Volunteer Name: Reagan Jefferies
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras
Volunteered at: Public PreK
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
My local coordinator was very kind. He always made sure we were very safe and well fed.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: I was surprised to find that I would be working at a school during my time here. I thought I was signing up for an orphanage so this was very different than I expected.
At the accommodation: The accommodations here in Honduras are very nice. Our house is nice and clean and we almost always have electricity and running water. Living with the other volunteers has been very fun.
About the country: I have traveled to Honduras before, but not to La Ceiba. I was surprised to find what a big city La Ceiba is and enjoyed learning about the ways in which the culture here differs from my own.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: I found working at the school to be very difficult. There are no adults/teachers at the school who speak any English and I was the only volunteer here who was doing this program other than medical.
While I ended up enjoying my time spent there, there were many days that were incredibly difficult. If you plan to come to work in the orphanage or take part in the teaching program, you need to be prepared to teach 10-15 kids by yourself in Spanish for roughly four hours a day. The school here also has very limited supplies, so I highly recommend bringing your own.
The country: Obviously the language barrier has been difficult here but I have also find some adults at my program to be very hard to work with.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Bring light weight clothes because it is very hot. Also, be sure to bring clothes for weekend travels like, hiking/swimming shoes, swim suit, towel and sunscreen.
Donations: I know the medical program is always in need of donations so if you are going with Pre-med I would recommend seeing recommendations from one of their reviews. If you are coming with Child Care please bring any and all donations you can for the school. Even the most basic of supplies, they are lacking. These children want to learn and having pencils is important for learning.
Weather: Like I said it is very hot! I would recommend also bringing bug spray, hand sanitizer and some kind of tissues that can be used as toilet paper on the go!
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
I really did enjoy my time at the school. The kids are great and I had a lot of fun playing and learning with them. I also learned a lot of Spanish while being here. Living with the other volunteers from different parts of the country and world has been so great and we really enjoyed all our weekend travels. Honduras is a really beautiful country!
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
My accommodations, meals and security were all good. I never felt unsafe here in La Ceiba. It is always smart to travel in groups when you go anywhere and be sure to listen to the locals if they say a certain area is unsafe.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: I really love the kids from the school. They are so fun, full of life and eager to learn!
Country: I spent two weekends traveling around the beautiful places around Honduras. The waterfalls at Rio Zakate are really beautiful and our group had a blast white water rafting!
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
The ABV USA staff has been very helpful and personable through this whole process. My questions have always been answered in a timely manner.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes! I would love to.
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
A friend came across the website online and recommended I look into it!