10-month Community Development Program in the Caribbean and Africa

During my time at RVA, and also during my volunteer work in Ecuador, I’ve learned and seen many things which opened my eyes. When I actually met the people in the field I’ve realized that the best way to do something for them is to go out there and do things with them and teach them how they can do it by themselves.

My decision to become a volunteer came after I started learning about climate change and the effects it has on the world, I wanted to start taking action towards the elevation of the effects of climate change. I also wanted to take on a new challenge that would completely take me out of my comfort zone.

Africa changed my life. The difference in culture, food, music, living lifestyles and even social practices. The exposure I got still remains some of the fondest memories. Of course, this journey had to start somewhere, and mine started at Richmond Vale with the most diverse team I’ve ever worked with even to this day! My journey started in 2009, but the friendships, skills, knowledge and memories remain with me ever since.

I have worked for a sailing organization all my life, doing youth projects. I’d say most of the skills I got from the program were soft skills. I’ve learned how to better deal with people, how to organize my workday, how to communicate with my international coworkers. But most importantly, I’ve gained a different outlook at life. I am going to work part-time soon, because I’ve realized there are other more important things in life.

The most important thing I gained from this program was recognizing opportunities when they come along, as well as knowing how to find them. There is more than one way of doing something. The best way won’t always be obvious and often times you have to pave the way. Real Practical skills through: Gardening, Using a Machete, Speaking Spanish, Organizing events and group actions, harvesting food, travel skills of all kinds.

I met with a lot of people who became really important to me… they will always be in my heart. The best moment was to create an ecologic playground in Cangonama, Ecuador; it was the best thing I did in my life, not just for the playground itself, but because of the people, the work, the organizing part of it, it made me another person…

Before I arrived to Mozambique, I always had the idea that I was poor, but in Africa I learned that wealth is not in material things. I have seen families eating from one plate and still invite their neighbors to join them for a meal. I have learned not to be a prisoner of the capitalist world that we are living in. The time that I stayed in Africa is very memorable and it taught me to be a humanitarian.

I spent 6 months of my programme in Ecuador, which was incredibly challenging due to the language barrier and very different life style, but somehow despite all the challenges I made it through and for me that was an incredible achievement. Living and working abroad really shows you the similarities between people and it inspired me to be the best person that I can be

During the programme, I learned to listen, observe, debate, practice my patience and tolerance. The greatest challenge all the time, getting out of our selves and our egoism to try to do something common with people from completely different points of view, culture, language, etc. I got to know people who just gave the best of themselves at all times!