I chose Village Book Builders because they considered the economic impact of each step of the humanitarian process and seek to do as much REAL good for the community as possible. I didn't want to participate in a program that was going to do more harm than good, and I really wanted the good I did to be influential in the community for years to come.
Alumni Spotlight: Kylie Rhead
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Kylie is a university student studying physiology and developmental biology. She loves adventures big and small!
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Village Book Builders organized everything including flights. All we had to do was pack and check-in! They did ask that we organized some donations to bring down to the worksite for the library, but they were optional and so fun to bring! You will be asked to contribute during the trip, but outside of planning classes and donations, it all took place once we made it to the worksite.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Be as involved as possible in the trip! If you can get involved with the coordinators before you go - do! If you can bring two suitcases full of donations - do! If you can keep in contact with someone you met over social media after the trip - do! It will make your experience more personal and give you an instant and lasting feeling of connection with the library.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The average day includes teaching classes to the children in the village, playing with them, and then spending time visiting their homes. Some of the classes include imagination, success skills, and Rosetta Stone. You will also spend time painting and organizing the library, enjoying the local culture and building relationships with the group of volunteers.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was that I would have a difficult time communicating with the people because I didn't speak Spanish. I had limited knowledge of Spanish from high school. I did feel a little embarrassed speaking in Spanish and It did prove to be a little bit of a bigger challenge than I had anticipated, but it didn't take away from the connection I felt with the village and the children!
How did the village respond to the service you provided?
On the fifth day, there was a celebration of the library and the whole village came out to provide us with a unique cultural experience. They made food and danced and we played soccer with them!
They had a meeting as a village the next day and worked with the coordinators to make plans for the library in the future. The whole village responded with great eagerness and willingness to supply and volunteer at the library!