Why did you decide to volunteer with Volunteering Solutions in Honduras?
Roy: During my initial research, there were several organizations that offered world-wide volunteer experiences. For me, Volunteering Solutions had a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. I especially wanted to work at a school with children with disabilities. The cost of the program is reasonable. The people who are responsible for working volunteers have exceptional capabilities. Especially when I fell ill, people rallied to assist me.
What made this volunteer experience unique and special?
Roy: I had the opportunity to stay in an urban area and I also spent my first and last weekend at a bread and breakfast on the beach. The second weekend was extended because of hurricane Isaac, which shut down airports in the United States. The extra time in Honduras enhanced a wonderful experience.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Roy: A volunteer experience, especially in a personal area of interest, expands my view of the profession and how other professionals approach the same area. I have worked with great teachers and in Honduras I worked with, and observed, educational excellence. Significantly, adults managed children with emotional and behavior problems without grabbing children and without speaking in angry or raised voices. De-escalation was ingrained in the staff. Honduras is not a wealthy country, yet there are serious efforts to provide an excellent education to all children. I have been motivated to give particular attention to my studies with the Spanish language. Finally, you don’t have to be wealthy, or have a lot of material items, to be a nice person. The people in Honduras with whom I came in contact were genuine and nice people. My advice to travelers, don’t eat fruit off the ground.
Highlights: During one of the school days some of the staff purchased fruit from a street vendor. They offered me some fruit and I did get sick. My contact with Volunteering Solutions and my host family took me to a hospital. I was treated at the hospital and had to take several medications for the next two days. My host family cared for me as if I was a member of their family. A medication schedule was written out and no matter the time, they insured I stayed on that schedule.
My total experience in Honduras was one of kindness and care for me. Wherever I was, whether on the street, at the mall, in a restaurant, with my host family, or with Manuel’s family, my contact with Volunteering Solutions, I felt extremely welcomed. The most significant impression of the school was the orderliness in the classrooms and on the school campus. In two weeks, I did not hear an angry word from any staff member.
Morning: I spent two weeks working at a special education facility, for children with severe disabilities. I stayed with a host family. I had to wake-up at 6:00 AM. I ate breakfast and then walked to school. School began at 7:00 AM and class was in session until about noon.
Each morning the students formed lines, by class, in a field behind the school. The principal spoke with the children and then they said the pledge, sang the Honduran national anthem, said a prayer and then moved to their respective classrooms. A hot lunch was served during mid-morning. Parents and siblings frequently visited the class. The teacher is highly skilled and the school environment was structured, quiet, yet very relaxed.
Afternoon: Following the class session, I would go back to home and my host family served a light lunch. I would rest and the go to a restaurant with Wi-Fi access. I usually worked for several hours. Several times I would walk to the nearby mall.
Evening: In the evening I usually read and then retired by 9:00 PM. La Ceiba is an older city on the coast. It is usually hot and humid and by early evening I was tired.