Why did you decide to volunteer with Casa de los Angeles in Mexico?
Cale: After my first experience volunteering in Mexico I was determined to go back as soon as I could. I asked advice from friends and contacts in Mexico and also used the internet to search for more opportunities to volunteer. Casa de Los Angeles was very encouraging and responded to my questions very quickly and thoroughly. The type of childcare work and the location in Mexico were also very attractive aspects. In the end, I just felt like I’d struck gold to find this small but amazing organisation.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Cale: My day as a volunteer started quite early. I would walk to Casa from the volunteer house around 7am and help to prepare the children’s breakfast. My job was usually to make the juice. I enjoyed seeing the mums arrive with young ones in tow, all of them stopping to chat and giggle in the kitchen!
After the breakfast was prepared I would go and work with the class of babies. I then spent most of my day in the nursery helping to take care of the youngest angels at Casa. Occasionally I would help with some of the older children if by some miracle the babies were all asleep! The day finishes in the mid-afternoon just in time to spend some of the afternoon in the Jardin or exploring other parts of San Miguel.
What advice do you have for future volunteers?
Cale: Volunteering is the best way to travel and see the world. With Casa, you get to feel a part of a family and community. My advice is to do it without hesitation.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Cale: My experience at Casa was wonderful. I learnt to care for children, something which I had never really done. I continued to learn and speak Spanish. I made friends that I will always keep in contact with and love. I came back home a very different person after a year of travel through volunteer work. I am now studying a Bachelor of Latin American Studies, continuing my Spanish and involved with various volunteer organisations. I am determined that I will return to Mexico to visit friends, travel more and hopefully to work. I fell in love with the place and the people.