other than some expected homesickness everything went smoothly. I had zero expectations or plans when arriving, just took everything as it came, as that's the Honduran way. The locals were so helpful and patient with my broken Spanish, the city is vibrant and alive, and the program director (Manuel) made sure I was taken care of the entire time I was there. The kids I taught were a handful, as are any kids, but really got a grasp of what I was teaching them (English) and it felt so good to know that I was helping make a difference. Leaving was so hard because the kids cried on my last day of work, making me cry too. In a couple years I'll probably be doing the same program again in the same place and am excited to return!
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes, just send them my e-mail address.
Fanny and Maria volunteered in La Serena, Chile for 2 weeks (February 2009)
My Favorite Memory:
Was when we took the younger children out to play in the pools, while the tias (the women working there) started redecorating the classrooms for the new school year.
I was surprised that....
The children were so normal and happy - most of them didn't show any big signs of abandonment - and that the orphanage was so nice looking.
The most difficult thing I experienced was....
Not being able to comfort all the crying children - some of them just wouldn't be comforted.
My best received lesson...
Is that you can't always be sweet and kind with children, some of them have to be told off in order to understand.
Tip for future volunteers... (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
If you're going to La Serena, bring warm clothes. Afternoons may be sunny and warm, but the bigger part of the day is actually kind of cold, even in the summer. Several days we had to wear jeans and sweaters in order to stay warm. Valle de Elqui and the nature reserve Humboldt (something) was very nice to visit - there are many agencies in town that can take you there. I also recommend staying a week or two after the volunteering period to really see the area.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial)
I enjoyed the volunteer experience very much, even if it was hard to leave the children, even after two weeks. It was nice to see an orphanage where the children are doing so well, very few of them seemed to be suffering from any abandonment-induced problems and all of them seemed overall happy.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.
Lisa and Kalhi volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania for 2 weeks (February 2009)
Many thanks for your assistance placing us. It was a genuinely rewarding experience that we will remember for a lifetime. The kids are so full of potential and the project is genuinely helping a community in need. I would definitely recommend pouring more resources into the LOATA projects, especially even the microfinance group they run. There is so much vision and drive behind the projects, all they need is money to lift them off the ground.
My Favorite Memory:
Not a particular moment, but just turning up to school everyday and having kids run up to us and hanging off us like little monkeys is reassurance that they loved having us there!
I was surprised that...
The LOATA organization also runs a microfinance group in the community to help improve the home conditions of the school children. They have such a holistic approach to helping the children that the whole community will benefit and it has the potential to change a generation in this area. It is truly a brilliant organization to support.
Tip for future volunteers...
Future volunteers should come with an open heart and be ready to give. It was difficult at first being in an environment where they try to bleed every last drop from a resource completely due to necessity. But it's something that we weren't prepared for. If they find out you have something that they need or you can do something they need done, they'll just go ahead and take it. Also, if you bring gifts or donations, make sure they are durable! Anything you give them, they will love it to death, literally! Clothing is a great gift for the children so if you can find out their age and therefore their roundabout size well in advance, durable shoes are also wonderful. As far as sightseeing and free time goes, you need to be prepared for your free time not to be available to spend on yourself - there are likely to be other chores that need doing. Definitely plan a safari for after though!
Personal Paragraph:
The most rewarding thing about this program was actually living with the community and seeing how they live. They have no concept of hospitality in the town because they probably don't get many people down that far, but that meant that we got the genuine experience and could understand their culture and needs a lot better. The situation in Africa is very confronting, there is such great need. The projects have the drive, they just need the money and volunteers are a good source. Perhaps a building project would be better than teaching programs, given that they need new classrooms to be built. It was a wonderful experience and we fear we've taken more from the experience than we've given back. But we would certainly recommend it to anyone else and will continue to help the organization as much as we can from abroad.
