Why did you decide to volunteer with A Broader View in Kenya?
Olivia: I found A Broader View advertised in a magazine and contacted them wanting to know more about how I can apply to volunteer in Africa. I was looking for organizations to go through but communication wasn’t great, however, A Broader View made everything easy and answered all my questions thoroughly.
What made this experience unique and special?
Olivia: What made this volunteer abroad experience special were the people I met. The orphans were very special and I loved them all and I met many people outside of the orphanage who I made friends with and I would go visit them and help them on their farm.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Olivia: My trip impacted me in many different ways. Being back I refuse to leave leftovers on my plate and I appreciate showers and washing machines a lot more. Like most people in America I was concerned with my physical image and once I arrived in Kenya I couldn’t worry about that anymore. I went long periods of time without showering and I usually wore very dirty clothes and there was no point to wearing any makeup. Not having anything to worry about except helping other people and making sure everyone is okay and healthy helped me concentrate more on others and I got to know people a lot better than I would back home. Seeing that I can make such a huge impact on someone’s life makes me want to come back and possibly extend my career to help people in third world countries.
Morning: My typical morning consisted of walking the kids to school then eating breakfast at around 7-7:30 then I would help the teacher mark books. I would finish that fairly fast so I would have to time to either help with cooking lunch or help wash laundry. If I helped in the kitchen I would usually cut lettuce or spinach, peel potatoes, or sort beans and rice. I didn’t enjoy doing laundry that much because your hands ache after washing all the kids clothes but I she needed the most help in the morning.
Afternoon: My typical afternoon was walking to the small town, Makuyu, to buy fruits and vegetables, which was maybe a 20-30 min walk or I visited a market in Kenol, which I had to take a bus to.
Evening: My typical evening consisted of playing with the kids when they came back from school. After they were done their chores and washed themselves I would help teach in the classroom and help them with their homework. After they finished school we would have dinner and say prayers then I would tuck them into bed.
Highlights: The highlight of my trip was definitely getting so close with the children and getting to know their culture. I also loved trying all the different food! You need to be open to trying different things. It was very difficult to say bye to all the children and I want to go back hopefully next summer.