I am 17 years old and I live in Smithers, British Columba Canada. In school I am currently working on grade 11. I work at motorcycle/chainsaw shop do wild land firefighting and race motocross during the summer. I herd about ABV through my sister who also talk me into going. We chose Belize location because of feedback from friends who had previously been to Belize orphanage has been a great experience getting to know all of the kids as well as all the other volunteers. My work consisted mostly of cleaning, organizing, painting and fixing stuff. It’s great because whatever skills you already have, they will be able to use in some way. I will definitely consider coming again, only next time I hope to bring a few friends along. The accommodations have been good, the staff is fun and never boring to work with, and most of the kids seem to be well behaved.
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details?
Airport pickup was on time, we actually started working before orientation, no complaints though.
2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?
At the program: Most of the kids are well behaved.
At the accommodation: Good Food and my room had hot water
About the country: The people in Belize are very friendly and helpful
3- What was most difficult/culturalshock to experience?
At the program: Some words mean different things in Belize than they do in Canada.
At the accommodation: My shower only had hot water.
The country: No cultural shock.
4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…
Clothing: Shorts, t-shirts, rain jacket, flip flops, hat, and running shoe if you are interested in doing workouts in the evening.
Donations: Plates, spoons, forks some tools. A tool kit for the shed.
Weather: Don’t get caught in the rain, you will be soaked in second. Bring sunscreen.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:
- – The list in the orientation guide basically covers everything you need to bring.
- – Caye Caulker makes a great weekend trip and can be done for about $100USD for the whole weekend.
- – Coconut water or Arizona drinks help a lot when it is hot. You will also use about a gallon of drinking water a day.
- – If you are trying to catch a bus on a holiday, it might be a long wait.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
I am 17 years old and I live in Smithers, British Columba Canada. In school I am currently working on grade 11. I work at motorcycle/chainsaw shoe do wild land firefighting and race motocross during the summer. I herd about ABV through my sister who also talk me into going. We chose Belize location because of feedback from friends who had previously been to Belize orphanage has been a great experience getting to know all of the kids as well as all the other volunteers. My work consisted mostly of cleaning, organizing, painting and fixing stuff. It’s great because whatever skills you already have, they will be able to use in some way. I will definitely consider coming again, only next time I hope to bring a few friends along. The accommodations have been good, the staff is fun and never boring to work with, and most of the kids seem to be well behaved.
My personal opinion and suggestion is that especially the younger kids get less exposure to media (TV, tablet, internet). It is easy to see the influence it has on them. They need physical activities to burn off some of their energy and occupy their minds in a healthy way. Maybe organized soccer games with the volunteers or if someone could donate badminton net, just a few ideas. For anyone interested in volunteering at a project like this, it is definitely worth it. You get to meet lots of new people and having the weekends off gives you the opportunity to see other parts of the country.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:
My accommodation was a bedroom with a private bathroom. It had a good mattress, hot water, fan, and closet everything you need. Most meals have chicken and rice along with something else on the side like a salad or stir fry. There is a night watchman on duty, although I never experienced and security issues during my stay.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Mostly the people that I met here.
Country: So far it is Caye Caulker, but I am still spending more time in Belize after this.
Tours: Only took one tour snorkeling the reef Caye Caulker
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): My mom organized most of the application.
Website Information: Same
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
YES!!
10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?
Not sure exactly, my sister found it online and then talked me into going. We picked Belize because of feedback from friends who have been here before.