Volunteer Belize Orphanage Program

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details?

Communication was well appreciated before the trip. When I got here the person that pick me up was very helpful and provided us with a wealth of information

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the volunteer program: The work ethic of the handyman/yard keeper. He help us acclimate to the orphanage and the culture.

At the accommodation: A kitchen/working fridge

About the country: The kindness and welcoming atmosphere the people provided.

3- What was most difficult/cultural-shock to experience?

At the volunteer program: Having the choice to do what we wanted every day. I am used to more structure.

At the accommodation: no T.V and Wifi , there is a computer with internet in the directors office.

The country: The rules of different people in the society

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Multiple pairs of shoes, tank tops, clothes you do not need to bring home.

Donations: school supplies, balls, nets for basketball soccer nets.

Weather: bring light clothes, extra sunscreen and bug spray

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Transportation system, busses and boats

b.- Caye Caulker is one of the bes places to go.

c.- Explore! You don’t need a guide for everything.

d.- Go to the Mayan Ruins!

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

It did not take long to get used to the culture being here. The heat is the biggest thing that kicked my butt. Week five and I’m not used to it. I loved making a connection with these kids. It is going to be hard to leave them, and a piece of my heart will always be here. I have enjoyed being able to take weekend trips to explore more of the country.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security.. in detail:

Meals are very similar day to day. Accommodation includes a bathroom and a refrigerator.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Building relationship with the children!

Country: Being immersed into the culture.

Tours: Caye Caulker! The people were wonderful there.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Emails prior/during the trip were frequent and appreciated

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country?

Volunteer Uganda: Both coordinators are great, the local staff have been wonderful!

What was the most surprising thing you experienced in the program, at the accommodations and about Uganda?

1. Well behaved and very advanced children at the school
2. Very nice accommodations with running water and electricity
3. The locals were very friendly and welcoming people, almost everyone speaks English

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?

1. Finding my role to fit in and making a difference
2. Local food – I missed my American diet!
3. Witnessing the level of poverty and not having the ability to change it

Any tips for future volunteers (packing, clothing donations etc?)

1. Bring clothing depending on the season – we had perfect summer weather everyday.
2. School donations – #2 pencils, crayons, posters to hang on walls, clothing, shoes, and anything else since it would be appreciated by many.
3. Have an open mind. Know you will learn more than you will teach
4. Enjoy your time, and slower pace while you are here
5. The local coordinators and staff are incredible, and very helpful

Volunteer Reviews

How would you describe your accommodations, meals and security:

We always felt very secure and safe.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The kids in the village were always so eager to see us. My favorite memory is walking down the street and being constantly greeted by “see you mzungu” by overly excited children.

Personal Paragraph

Our experience was incredible. The people and culture of Uganda are beautiful. The A Broader View program coordinators in Bulenga were amazing. Our experience would not have been nearly as comfortable without them. Thank you!

The ABV USA staff were very efficient, helpful and quick to reply to our questions, and the online system was clear and easy to use.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Of course. I am willing to tell them how great of an experience it would be.

Volunteer Nepal

1. How was the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?

The local coordinator was great help throughout the whole trip. He was able to provide me with extremely useful information regarding touristic trips, as well as the need to know of Nepal. I felt like I was very prepared from the orientation to begin the 2 week journey. Every day he was very attent to be sure that I was doing okay or if I needed anything else. If there was anything I needed, Sudhir would immediately try his best to help me out as soon as possible.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Since my whole life I have travelled and lived abroad, there were not many things which came as a shock to me. Being Mexican and Dutch, I have experienced similar things in my home country (Mexico). Although I did experience new things, I came with a very open mind, so nothing was shocking

3. What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Similar to the question above, there were limited amount of things which were difficult to me. Everything ran really smoothly, even the language barrier. For me personally, the most difficult things would be leaving my family for 2 weeks, but even that went better than expected.

4.     Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)

• Easy to buy cheap and comfortable clothing here.
• Monkey, Temple, thamel for sightseeing (personally missed Pokhara but wish to return.
• Allow coordinator to arrange sightseeing trips when in country since he has good contacts.
• Bring books for library project as well as money for potential projects for the orphanage.

4.1 Other things volunteers should know:

Watch out with food / water.

5. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):

Working with the kids was an unbelievable experience. They were all so heartwarming and caring. It is beautiful to see them smiling everyday despite their situation. I tried my best to give them someone to play with, to hug, to have a fun time with. Alongside that, I tried to provide more for the orphanage than just my presence. I invested money in the building of potential fences to improve their accommodation.

Volunteer Reviews

6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?

Everything was perfect. I loved the meals provided in my accommodation. Every day and night. I felt very safe. I was very well taken care of and I am extremely grateful and pleased to say it could not have gone better.

7. What was your memory of this trip?

There are many memories I take home but the main ones are the experience of working with kids at the orphanage, as well as getting to thoroughly known the culture of Nepal.

8. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?

Everything was very helpful except it would have been nice to know that it was greatly appreciated to bring books from home.

9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yeah, of course.