GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer with Children

I volunteered as part of the childcare programme, interactively teaching 3-6 year olds, and it is undoubtably one of the most impactful, beneficial and rewarding experiences I've ever had. The overall experience of being immersed in a different culture, connecting with different people (teachers, members of the community and volunteers and staff from all over the world) and gaining hands-on practical experience outside my comfort zone has done the world of good, and changed my outlook on things in the best possible way! It's so rewarding being able to see first-hand the impact you are having on the kids, watching them grow in confidence and ability- they really are grateful and appreciative of everything you have to offer, as are most the teachers. Being a volunteering organisation however, by nature, it could get slightly disorganised at times and a lack of clear structure was sometimes frustrating. However, staff are super supportive and approachable, ensuring you’re always comfortable, culturally aware and updated of whats going on in the area, and why each project runs the way it does to be the most ethical/ empowering and encouraging for the community. This will definitely not be my last trip with GVI. My advice for anyone volunteering for any project would be to get as stuck-in as possible. Your experience is what you make it so if you go in with an open-mindset, are positive and work hard, you will find it very rewarding!

Global Visions International is an amazing organization. The program I was involved with made a huge impacting helping children ages 3-7. During my 6 weeks volunteering I was able to see so much change in the children. From not being able to speak any English to after only 6 weeks being able to comprehend and speak simple words and phrases understanding so much better. This allowed them to engage with other children and express themselves in a more positive way. The impact made in such a short time is motivating to want to do more. 6 weeks went by incredibly fast during my stay I met so many new and amazing people that life on project was never a dull moment. Constant laughter and happiness from all volunteers and GVI staff made my trip personally amazing. The staff members GVI has employed are also inspiring people that are there for you every step of the way. Anything you need they are there to help. After project this organization has motivated me to try to further my volunteer work by helping others and educated me on worldwide problems that require our help. The staff and other volunteers also become life long friends constantly keeping in touch with connections all around the world.Global visions international is an organization that is changing lives around the world.

The two months I spent in Fiji working at Ratu Meli Memorial School were the best times of my life! Not only did I help establish the first kindergarten, I met some of the most incredible people who eventually became my friends and now are my forever Fiji family! I felt like I truly was able to make a difference and use my skills as a teacher in a valuable way. Please don't be confused however; this was not a vacation--I put as much time, work and effort into my role as a volunteer teacher as I would working in the states. Though there is plenty of time for fun don't get me wrong! But you are there to work to make a difference. It was more than I ever could have imagined and to this day is an experience that has impacted me as a professional and person in more ways than I could have ever thought possible. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe my experience--its something you have to do to understand and trust me, its worth it!

Well how do I put into words the best time of my life? Im going to have a go but I still wont do it justice.
I took part in the "Volunteer in an Orphanage in South Africa" programme for 4 weeks in July 2011, and it was by far the most amazing and worthwhile thing I have every done. It changed my life, and im not exaggerating.

I was based in the orphanage for the whole 4 weeks I was there which meant that I really got to build good relationships with all of the children and see their progression from week 1 where they were all quite shy and dare I say it, well behaved, to the 4th week where their true cheeky personalities came out! The children in the orphanage when I was there ranged from tiny babies of 4 months, to teenagers. The orphanage has a special needs centre with 6 children with very different needs and it is with these children I spent most of my time, spending key 1:1 time doing therapeutic massages on the 2 boys with cerebral palsy, multisensory activities with the boys with sight and hearing difficulties and helping one of the boys learn to walk. The days were so rewarding just seeing the great big smiles that all of the children have and hearing them laughing and having fun.

GVI as a company are great. They were in constant contact before I went, answering any of my questions promptly and honestly. My parents were also very impressed that once I had arrived at my accommodation in South Africa they received an email from the co-ordinator saying that I had arrived safely which they really appreciated. While we were out there our co-ordinators were always around to help, even if it was late at night or at the weekend if we ever had any problems we could turn to them. They had loads of ideas about activities and games to do with the children and really knew how to have fun out of project, like at our weekly trips to the local karaoke bar.

GVI hire a driver to drive you to and from project and the accommodation was really clean and safe too. We had apartments of 5 - 8 people in each, and most importantly the food was great too! Very healthy and cooked fresh every day.

I would recommend this project to anyone, you make the most amazing life long friends, come away with some lovely memories that will stay with you forever, and it really changes your perspective on things. You will want to return as soon as you get back.

