Volunteering in Africa

Why? You need to think about actually what was so amazing. It may have been amazing for you, but what about the community? What would have happened in their lives if you hadn't gone? Would their life have stopped, been less? Probably, if not definitely not! Be aware of the limited impact on the community if not yourself and assume no importance will be attached to your visit for anything longer than 24hrs after you leave. As a potential volunteer you also need to be aware not only of what you are doing there and why, but also of the unconsidered consequences of actions. One good example that occurred at a project in Africa where we were volunteering was when a nine year old boy severely cut his foot on some broken glass as, like many of the youngsters, shoes were out of the financial reach of the family. The two volunteers who had been present took him to his home and explained to his mother the severity of the cuts and that hospital treatment was required to tend to the wound. The mother agreed however was unable to accompany them to the hospital as she had other children in the household that couldn't be left unsupervised. As such she willingly consented for the two volunteers to take her son, Amon, to hospital.

So far, so good. What could go wrong? Well, Amon had his foot properly stitched and bandaged and then it started to rain. As one of the locals would point out, "earlier it  was too much dust, now it is too much rain" as the untarmaced roads became sodden with the dirty mud threatening to seep into the bandages and stitch work. Fortunately as they awaited a "special" (private) taxi back to the village from the hospital they noticed some plastic shoes for sale for less than a ?1.00. Ideal. With the new shoes on his feet, Amon's wound would be protected. The volunteers returned to the village satisfied that they had helped the child, had his medical needs promptly addressed and all had been done with the full and open consent of the child's mother. With that they returned to their volunteering centre and set about having a drink. Or two. What they weren't to know, nor could they guess, was that as word spread about the episode the following morning before school, a dozen other children would set about finding broken glass, then lacerating their own feet in the hope of also being bought a pair of shoes with one of the children later getting a severe infection in his blood stream. Their injuries and visits to hospital prevented them collecting brushwood for their families fires for many weeks so later they didn't eat properly and the cost of transporting them to the hospital drained their families' already meagre budget. One well meaning incident all went horribly wrong.

Another issue to be aware of is that of faith with many Africans being deeply religious perhaps like people were in Europe some one hundred years ago. Their faith in God may extend to believing that God brought you into their lives and that "you" includes your relative wealth; the type of wealth they may never experience. As such, they want a share in yours. Sadly, especially in children, this scenario effectively reduces some in a community where you may be volunteering, into begging. Again, it may have unintended consequences and whilst is is tempting to think "you helped" if you hand out money or items ~ the reality is you didn't. You probably hindered as any financial problem is that of the family or community, not for a well off muzungo (by local standards) to resolve. By helping short term you committed to perpetuating an underlying and long term problem. You probably also created some insane jealously as word would have got out that you helped one but not another with the one you helped may well end up ostracised long after you have returned home and bathed in the warm glow you received when you posted your generosity and good spirit on Facebook and got so many "likes."

The best advice we can give about volunteering In Africa is to remember that you are there for a very short period of time and its not down to you to change anything rather to learn yourself; after all, you wouldn't like it if someone visited your country and started telling you how to run your life. The project where you will be volunteering will be run by someone experienced; probably someone from the local community. Ask and take advice from them before making assumptions and you'll enjoy your volunteering experience so much more. And the community where you worked will doubtlessly welcome you back! For more experiences have a read of the 'Lighthouse Project' above. As one volunteer noted, "Well worth the read especially for those working with non-profits abroad. In fact, it should be required reading."

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