This volunteering experience at La Ceiba was my first volunteering activity ever and while I am not a doctor or a nurse I wasn't sure I was going to be able to provide help and I ended feeling highly satisfy with my accomplishments. The experience allow me to challenge myself and find creative ways in which I could be of help, even without getting a straight forward tasks from the people at the clinic, clear expectations and a defined role for me to do. I would certainly do it again, perhaps with more time (at least three weeks). This experience has provided me with personal growth as well as good memories and personal gratification. It also allowed me to meet wonderful people I am sure I will remind in contact with.
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The support I received from my local coordinator in country was really good, he was always willing to help and provide excellent time to response. He was candid and provided good onsite support, willingness to help and positive attitude.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: There are multiple ways to help and support the onsite efforts to provide better healthcare to the local community under existing circumstances, the program allows the volunteer to explore these options. (Hospital, clinics, fire department/rescue)
At the accommodation: Hospitality of the host family, making me feel part of the family.
About the country: The hospitality of the people and the amount of opportunities to help the local community.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Maintaining low expectations at the program to make sure I was able to identify ways of providing support while not being a doctor/nurse. Realizing that you first have to let people know you so they will be more willing to receive your help.
At the accommodation: Nothing really is worth mention here, my experience with the local family on site was excellent
The country: Coping with the weather at first might be challenging depending on what you are used to. Slow pace of the people can be also challenging at times if you are used to things getting done at a faster pace. This is the usual thing.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Light clothes are enough based on tropical weather conditions.
Hat, lots of sunscreen and insect repellent.
Donations: It is better to assess on site what could be good way to use your donations. There would be always ways of using donation money for the best of people.
Weather: Weather can be very hot and humid but keep in mind that there are unpredictable storms as well.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Have low expectations
b.- Be open mid and positive, creative and allow out of the box thinking
c.- Be bold and ask as many questions as you need.
d.- Allow challenging yourself.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
This volunteering experience at La Ceiba was my first volunteering activity ever and while I am not a doctor or a nurse I wasn't sure I was going to be able to provide help and I ended feeling highly satisfy with my accomplishments. The experience allow me to challenge myself and find creative ways in which I could be of help, even without getting a straight forward tasks from the people at the clinic, clear expectations and a defined role for me to do. I would certainly do it again, perhaps with more time (at least three weeks). This experience has provided me with personal growth as well as good memories and personal gratification. It also allowed me to meet wonderful people I am sure I will remind in contact with.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Accommodation was excellent, the neighborhood I was living at was very secure and the meals were all home made and with excellent quality. There was 24/7 security in the neighborhood providing a good place to exercise outside and walk safely at night.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Being able to connect with local hard working down to earth people and listening to their stories about life and their biggest desires. Having the opportunity to meet patients and hear their concerns around their treatment and their disease.
Country: Having the possibility to explore the immense beauty of Honduras both in La Ceiba with their mountains and amount of wildlife and beauty and in the island of Roatan, where the coral reef is magnificent.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): My communication with the on US coordinator was good once I was provided with this contact information. I would have liked if someone from the program would have gotten in contact with me perhaps via video to clarify some of the questions, as well as manage expectations.
ABV: We send over 10 emails with all the steps, the orientation guide and volunteers have all the contact information if they want to talk to us by phone, chat online and emails, we don't have video chats. If you need us just contact us and we will be there to answer any questions.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes I am.