Rosie Brent-Turner

Photos

Rosie works as part of African Adventures' friendly team. She is the Marketing Officer and jointly handles enquiries for the Youth Development Programme.

Having previously volunteered in Tanzania and worked in India, Rosie knows the value of international experience, and thinks volunteering overseas is something everyone should do!

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory is from a trip I took to Peru in 2012. Feeling brave, my friend and I embarked on the five-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, which included trekking to an altitude of 4,600 meters along the remote Salkantay Mountain Pass. After four nights camping, we finally reached Machu Picchu at dawn on the fifth day, which was an incredible feeling - not even the torrential rain could have dampened our spirits!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working at African Adventures has shown me that individuals really can make a lasting, positive difference. Every individual that travels with us can be part of our long-term plan to change lives in Africa for the better, thanks to our unique model of volunteering that puts our partner projects at the heart of everything we do.

Seeing the impact that our volunteers have at our partner projects is so rewarding, and, for me, repeatedly reaffirms the idea that individuals can, and do, change the world around them.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A returning student recently contacted us to say that his volunteering experience had helped him realize that he has a real talent for working with children. As a result, he has decided to pursue a career in this area, working with young people at activity centers and summer camps. He also said that his experience had given him the confidence to seek help in improving his mental health. It's a great feeling to know that our trips have such a personal impact on our volunteers, and could even put someone on a brand new career path!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

All three of our destinations are incredible, but I would love to visit Ghana, the beating heart of West Africa! Dancing and drumming are central to the way of life there, and all our volunteers can be sure of a warm welcome. The Volta Region, where our volunteers are based, is relatively rural, with a tropical climate. If you are looking for a taste of rural Africa, Ghana might be the destination for you!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique because of the personal touch that is evident in everything we do. From the moment you book, you'll benefit from a personalized and professional support service. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and our friendly and knowledgeable team, many of whom have travelled and volunteered in Africa themselves, will be on hand every step of the way to solve any worries or concerns that you may have.

2019 marks a decade since African Adventures began, which is an amazing achievement. Reaching this milestone, coupled with winning Best Volunteering Organization at the 2018 British Youth Travel Awards, makes me very proud of our team and African Adventures as an organization.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The passion and commitment of the staff is the biggest factor in a company's success. African Adventures was founded after our Director, Dan, volunteered at a school in Kenya at the age of 18. The whole experience made him realize that he wanted to spend the rest of his life helping community projects to develop, while providing other young people from the UK with the same life-changing opportunity he had. This drive is something that the whole team shares, and the success of African Adventures is testament to that.