Stephanie volunteered in Tanzania for two weeks (February 2009)
Volunteering in Dar Es Salaam was an unforgettable experience. Planning the trip couldn't have been easier with the immediate responses and helpful suggestions from A Broader View staff and previous volunteers. I was able to really connect with the youth and work together to do something that really impacted the local community. This trip taught me to be flexible and more open-minded and never to be shy about asking questions. The host family that I stayed with couldn't have been more welcoming and kind - wanting to show me everything about African life! Even though the lifestyle change and culture shock is quite overwhelming at times, it is important to embrace everything and know that you are there to immerse yourself in their culture (all aspects of it, too!). I understand that there is a serious lack of structure in Tanzania so things don't always go as planned. Even with the aforementioned issue, I still had a wonderful experience and enjoyed my trip thoroughly. I would also recommend this trip to anyone considering it. Thanks for all of your help in planning such an amazing adventure!
My best received lesson... The best lesson that I learned was allowing myself to relax and be flexible. Not much happens on a schedule in Tanzania and you have to really go with the flow. If you allow yourself to open up to people around you, you create the opportunity to absorb a wealth of information and really connect with others.
Tip for future volunteers... Leave your expectations behind you! This applies to your homestay, the city, your volunteer placement...everything! Often times things do not run according to plan and you have to adapt quickly if you want to make any sort of difference. Make a conscious effort to talk to everyone (whether they understand you or not) and ask questions when you don't understand something. People will assume that you understand things that might be common for them and by asking questions you are showing them that things are not done the same way where you come from. This will, in turn, allow them to have a more global view of the world.
University of Virginia: Ghana Mission Trip (December/January 2009)
Group Leader (Group of 12): Adisa Mujkic writes:
"Volunteering in Kpando, Ghana was truly an amazing experience. As one of the leaders for a 12 person group it was extremely important to work with an organized and supportive program. I found the staff at A Broader View to be a major help during the planning period of my trip. All of my emails were quickly answered, all the satff was always available to answer any questions over the telephone, and all of my concerns about safety were addressed. I worked together with A Broader View in order to come up with a great itinerary to provide meaningful service in Ghana. There is such a wide range of volunteer opportunities so no matter what area you would like to focus your service on it is possible through A Broader View.
During our time in Ghana we spent the majority of our two weeks working at the Kpando orphanage. Our role was to tutor the kids and funnel all of their energy into more organized games and events. Our guesthouse was a two minute walk from the children's home so we were able to really get to know the kids. We took some of the kids along with us on our weekend recreational activities to the Wii waterfall and the monkey sanctuary. The home had a couple of younger kids who needed more attention and care. We helped with changing the kids, bathing, feeding, and putting them to bed. With the older kids I spent a lot of time reading to them and working on math. We also had spelling bees and reading quizzes. I also spent one night at the home and was able to help give the kids their medication and get them ready for the day. Working at Kpando orphanage was truly a moving experience. I will never be able to forget how happy, responsible, and loving those kids were.
Apart from volunteering at the orphanage some of my participants went to the Kpando Health Clinic and St.Patricks Hospital.
They were there to assist the nurses in any way possible. They mostly took blood pressures and did triage paperwork. One day two of my participants went into the community to weigh babies and give them shots. We also did some community outreach work. On January 1st, we made a very large banner advocating HIV/Aids awareness and we handed out 1,000 condoms and pamphlets about Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Edem was able to also take us to an isolated cattle village. A migratory Nigerian tribe who worship cattle had taken temporary residence in the fields of Edem's land. The people of the tribe were suffering from malnutrition and very poor sanitation due to no running water, cow feces, and flies, malaria, and worms. We brought them some donations of clothing and basic medications. We then gave the kids and adults de-worming medication. We also performed malaria and HIV/Aids testing. This was a very hands-on experience. It was also quite shocking to see people living in such conditions and suffering so badly. The need for basic sanitation and education about disease prevention was overwhelming there.
