what our volunteers say...
Lindsay Pai, 19
Spent 4 weeks teaching and Building in Tanzania between July and August 2007
'It was an amazing experience to have lived in an African village and experience their lifestyle as well as helped to improve their community and teach the children. The fact that while we do this we are also able to go on safaris or climb Kili or go to Zanzibar and see these amazing places during the mid project break makes the volunteering experience even better.'
'Wake up at the crack of dawn to the sounds of roosters crowing at the window, have a nice bucket shower, eat breakfast and go to the worksite. See a lot of the villagers along the way as they smile and greet you. Get to the school, start building, work hard until Chai Time Mandozi (donuts) AMAZING! Depending on what day of the week it is teach a class (English or maths), work a bit more until lunch. Eat, clear up the site, go to the house, relax, walk down to the nearest town, sometimes the boys play football, talk to some locals, go home, eat dinner, chillax, bed by 9-10. Very tired, hard work, but rewarding.'
Mai Taleb, 26
Spent 5 weeks building and teaching in Tanzania in September 2006
'Early wake up, watch the sun rising from the front door of the house, quick breakfast before going down to the site. Spend the carrying rocks, mixing concrete and generally getting stuck in, learning how to be a Tanzanian. Get ready for a dinner of a mix of chappalis, rice, cabbage, beans or lentils. Evening spent on a walk in a beautiful rainforest, socialising between ourselves or friends from Amani, playing cards, writing journals etc.'
'I had the most amazing 5 weeks of my life. I learnt a lot about myself, other people, Tanzania, Amani, building and life for everyone I've worked with local people and travellers. I will never forget my time in Tanzania and wished it could have been longer. I would recommend it to anyone.'
Gayle Johnston, 19
Spent 5 weeks building in Tanzania in September 2006
I would wake up 10 minutes before we had to leave and have a quick mandazi or chibatti with a cup of tea. We would walk up to the site at the school (5 minutes) and spend the day working hard with the beautiful children always smiling saying "mambo"'
'An experience with every type of emotion from happiness to sadness (when I had to leave). A great organisation to do a project with and I would definitely recommend them to others.'
Rosie McDavid, 18
Spent 5 weeks teaching and building in Peru in December 2006
'I spent 5 weeks helping put the roof on a community centre in chosica. Also taught English to adults and children in the evenings.'
'I had an amazing time. It really felt like we were part of the community and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. They all love life and the enthusiasm is infectious. I'd love to go back.'
'Living in a village and getting a real feel for how people live. I noticed when travelling afterwards how touristy it can be and I'm glad I experienced something authentic.'
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