My Nonprofit Reviews

Mushy as it sounds, volunteering with All Hands Volunteers has been by far, one of the best experiences of my life, and I expect that this organisation will always be a big part of my life, whether going to projects or helping from home.

Initially, I accidentally signed up for three months in the Philippines, thinking that was the minimum amount of time I had to stay. Although I was warned by staff and volunteers to not overwork myself in my first week, I classically thought I was a superstar and could do anything, crying my first night and taking strong painkillers – making escape plans with my dad over whatsapp, as didn’t think I could hack it there, especially not for three months. Actually, I loved it, and extending to stay for 6 months. Reluctant and crying (common emotion in my life apparently) I had to leave as my VISA started in Australia. I stayed in Australia for 6 months, constantly and excitedly thinking of going back to project, signing up to volunteer with All Hands in Nepal as soon as they accepted volunteers, staying for another three months.

I thought as a volunteer in disaster relief, I would be faced with overwhelming sadness and hardship, with evenings spent alone and bored with nothing to do, I cleverly thought ahead downloading a nutrition manual on my tablet to read when I wasn’t working. Just in remembering that I thought this feels utterly ridiculous, funny though.

This is so far from what I experienced, with the beneficiaries, the AHV team, the work, or the downtime.

Although challenging, working for the beneficiaries in a team of amazing people, made it easy to get up in the morning, instilling in everyone a determined motivation to do manual labour all day in rain or shine (but actually usually taking cover in the rain, as it was often torrential and slightly cold and not health and safety appropriate – but you get my point).

We were fortunate to meet many of the beneficiaries we worked for, who greeted us with such hospitality and love, giving us food, helping when possible, smiles, waves, encouragement in general – just really lovely. I even got a few hugs from the old girls, and a very memorable kiss from a toothless old lady who said I could take her back to the UK with me (she got someone to translate this to me). It was delightful - workday after workday of doing fulfilling necessary work.

Evenings were so much fun, never a dull moment, unless I snuck off to sleep early, as was just so exhausted from the day. The AHV family were amazing, and I genuinely feel nothing but pride and love for the staff and volunteers who work their bums off to get the work done. I feel privileged to work alongside them, finding more best friends in this time, than I have accumulated in my little lifetime.

All Hands was a rare time where I never questioned my life choice or happiness, knowing the amazing work we were doing and the connections I was making with people.

The staff are fantastic, although it took a little longer to make friends with them, as they are usually super busy working all the time, they were really wonderful. On the whole, the project ran really smoothly, the work was really needed and necessary in the communities, and the beneficiaries seemed really truly happy with us. I felt an incredible sense of family and support from this group, with a ridiculous amount of laughs, and tears, and joy, and many many tired times.

I am really not one to force any of my ideas on to anyone, but All Hands seems to be an exception… and breastfeeding – but that’s different. I have accidentally become an advocator for the organisation on my travels, finding myself recommending All Hands to so many people – including my family and friends – many of whom have never travelled before. It truly is such an incredible experience, sorry I am cringing before I even say this (I know), but it is life-changing and completely wonderful.

I still haven't read the manual.