Why did you decide to volunteer with European Disaster Volunteers (EDV) in the Philippines?
Christian: I decided to volunteer with European Disaster Volunteers (EDV) in the Philippines because I know that the Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world and there are lots of places and communities that need help. When I volunteered with EDV for the first time, I knew the Director, Andrew Chaggar, from volunteering in Thailand in 2005 after the Tsunami.
We have talked about the ways that disaster response should work, how other organizations do it and how Andrew would handle his organization if he founded his own. He convinced me to come back and that's how I basically ended up volunteering with EDV for a couple of times.
What is one piece of advice you'd give future EDV volunteers?
Christian: For future volunteers at European Disaster Volunteers I can say that there are no restrictions on your profession, so no matter what skills you bring with you, there is always a way that you can help people to have a better life. Future volunteers should have in mind that you are probably living in a house, which is shared with the other volunteers and that privacy can be limited. On the other side, that is a beautiful thing, because you will get to know so many fantastic and different people from all over the world and share life with them.
What made this experience unique and special?
Christian: I have worked on construction sites along with locals in Thailand, South Africa and Haiti and I can say that it has never been as easy as it was in the Philippines. I expected the workers to be more reserved, since I was one of the first foreign volunteers working with them. Their open hearts, welcoming gestures and delicious fruits they picked for everyone from the trees right on the construction site made this one a very special volunteering experience.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Christian: I have studied civil engineering in Germany and this experience in the Philippines have influenced me in a way that I will look even more into possibilities to combine the work as an engineer, travel the world and to help people in disaster prone countries. European Disaster Volunteers will always be a part of my plans though, because besides the work I also met so many fantastic and funny people. The directors are very well grounded and always have an open ear for anything, which made life very easy and uncomplicated.