Longterm Volunteer with Manna Project International

Volunteering with Manna has been one of the most amazing years of my life. It has without a doubt exceeded my expectations. I have had the opportunity to work on a range of programs such as teaching English to adults and kids, tutoring, planning and executing programs such as Kids Cooking, Adult Cooking, and Adult English Conversation Club. In addition, I work with a multitude of partner organizations such as a local university to TA in English, an educational center for people with special needs to assist with their swim therapy, and another local university to assist with their nutrition courses. On top of all that, I do several internal and organizational roles, such as finances, grant writing, recruitment, and inventory. I have gained so much valuable experience! Much of what I learned can be applied to my future in medicine, even if it is not directly medically-based. My favorite part of Manna is the ability to work with likeminded individuals. My fellow Program Directors are all so passionate and driven, and it is such a treat to be able to work on a team with them. In addition, we all live together. We're all good friends, and we travel together on the weekends. The fact that Manna gives you a unique volunteering opportunity along with a social component is what I think makes Manna so great and different. Finally, the last thing I have to say about Manna is that Manna creates sustainable change among the community. Community members are constantly expressing their gratitude for having Manna in their community. I have loved developing relationships with our community members, as some of them have become true friends. They are constantly inviting us to do things with them, such as hiking a mountain or making humitas at their house! It truly feels good to know that we are working hard and that our work is a making a difference.