Why did you decide to volunteer with CAPEC in Cameroon?
Nicole: I volunteered with CAPEC through the AIESEC programme - which is an exchange programme for students which happens through university. I chose CAPEC because it seemed like a worthwhile cause - a small NGO with free/low cost schooling for underprivileged and orphan children. I enjoy working with children so that was a big reason for choosing a school.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Nicole: On a daily basis, we would be at school from 8am to 12.30pm. This was the summer holidays so this was just the summer project that we were helping to run, not a normal school day. We ran activities for the children, which we had a lot of responsibility for deciding what activities to include. After school each day, we would go into the local village to hand out flyers to create awareness of the school and talk to the local community about it. In the afternoons and evenings, we were free to explore the capital city, Yaounde.
What made this volunteer experience unique and special?
Nicole: This experience was the best of my life. Living with local Cameroonians made it an authentic experience. Everyone was so friendly - I made some friends for life in Cameroon. I loved working with the children who were so loving and enthusiastic. Cameroonian people in general are some of the most friendly I have ever met, and I love their way of living.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Nicole: The experience taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do in my future - and initiated my desire to work in International Development in Africa. I won the Gold Global Advantage Award from my university based on my Cameroon experiences and I will be attending the One Young World Summit as a result of this.