My trip to South Africa was definitely a huge highlight to this year. Spending 3 weeks on the Orphan Day Care and HIV Education projects were amazing and inspiring. Working in the local Creche's each morning and then doing different projects in the afternoon such as, brick building, gardening, girls club, after school club and reading club.
No day was the same while I volunteered, there were always new challenges which made everyday that bit more interesing. Being with like minded volunteers from all over the world made being away from home that much easier and the passion that the staff in St Lucia showed was incredible.
I was worried initially that I would miss home but those thoughts never crossed my mind and I was sad to have to go home after the 3 weeks were over.
The first week was spent with an induction and zulu lesson followed by planning and then we got straight into the daily projects. Going to creche and seeing around 60 children between the age of 2 and 5 with 2 teachers between them and very limited resources was eye opening. However the children enjoyed the lessons we gave them and enjoyed play time even more, playing games and generally showing them some love and attention. I also made bricks on my first week for the second stage of Inkanyezi Creche and although it was hard work having to mix the cement by hand it was very rewarding knowing that you wee helping build a brighter future for all of these small children and their teachers.
All of the projects are inspiring, but Reading Club was truely inspirational. Over 200 children are registered with an average attendance of 50 children each friday afternoon running towards the container library with excited looks on their faces because they know that they are going to be able to read lots of books with the volunteers. I have never seen children in the UK be so excited about reading and wanting to educate themselves.
The children, the place, the people, African Impact have changed my life and the way that I look at things!!
Don't count down the days, make every day count....
