I had the opportunity to volunteer in Kenya for 3 weeks where I was able to participate in several projects. The first week I was in an orphanage where I helped prepare meals, helped out with chores and played with the children. The second week I was working in a dispensary where I was assisting health care workers and preparing medication for patients. My final week in Kenya I was teaching math and English in an elementary school. This was my first time volunteering abroad and these three weeks have changed my perspective and outlook on life. Kevin was able to provide me with exactly what I wanted to do there and I felt completely safe during my placements and with my home stays. I would definitely recommend Volunteers without borders for an experience of a lifetime when volunteering abroad.
I participated in an elephant program in Thailand it was an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Volunteers Without Borders has an easy to navigate website, With the assistance of the VWB (Volunteers Without Borders) team , I was able to find the program that best suited my interests and dates that fitted my timeframe. I received an extensive information package
The program that VWB partnered with was fabulous. From tasks and experiences, to food and lodging. It was an experience that has grown my deepest emotions and being
I would highly recommend the volunteer experience and would encourage people to participate through the VWB programs
Susan
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Volunteering was something I have wanted to do for many years. After planning a trip to Thailand, I decided this was the year that I was going to make it happen. I researched many companies and found Volunteers Without Borders to be by far the most affordable and best value when it came to volunteer programs that were offered. I was a little apprehensive of what type of program I would join as I didn't know if I had any special skills to offer and being over 60 years old. I choose the Elephant Sanctuary Program in Thailand because I've had a fascination for Elephants since I was young and felt it would be an incredible opportunity to work with them and give back to the community that is taking care of them. After completing the registration form, I was contacted by the organization who helped me select the week that was most suitable for my travel plans. Communication with the organization was easy and all my concerns were addressed. I received an information package about my specific program, location and events that I could expect to experience. I felt comfortable and excited for my first volunteer adventure. The arrangements were set up to transport me from my hotel to the program. I had the ease of mind knowing that I had a reliable company to call if I needed any assistance along the way. The experience with the Elephants was absolutely amazing, and was everything I had envisioned and more! I would highly recommended booking with VWB International for the simplicity of the entire process, for an easy, well informed, affordable volunteer experience.
I have been a volunteer back at my home country during my free time but it was never an easy task to decide whether to be an international volunteer, for I did not know what to expect, particularly when I was to be in a foreign land. Yet, the whole idea of volunteering abroad was so enticing that I thought that it would be a golden chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and to give back to the wider society. Then, I started the process including researching available volunteering opportunities overseas and communicating with the relevant contact of the organisation. Having reviewed fellow volunteers' experiences, I signed up for an orphanage care and education program in Nepal with Volunteers Without Borders.
Seven hours of road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the destination of my volunteer work, was tiring but worthwhile with the scenic view of Himalayas range along the journey. I was greeted by Krishna as soon as I arrived in Pokhara. Krishna has been an active volunteer ever since he graduated from school. Unsurprisingly, he was the founder of the orphanage in which I would be helping in. The orphanage was called "The Love Company". Very much to its name, the orphanage provided not only shelter and foods for the children but also education and, most importantly, a "home" for them. I realised that "living in abundance" had always been taken for granted by many of us coming from a privileged background. However, the children could barely make ends meet, much less abundance. Hence, the existence of this orphanage was certainly a great comfort for the kids.
There were a total of 12 children in the orphanage. It was a challenge initially for me to bond with them given the language barrier and the difference in personality among the kids. But it did not take me long to get to know them and mingle with them. On a daily basis, I had a set routine which was to send the little kids to the school, to fetch them back after school, and to help them with their homework. As there was also another female volunteer, we split among ourselves in terms of the teaching responsibility. She took care of the girls while I handled the boys' homework. It really struck me of how talented the kids were despite their lack of access to various learning opportunities. An example was Rahul who could draw amazingly well even though he had never learnt drawings. His great observance and meticulousness were beyond my imagination.
Beyond helping out in the orphanage, I did have a few hours of free time every day that allowed me to explore the city. I rented a boat and toured around Phewa lake in order to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the breathtaking view of the mountains. Having said that, I could still hear the indistinct honking of the cars on the road! I thought it would be lovely to view the city and the Himalayas range from a higher spot. Thus, I decided to go for a sunrise viewing from Sarangkot and had to withstand the chilly weather before dawn was breaking. Eventually, my determination paid off when I saw the amazing views despite the foggy weather.
My time in Nepal was barely a week but the life experience I have gathered was far-reaching. The down-to-earth and positive attitude displayed by Krishna, the children, fellow volunteer, and the locals have taught me to see things, or perhaps life, from a different perspective. Sometimes, all we need to do is to slow down the pace of our lives and enjoy the journey, but not forgetting those in need of love and warmth.
This was an amazing experience! The people I met and the experiences we all shared together will continue to make me laugh for years to come.
