Review Volunteer Brenda Bodnar in Belize Orphanage House
1- How was the local Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country? What could be improved to help volunteers?
Local ABV coordinator was fine. We had more interaction however with the staff and the director at the orphanage. Actually last time I went with ABV I do not recall having an in-country coordinator just the director of the home.
ABV: all the staff and director of the orphanage are the coordinators, you can talk with any of them and rely if you need anything.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced at the program?
No surprises except in the ABV in country coordinator which I probably overlooked in the paperwork.
3- What was most difficult thing you experienced as a volunteer?
Leaving... I will come back again
4- Any tips for future volunteers going to this project…
Just have an open heart, and once in country see what the orphanage needs, a good idea is to celebrate the children's birthday
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- LOVE
b.- LOVE
c.- LOVE d.- LOVE
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
Second trip with ABV to Belize and wasn’t disappointed. Amazing group of people. Miss my Belizean family already!
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
Accommodations are on site, volunteer dorms and a cabin for a large group. Actually couldn’t wait to have some of the cooks local food. Never felt unsafe, its a gated orphanage and there is a guard. The locals are very friendly and offer help if you just ask.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Spending time with my Belizean family!!
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Was the website easy to navigate? Would you make recommendations for pre-trip information?
Support was fine, prompt answers and the website was easy to navigate.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers.
Sure