Post Trip Survey for Abroaderview Volunteers
Volunteer Name: Shannan O'Neill
Project Location: Cusco, Peru
Program Dates: January 2 - January 31
My Favorite Memory:
My favorite times in Cusco were spent at lunch with my host family. Here we had the chance to practice Spanish, listening and speaking and share time with the other volunteers in the house as well as the family. Each lunch was special. We were always laughing, smiling, sharing stories and getting advice.
I was surprised that....
I was not affected by the altitude, and did not get sick on the trip
The most difficult thing I experienced was....
Dealing with the people that ran the orphanage, and seeing things that we brought in for the kids would vanish by the next day. Leaving at the end of my time was the absolute most difficult thing, there were quite a few tears involved after leaving the orphanage and my host family.
My best received lesson...
I learned that my Spanish from years ago is actually quite good, all I needed was a bit of confidence, which came with practice. I learned not to be afraid to use my Spanish because people generally appreciated the effort, and helped out where they could.
Tip for future volunteers...
(clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
It was much colder than the packing list leads you to believe, you will want more than 1 sweatshirt, and longer sleeve shirts than short sleeve. You can pretty much find any personal item you need in Cusco, do not worry if you forget anything, El Moleno market is great for this. Leave lots of room for bringing things back. The textiles are beautiful and extremely cheap.
The orphanage will ask you for money, do not give it to them, as much as you may want to, you have no way of knowing who's hands it will fall in to.
Make the best of your time there; make sure to spend as much time around the city and the surrounding areas as you can. Make friends with the other volunteers, they are great people to travel with.
Personal Paragraph:
My trip to Peru was absolutely amazing, it was so much more enriching than I thought it would be. My time spent with my host family was some of my favorite, they were so warm and welcoming and really made me feel at home. Cusco is a great city to just wander around and think.
There is so much history and mystery behind each and every stone. Despite the poverty people are in such high spirits that it really makes one appreciate everything this world has to offer, especially beyond the material things. I have met some amazing people along my journey, some I know I will keep in touch with throughout my life. Thank you A Broader View!
Corrin and Karen volunteered near Arusha, Tanzania for three week (December -January 2009)
We have had an amazing experience here with Mama Anna and would highly recommend it for other volunteers. Karen and I will send pictures for the website of Mama Anna's primary school - The school is great, the children amazing and I have had a life changing experience. I have not a thing bad to say about any of my trip in this town and have been made to feel like family.
The work that this school does is incredible valuable and I would highly recommend both to my friends and family. We are very happy and having an amazing experience here in Mto Wambu.
We hope this report has helped you in the future and hope that our recommendations for Mama Anna are also useful as she and the other at this project are fantastic! The students are delightful! I am so impressed by their willingness to work hard despite the lack of resources present everywhere here. Truly, being here has been a life changing experience.
Brenda volunteered in Cusco, Peru for three weeks (December-January 2009)
My favorite memory of my stay in Peru is walking in to the home and hearing the kids call my name and them coming to greet me. I miss them so much already.
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely loved everything about my stay in Cusco. I was very surprised that I didn't miss anything from home. I felt so at home from the moment I arrived. I must say that the most difficult thing I experienced was leaving.
I am still having a hard time and I have dreams about being in Cusco every night. Greta, Oscar, and the rest of the family were great. I truly consider them a part of my family now, and I can't wait to see them again. And I must mention Greta's awesome cooking, it was the best I had in Peru. The rest of the volunteers and I were so spoiled.
Overall this was one of the best experiences of my life and I learned so many things not only about myself but about us as people. My experience was great because of the people I was so privileged to meet, especially the children. The children taught me that one can find happiness through the good times and the bad times, and for that I owe them. They taught me more than I could have taught them.
Tip for future volunteers…
(clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Always have small bills and change with you. Always have the number to your home stay with you, or memorize it preferably. Don’t complain, to anyone. If you don’t like something, suck it up, the other volunteers and locals don’t want to hear it. Take warm pajamas. Take at least one outfit for going out; nice shoes, top, bottoms, everything.
