An Incredible Experience

This is my third time on the Build A Future programme run by All Out Africa. Each time I go I meet fabulous people and make new friends. What makes All Out Africa stand out is that the projects do actually make a difference and there is an on-going review process to ensure that this remains the case. The building projects are supervised by Michael who is a very competent builder, a great teacher and a thoroughly decent man. The projects are hard work as everything is done by hand, but this does mean that you are safe and that people from the community can, and do, help where they can. The more involvement from the local community the better as this means that they buy into the project more which, in turn, can help in its success. At every step of the way you have the full support of the All Out Africa staff whose head office is at Lidwala Lodge where all volunteers stay for the duration of their time in Swaziland.
Lidwala is a backpacker’s lodge in a beautiful part of Swaziland called Ezulwini. The staff have always been very helpful, friendly and it’s a pleasure to be there. I would say that the quality of the food can be improved – when you are out working on site all day, the options for packed lunch are limited and basic. But that aside, the atmosphere in the lodge is great and it is lovely to sit on the veranda or by the pool after a long day building and either read, catch up with all the other volunteers or meet the travellers who pass through.