I spent 2 weeks in Nairobi giving a little help in some orphanages and teaching in 2 schools.
It has been a heartbreaking experience that at the same time warmed my sould with the kindness and loveliness of the people and children I met.
Even if they are extremly poor people there are extremly welcoming and they are always smiling.
I had two local guides always taking care for me and organizing my time in according to my interests. I never felt unsafe and I could really rely on them for everything.
I reccomend such experience to all of those who wants to experience the real local life.
Forget your comforts and start living almost like them!
The organization provided prompt communication and responses to my questions, and helped with program placement. The project was very integrated in the community, offering a wide variety of activities and programs to assist with. We were able to offer hands on help without being a burden. Loved the experience!
The "Work in an Orphanage" program in Nepal with Volunteers Without Borders was an amazing experience. VWB organized everything for me and it was so easy when I got there.
My time in Pokhara so was been absolutely wonderful both at the orphanage and all around it. I have never been to a community that is so trusting and honest; it is the perfect place for first time travellers who are getting out of their comfort zone. It is very safe everywhere, even at night, and everything is close by so it’s not hard to get all of the essentials that you need.
Krishna (the orphanage owner) and his wife, Parbati, really treat you like family while you are in their country. They understand that there are many cultural differences that you are not accustomed to and they try their best to accommodate you in any way possible. They will also take you on trips to the market place or to places with beautiful views, as well as help arrange things like treks and trips to farther places in Nepal.
As for the orphanage, the kids are wonderful. Aside from being super cute, they are very responsible for their age and get joy out of very simple things that most first-world children don’t. They have the imaginations of the early 90s kids and anyone before them because they do not rely on technology for entertainment. They love to do things like go for picnics in the park, make superhero masks out of paper, and play games that involve competition. They sometimes need help with homework and learning English and it is always fun to help them with both. Luxuries that they enjoy are chicken, popcorn, candy, toy cars for the boys, and makeup for the girls. Those items are easy to buy and cheap from a volunteer’s perspective, so it is nice to buy it for them every once in a while (but not too often!).
Being at the orphanage provides a learning experience not only for the children, but also for yourself as a volunteer. You can learn so much from being around the children and see something that you maybe thought was long gone from your own society.
If you are concerned about ending up at a “bad” orphanage, I can definitely say that this one checks out. The children are treated very well, their living situation is good, and their bellies are always full. Krishna really wants to help the kids and see them learn whenever possible. He likes them to play games and do activities where they learn as much as possible to help them in their future.
So, all-in-all, I would highly recommend the Nepal orphanage program with VWB. The time they need volunteers the most is during the winter (November-February). They have been lucky enough to get solar panels and a water filter installed by one of the volunteers, but they are still in need of financial support for things like food and rent.
If anyone has any personal questions they’d like to ask me, feel free to contact me at shawnaraephotos@gmail.com
Volunteers Without Borders 11/20/2013
Shawna! We are so pleased to hear you have a positive experience on our program in Nepal. I am most certain that you will hold a special place in the hearts of the Nepali people that you worked with and they will miss your generosity and kindness. We are honoured to have you join our team and we are so grateful for all your efforts. From the team @ VWB, Thank you so much!
I spent three weeks volunteering in children's youth centers in Udaipur, India which was organized by Kevin, the founder of Volunteers Without Borders. This was my first time volunteering with an organization. Three weeks have definitely changed my life and perspectives on many concepts such as development and poverty. With all the challenges that India brings along, I felt very safe and comfortable in my placement. The program director was always available to help me when I needed support for both the teachings and life in general. I would definitely recommend Volunteers Without Borders for anyone who wants to volunteer for some self-development and learning experience.
My idea half year ago was to just find place to make internship in Canada and continue my professional work. In the end I ended having great skype conversation with Kevin, Founder of Volunteers Without Boarders and here I am now – volunteering in Sri Lanka was a blast! I was fortunate enough to meet great people, do great work and now traveling around Asia, writing blog and doing more (www.wiszka.eu). I would recommend that experience to anyone wanting to try. I would recommend Volunteers Without Boarders because it was all easy, fast and without problems. Great information and great places!
Volunteers Without Borders 02/28/2013
From the team at Volunteers Without Borders, we are so pleased to hear that we were able to provide you with such a memorable volunteer experience. Sri Lanka is certainly a warm, safe, and friendly country to volunteer in. If you or anyone else you know would be interested to get involved in volunteering abroad, please help us spread the word as we are the MOST AFFORDABLE volunteer organization on this Planet! Find out more by visiting us online @ www.volunteerswithoutborders.ca
Comments ( 1 )
Volunteers Without Borders 04/09/2015 Thanks for your positive comments Sarah and we are very grateful to hear that you had such a positive experience volunteering in Africa and joining our team. We encourage you to share your experience and inspire others to make a difference and together we will continue to help make our world a better place!