African Impact

Ania Perez, age 29, from Spain
Q: Did you feel your orientation was effective? If not please explain why and feel free to put forward any suggestions that you may have.
A: There was fully effective orientation on arrival and I’ve had all the information needed during my whole stay, perfect!

Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: Vilanculos itself, being in touch with local people and local staff everyday, having the chance to be here at the beginning of the school project, being able to build something with my own hands, the camp… All of it!

Q:How has living in Africa for this period influenced your perspectives and outlook on life?
A: I’ve loved this town and this part of Africa. It has been a completely enriching experience in all senses. I will certainly keep trying to visit more places down this side of the world. And I am much more patient now.

Q: Did you have any concerns before traveling to Zimbabwe? Can you suggest anything more that we could have done to ease these concerns?
A: Current news at home regarding the situation in Zimbabwe is not reflective of how it really is here and I think perhaps volunteers need to be reassured that you are very removed from any sort of trouble here and will only really be affected by a lack of supplies and the occasional power cut but nothing more serious than that.

Q: Did we provide you with enough information on arrival for you to feel confident in your new environment and role as a volunteer?
A: Always felt confident and safe with all the staff that we worked with and really trusted that we were looked after well and well informed.

Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: Helping to build houses in the village for people who were unable to build themselves or didn’t have family around to help out. This was incredibly rewarding and it’s great to know that there is something standing in Dete that I had a hand in building. Camping in the national park was also really great fun and seeing a caracal on our night drive in the park was very special.

Q: At any stage during your time on the program did you feel unsafe?
A: Not once always felt looked after and trusted that all the people we worked with would look after us in any situation as they were well trained and experienced.

Q: How has living in Africa for this period influenced your perspectives and outlook on life?
A: Has made me real appreciate what we have and can live without. Miombo is such a quiet and relaxing place and the people there work so hard for very little but still do it with a smile. It is a beautiful country and will definitely want to return to see more of it.

Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: I think I gained a great deal from both the project and by just being in Africa. I saw such an abundance of wildlife that you can only dream about seeing back in England. All the people we came in contact with were so warm and giving even though they live in very difficult times. All the staff at Miombo were fantastic and made the experience what is was and I can’t imagine the place without any one of them.
The program itself is very worthwhile and gives volunteers the opportunity to see such a different way of living and appreciating life. Everything we do whilst on the program is so worthwhile and has taught me a lot about Africa and the wildlife.

Hi Everyone

Just a quick note to say that African Impact Livingstone now has its own Facebook group which you're welcome to join as a past, current or potential volunteer for updates and anecdotes along the way!

Have a great weekend wherever you are in the world!

Best wishes

Sarah

I wanted to drop you three a quick note of thanks. Last week was by far one of the best experiences of my life.
I have traveled extensively both personally and through work - and I have never come home after a trip with the feeling that I have this week. The whole experience has made me look at my city and life in a whole new way.

I expected to help out in a classroom for a few days… and that was about it. I didn't think I was going to have any effect on the kids or them on me since I only had a week there. I was totally wrong. I was so touched by the kids enthusiasm and innocence. Add that on top of my experience with home based care, family coaching, night shift, family support, etc….. I was floored by the experience.

It has been really hard to come back to work and plan multi-million dollar programs when I know that the kids in Zambia need basic medical care and food. I have signed up with a few volunteer projects locally starting tomorrow - to see if I can find as rewarding an experience close to home.

The relationships that you have within the Livingstone Community are just astounding. And, the impact that you are making in peoples lives is unreal. I am so impressed with your organization of volunteers and your complete dedication to the projects. You truly are amazing.

I feel honored to have been part of this group and I look forward to returning (with a bberry that works so I can stay longer …. hahah….) very soon.

Thanks again.
Talk to (and hopefully see you) soon.

Kate Stluka
New York