My Favorite Memory: Being welcomed by all the children at the school and the orphanage. They are so happy to see volunteers and they are so sweet and friendly. It made me feel very welcome and happy to be able to interact with them and offer my help.
I was surprised that…. everyone is so friendly and happy to see you. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, they are just so glad that you have traveled so far to be with them and volunteer your time.
The most difficult thing I experienced was…. communication/social interaction. I found it difficult to teach in English because it is not the children’s first language. Younger ones have a hard time understanding foreign accents as well.
My best received lesson… seems so simple: we volunteer for one great reason, which is to help those less fortunate in life than ourselves. But volunteering offers so many great lessons in itself. I learned about my strengths, my weaknesses, my abilities. I discovered many friendships and understandings. I met a lot of great people who taught me many values and I am so thankful for all my lessons.
Tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc). Comfort and variety are key rules to remember when packing your wardrobe. Clothing should be light both in color and quantity. Light colors will keep you cooler in the heat and attract fewer mosquitoes. When traveling, I always bring my own laundry soap so I can pack fewer clothes. I bring an assortment of sports clothing so I can be ready for any type of activity. Warmer clothes are good for cooler nights. Do not bring “skimpy” clothing (i.e. cleavage-revealing V-necks) (Best just to follow social norms in the country you are traveling to). Quick-drying materials are very advantageous. One or two “dressy” outfits are good for formal occasions.
While traveling, I had to stay a night in Dubai before reaching Uganda. I did not see my suitcase until I got to Uganda. So it’s a good idea to keep things like a change of clothes, or a toothbrush with you just in case.
Do not bring any valuables with you that you don’t absolutely need. I kept extra cash locked in my suitcase when it wasn’t on me in my money pouch and I kept my camera with me as often as possible. Your passport and any other necessary documents should always be kept in a safe place. I felt I could easily trust the people around me, but it’s best to be safe with important valuables. It is a good idea to bring items with you to donate. For the children, I brought books, magazines, clothes, toys, etc. Upon leaving Uganda, I left many items behind that I felt I no longer needed. For example, I donated clothes to the orphans and left bug spray, sunscreen, etc. for other volunteers. Leaving things behind also left more room in my suitcase for souvenirs. I also donated money to the people in charge of the orphanage; since they know exactly what the children need (i.e. food).
I did a lot of sightseeing/tourist activities on the weekends. You can book activities while you’re there depending on what you want to do/see. I also did a lot of sightseeing in the village to get familiar and comfortable with the area.
The best tip I can offer to future volunteers is to RESEARCH. Get as much information as you can about the program, the organization, the country, the area in which you’ll be staying, the people, the culture, EVERYTHING. You can never be too prepared, and you still won’t be prepared enough until you actually travel and spend time in that country. Personal experience will be greater than anything you ever read about, but it’s best to go with an educated and open mind.
Personal Paragraph (Testimonial): I highly recommend volunteering in a different country if you are even slightly considering it. I learned so much about myself; it was a great way to experience my growth and capabilities. I love traveling and experiencing new things. Even if volunteering abroad hadn’t worked out positively, I would still appreciate the knowledge and understanding I gained from the experience. Do lots of research to find out what suits you and your skills. I appreciate A Broader View as an organization: they are supportive, informative, and professional. Thank you so much for the valuable experience.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Yes.
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