Program Reviews

I went on my volunteer trip to Nicaragua by myself through a wonderful organization called Unearth the World. I stayed at Mariposa, a magical place and volunteered at Los Pipitos a school for developmentally challenged children. I was prepared for a tough situation but the kids were full of life and happiness. The project allowed me close interaction with the kids...helping with schoolwork and playing a lot of soccer! It was so rewarding and I can't remember the last time I smiled so much.

The infrastructure and living conditions in Nicaragua seemed hepless..yet the people weren't hopeless. They are happy and full of warmth. I learned so much from them and feel blessed my path lead me to Unearth the World, Nicaragua and La Mariposa.

My experience volunteering at the Royal Seed Home with the help of Unearth the World was amazing. I was fully prepared arriving on site because of the work that UTW did for me. They made sure I had everything on the packing list and made sure I was mentally prepared by holding a pre-trip orientation. They had been to this home before so they were able to describe exactly what I was about to experience.

At the home, I helped bath the children and get them ready for school. In the mornings, I also helped feed the babies and look after them. Throughout the day, I would help with cooking meals and play with the children when they weren't in school. During exams, they had us administer tests and oversee the classrooms. One day, we even got to help build a new site they are working on in order to house more children. On the weekends, we'd play volleyball and soccer with the kids and read them books, which they loved. We also attended church on Sunday at the home.

I always felt safe volunteering here. The home has a separate volunteer house where they have a guard at all times. They bring you your food to eat there as well.

I wish I had planned more than a week volunteering here. It was hard to leave the children just after that short amount of time. I could see that the biggest impact I had was just the additional love and attention I could provide to the children. The children and the staff at the home were so friendly and appreciative of our help. I'd recommend this experience to anyone!

I had the best experience volunteering abroad at a Ghana Orphanage, known as Royal Seed Home. The overwhelming hospitality by all individuals at the orphanage enabled me to feel right at home. Royal Seed Home's warm and inviting demeanour allowed me to "jump" right into volunteering. I felt welcomed to help in various areas, which included preparation of meals, bathing and feeding children, playing with them, and providing support in the classroom setting. I always felt safe at all times. When I was helping at the home, my valuables and personal belongings were kept safely locked at the volunteer home. The adults at Royal Seed always made sure I was well fed, well rested and meeting all of my volunteer goals throughout my stay. I would go back to Royal Seed Home in a heartbeat, but for a much longer stay!

While I only spent a week at Camp Mwandi, it was honestly one of the most rewarding projects I've worked on in the 4 months I've been traveling and volunteering in Africa. From the minute you step into the campsite, there was an ever present sense of security and purpose. The days quickly pass as either "tying," "packing" "throwing" or "smoothing" days, each with their own sets of positives and negatives. The first challenge? Getting used to building with termite poo. The good news? You get over that pretty quickly, as soon as you realize it's greater purpose - a longstanding house for a family in need.

In just a matter of days, I was helping to change someone's life for the better. The physical act of building something tangible with my bare hands, for someone else, was the most rewarding feeling!

If given the chance to travel and volunteer in Zambia, do it! Working with Unearth the World is the best - they know and understand the project, and they're so helpful every step of the way. You will love it!