Personal Paragraph: I would do this again in a heartbeat. If it weren’t for some responsibilities and commitments that I have here in the States, I would be looking into finding a job teaching English or Spanish in Cusco. I fell in love. I will most certainly be back as soon as possible. I thank A Broader View for the opportunity.
A Broader View Volunteers Corp gives Donation to Kampala - Uganda Program
December 2008
Thanks to the donation of A Broader View Volunteers (ABV), Kyosiga Association for Development successfully provided food and soap to 123 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) and their care providers on December 31 and January 2, 2009.
The event at which these items were given was hosted at SBS Nursery and primary school. In honor of the nature of ABV’s donation of funding from one community to another the event was entitled "Cultural exchange Happy New Year 2009.” The event exceeded KAD’s expectations with more families fed and an audience of 200 plus people.
Back Ground of Recipients
The OVCs and their care providers who attended this event represent a small piece of the vast community of people in Wakiso District that are deeply in need of support services in health/HIV/AIDS, education/skills development, economic generation, food security, potable water and sanitation. This event focused of HIV/AIDS orphans, and vulnerable children, one of many vulnerable community groups in Wakiso District.
In Wakiso District, there are over 80,000 children living without at least one parent and over 20,000 who have lost both. This equates to roughly 16% of all children in the district who have lost at least one parent and 4% who have lost both.
The category ‘OVC’ also includes vulnerable children. KAD understands vulnerability in this context to mean any child who does not have equal access to the resources necessary for his/her development and capacity to reach their potential.
This could include, for example, children who cannot afford to go to school, access health services, children who are the head of their households, and those who care for sick relatives. It is unclear what percentage of these children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. With recorded HIV/AIDS infection rates between 7% and 10% nation wide it can be assumed that the percentage is high.
It should be noted that KAD’s observations through its conduction of a base line survey in November suggest that many people living with HIV/AIDS in Wakiso District have not received HIV/AIDS testing and counseling let alone medical care through they have clear signs of HIV/AIDS infection. This reality indicates that many HIV/AIDS infections go unrecorded in Uganda’s records. Poorest community members often live and die with HIV/AIDS without ever receiving medical care.
Furthermore, HIV/AIDS is complicated by so many other health and wellbeing issues faced by Wakiso residents making cause of death often ambiguous.
Common health issues that complicate HIV/AIDS infection include but are not limited to: malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, whooping cough, cholera, intestinal parasites and other water borne infections caused by contaminated water supplies and malnutrition.
Extended families are commonplace in Wakiso. Often grandparents, aunts, uncles and older siblings look after many children due to the death of their parents (WHO, 2006). As indicated by the base line survey, these families struggle to meet the needs of as many as 25 orphans sometimes without any source of income.
The people who attended the event were invited by KAD through their Local Council members (district and parish representatives).
The families who were invited were chosen based on the greatest need. These families are all caring for OVC, most of whom has lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS.
What Was Provided
With A Broader View's donation, we were able to provide 2.5lb of posho (corn flower which is a main food in Uganda), 1 mosquito net, 2.5lb of beans, 2.5lb of sugar and a bar of soap to members of all the families in attendance exceeding our hope to understanding that the household would be sharing in the gift. These items will allow families to eat, wash cloths, clean their homes and selves for a few days. The mosquito nets provided with support from the local government of Wakiso will help sustain the health of the family after they have enjoyed the food.
The pictures below are of food given at the event, volunteers packing the items, a women preparing food in her outside kitchen in Ssumbwe, Wakiso and a happy recipient of food.
If you can help our programs with a donation,
Paypal Donation Account: volunteers@abroaderview.org
Toll Free number: 1-866-423-3258
Skype: abroaderview.org
All your donations are Tax Deductible and 100% goes to the programs.
We will be posting new donations each month.
You can also select what program you want to help.
