Bolera Palms Volunteer Program

My time at Bolera Palms was absolutely amazing. Although it was quite a culture shock when first arriving, I soon settled in and met some lovely people. It was quite daunting for the first day of teaching, suddenly faced with a class full of students, some who struggled with reading and speaking English, but you soon learn how best to communicate with the children. Each day we would have a mix of lessons, from Maths and English to Geography and Dance.
Rita who runs the program is fabulous, always willing to help even with everything she has to do with running the school and the resort, and she is really good fun! She organised a trip to Liwonde National Park for us which was a great day out, and would take us into Blantyre when we needed to.
With the resort being right on the lake shores, it's a lovely place to relax after teaching and at the weekends with a nice drink! When I was there we had guards who patrolled the fences at night and would come and check we were OK in our house in the early evening, which was a real comfort.
Despite haven't taken a little time to settle, I was gutted when it was time to leave, and would love to be able to go back and visit some day.

Honestly THE best experience of my life! The culture here is very different to any i have seen throughout the world and takes some getting used to but everyone welcomes you in like family, offers you food as you walk through the village and generally makes you fell like their home is your home also. Working in the school has changed my opinion on many things. The children here are little gems, their spoken English is very good and unlike other children they really want to learn and take in everything you say no matter how small or insignificant it may be. Throughout this year i have faced a lot of challenges and struggles but the support you have here from the staff is extremely good, they are always on hand to give you advice and pick you back up and get you on your way during a low point. For me being here I have made memories that I will never forget and the children I have taught will always have a place in my heart. This project is amazing and i wouldn't change anything about it!

Throughout my year as a volunteer at Bolera Palms School, I faced multiple challanges and from those challanges I believe that I have grown as a person and become more mature, knowing how to handle and face problems that I wouldn't have known how to handle, if I encountered them in the UK. During my day to day activities, I was responsible for the education and welfare of 30 children. As my class learned and grew, I did too. I became far more adaptable and my improvising skills have developed vastly as each child has a different way of learning. As well as this, my confidence has grown tenfold and I feel a lot more comfortable with myself and my abilities.The support from the staff here Bolera Palms is incredible and you will never feel like any of your problems are too big to handle. Choosing to come and volunteer for Bolera Palms will, easily, be the best choice and the best experience of your life! DO IT!