Enriching Experience

We heard about IVHQ from a friend who had recently been overseas on a teaching experience. We were so moved by her story and we had always wanted to volunteer abroad that her positive testimony encouraged us to give it a go.

Three members of our family signed up- mum, dad and youngest daughter of 18.
We chose to go away for 1 month, this was a perfect time frame to get to know and connect with the community where you volunteer, local staff and to make a difference.

We asked to go to the school where our friend had been, so we could build on the good work she had completed.
She was also able to tell us what the school needed next.
That happened to be a library… building and books.
We collected donated reading books of appropriate information and stories for the age and ethnicity of where we were being placed.
Three suitcases full!
We also fundraised… locally which meant that our community at home have been walking this journey too.
We set up a What’s App so they too could see the progress being made.

The children and staff soon became our family… we were so very humbled and privileged to become part of their community and share in their vision for the school.
We ended up building two classrooms, a library, kitchen space and toilet block… whilst we were there (albeit basic).

We uncovered many things the school needed support with… and every time we offered to assist… our hearts grew… as did their gratitude.
We are committed to an ongoing relationship with this school…

It has changed and enriched our lives for the better.
IVHQ was instrumental in making this happen.
They are thorough… organised… safe… approachable… and cater for all ages.
Highly recommended.
The staff where we stayed on our placement could not be more helpful.
The volunteers… young and old all had a wonderful commonality of care and empathy.… so it was so very easy to connect with everyone.

It is all planned out, so you feel in control and supported by both the IVHQ team and your placement staff.

I recommend finding out what might be helpful in your place of service before arriving… and having a purpose or plan for your visit.

We chose a country in Africa, so we were also able to experience the amazing wildlife and scenery as well as the friendly people.

Our lives have been enriched by this experience, we are now set on a new pathway to continue ongoing support with the school and it’s community.

Thank you IVHQ for providing the platform to make these volunteer services abroad affordable and achievable.

The hardest part is choosing where to go and then at the end of the trip… saying goodbye to everyone… The memories you create will be cherished forever.