I was in Fiji for a little over a month teaching grade 1 at a local school. In a (hyphenated) word, the experience was life-changing! The children there are so excited to have you around and are extremely eager to learn. I think about them every day and miss them as well as all of the wonderful friends I made during my time with GVI. One of the more difficult things for me to deal with was the fact that I was so used to westernized schooling and, even though I knew it was going to be different, I was shocked when I learned that sometimes the teachers don't show up to classes. It was intimidating at first, but as long as you have lesson plans made, the students are willing to do just about anything and are absolutely WONDERFUL to work with. Granted, this happened only once in a great while for my class, but I do recommend that anyone considering this program keep in mind that they may be asked to run a class on their own. The staff and other volunteers are also really helpful if you're ever having a hard time figuring out lesson plans, using education resources, etc. One of the times my teacher wasn't in class, a few of us combined our classes for a group music lesson and it was a hit with the kids! All of the volunteers work together to make sure that the school day runs smoothly, so you're never alone...which is really nice.
Also be prepared for very basic living conditions. Cleanliness is hard to come by there, which was what I had the hardest time with.

I woke up one morning and decided that I wanted to go to Fiji to Volunteer. It had been a year since I volunteered in Mongolia and I felt this instinct inside me that said go. After plenty of research I decided to go with Global Vision International. A month later I was jumping of the boat and onto the beautiful white sandy beach of Tovuto Base, Fiji. After meeting 20 or so of the other volunteers I was set up ready for my first day at Ratu Melli school. We arrived at the schools assembly and we were introduced to all the students with a wonderful singing performance. It was instant love and appreciation for the students of the School. Walking down the veranda you couldn’t help but feel somewhat famous with the attention each student was paying you. I had the honour of teaching class two who were a great and energetic bunch of kids. Over the weeks you built an unbreakable bond with not only the children of the school but the volunteers and staff. When you live with people 24/7 you get to know them rather rapidly on a personal level. You create a home away from home which you feel so safe and appreciated. The staff in particular offers you support and makes it comfortable for your experience.
There was not one point of my trip where I wanted to go home or felt like I made a mistake about coming to Fiji. From the white sand beaches to the smiling children of class two, volunteering with GVI in Fiji was by far the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve formed lifelong friendship with the other volunteers and a home away from home all thanks to my spontaneous want to come to Fiji and the help of GVI.

I feel like I made the biggest difference in the world when I was on this project for 6 weeks. I feel like I made an impact at the school I taught at, but I also feel like I made a difference in the local community. I was able to hear the stories of the people in the village and after hearing there stories I would walk away speechless. Everyone person I met, changed me and I now have a broader look at life. The second you arrive in Mombasa is the second your life will change. It is such an amazing trip and the kids at the school are the most precious kids I have ever met. This trip is priceless and you will get so much out of it.

There is no place in the world filled with so much love and happiness as the Nceduluntu nursery and Ikhayalethemba orphanage. I was so lucky to have spent 4 weeks at Nceduluntu and 2 weeks at Ikhayalethemba. Adding up to be the best 6 weeks of my life.

On my journey to Africa i was nothing but freaked out. I was questioning exactly what on Earth i was thinking. But as soon as I arrived i felt right at home. The staff were lovely and so were my fellow volunteers. The first day at the nursery was one i was never going to forget. Walking in and hearing about 60 screaming voices "TEACHER TEACHER TEACHER" from the most beautiful children, craving your attention. All they wanted was a high 5, a smile, a cuddle or to grab onto your leg and not let go.
Whilst in lessons they were crazy and the language barrier was quite a struggle, they were so excited to learn and so greatful you were there to help them.
My most treasured memories of the nursery are one little boy Maurena, who every morning would say "Good morning teacha, owa you?" I would respond and ask him how he was and never received a reply. He had no idea what it meant, but knew that it was the polite thing to say when greeting someone. So cute! I also loved when they all came out so sleepy from nap time and just put their head on your lap and curled up into you. aahh.

The ikhaylathemba orphanage was a real place of hope. The children spoke a lot better English and were so beautiful. At times it was sad to remember why they were there and that some of them may be there until they reach their adult lives, but they were so happy that it was easily forgotten.
The best memory i have of Ikhayalethemba was during one of the fun fridays when we were doing a treasure hunt. We all dressed up as pirates and went to find the treasure. They were all so in character and so excited! The smiles on their faces when the got the treasure of a couple of lollies, a piece of orange, a pirate hat and a small silly wrist band was priceless.

I think of these children everyday and cannot wait to go back and see them again sometime. :)