Thank you
Tahani volunteered in Kathmandu, Nepal for one week (November 2008)
To the entire A Broader View staff. I wanted to thank all of you for the opportunity to volunteer at the Sunshine Children's Home while I was in Kathmandu last month. I really appreciate Renzin picking me up at the Vaishali Hotel, and Scott inviting me to use the resources (e.g., computer/phone) at the ABV office.
I had a wonderful experience at the Children's Home, and appreciate all of your efforts to make my experience such a positive one. Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving. Sincerely, Tahani R.
Michelle volunteered in La Ceiba, Honduras for 6 weeks.
(November/December 2008)
I have arrived back in the UK safely. I would like to thank everyone at ABV for making my experience in Honduras such a good one. Everyone involved in my trip have been very helpful and made me feel at ease.
I really enjoyed the whole trip and I am already looking at where to go next! Thanks again for all your support with my trip. I am hoping to do another trip in the next year so will definitely be back in touch with ABV for that.
The projects in Peru and Kenya look great.
Best Wishes, Michelle Atherton.
Claire volunteered in La Serena, Chile & La Ceiba, Honduras for 16 weeks (Sept/Dec 2008)
Program Dates: Sept 10- Oct 31 and Nov 1- Dec 21
My Favorite Memory:
Living with my family in Honduras.
I was surprised that….
The flash floods in Honduras and how much I grew, matured, and learned in each place.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….
In the beginning, not being able to express myself in another language.
My best received lesson…
Patience, keeping an open mind, and learning to understand and appreciate other cultures.
Tip for future volunteers…
(clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Make sure to keep a balance in your life while living in each place. It’s important to be involved and loyal to the work that you’re there for but also, take the time to explore and enjoy the country and culture you are living in. Last thing, take advantage of everything and be ready to be patient.
Personal Paragraph:
In the past four months, I have learned so much. This whole experience has taught me so much as an individual, as well as a person in this society today. I cannot believe how much I have seen and done and I am so grateful for being able to have done this trip at such a young age. It has changed me forever and I would never trade these experiences for anything.
Thank you A Broader View for facilitating my last four months, it was such an amazing experience.
Post Trip Survey for Abroaderview Volunteers
Volunteer Name: Jenn O'Neil - SoftChoice Corporate Volunteering (Group of 17)
Project Location: Kampala, Tororo, Jinja - Uganda
Program Dates: July 12 – July 25th - 2008
- What program did you work with? Please describe some of your daily task.
I went to Kampala with my company Softchoice. There were 17 of us who worked in 3 different locations during our stay – Babies Home, Child in Need Center and Computer Center. We rotated between the three of these locations each day for the 2 weeks. At the Babies Home we played with the children, changed diapers and fed them.
At the Home for Street Kids we hung out with the teens, played, danced, listened to their stories and cooked them meals. At the Computer Center we helped them with typing, building resumes and taught them how to use Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.- What was the highlight of your experience?
Buying bunk beds for the teens at African Child in Need. When we arrived they were sleeping on the floor on some mattresses. There weren’t even enough mattresses for all 17 boys.
We went out the next day and bought them bunk beds, new mattresses, sheets, and pillows. It was so amazing to see how excited they were and how something as small as a bed could make such a difference in someone’s life.
- How would you describe the local Abroaderview coordinator? Were they helpful, supportive?
- The Coordinator was helpful and supportive during our stay. He had a great team with him to make sure we were safe and felt comfortable. They took great care of us and we were able to build some great friendships with them.
- Were you able to go sightseeing on the weekends? If so, what did you see or do?
We went to Murchison Falls on the weekend which was great. We went on a safari through the Game Park and visited the Falls which was beautiful.
On the way to Murchison Falls we stopped off in Gulu and during our second week we went to Tororro and Jinga for a day trip which was very nice. There we went to some schools and visited with some foster families.
- How did you hear about Abroaderview Volunteers?
- Through one of my co-workers.
- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
- Sure – I had an unforgettable experience.
- Would you volunteer abroad again?
- Definitely
- Any other comments you would like to add:
- I had an absolutely amazing time and am so thankful that I was able to experience this.
