I must admit that I was a bit worried about working with IVHQ in the beginning because I read a couple of stories that IVHQ doesn't take it's volunteer work seriously and that is not true at all. When I was volunteering, there were two kinds of volunteers. Those that were there to volunteer and those that wanted a cheap vacation. So like in most things in life it really is what you make of it. I will say that IVHQ/DTR was extremely disorganized and they did not really give us any clear instructions. However that just meant that the volunteers had to take the extra step and really help to run the program.
Enough of that. So the first week working in the school there were quite a few days of orientation which kind of sucked to be honest because it felt a bit unnecessary but luckily on one of those orientation days we did finish a bit earlier and got to sit in a classroom. There, me and one of my new Aussie buddies got to sing wheels on the bus. Me and Sam just had a huge laugh attack when the teacher started singing what the dads on the bus do. "The dads on the bus go smoke smoke smoke. Smoke smoke smoke! The dads on the bus go smoke smoke smoke! All through the town!" I think the laughter just came from the unsettling feeling of are we really singing a song encouraging kids to smoke? But as everyone kept telling me, "when in Africa..."
The first two weeks I was put on sports testing. Me! On sports! Talk about a roflmao situation. But in the end I was glad that they did because it was an amazing experience! Just seeing some of the kids so unsure of themselves at attempting track and field activities and exceeding their own expectations of themselves. It's incredible. It really just shows you, you don't know unless you try.
One of the kids named Divine gave me a friendship bracelet which she was too shy to give me herself was an extremely magical moment. This was after only seeing her for the second time, to make such an impact already that's pretty cool. The kids are beyond grateful for the volunteers and all the experience you bring them. Another kid named Adam taught me how to make a shuriken out of paper. These unique experiences with the children are what makes volunteering a really personal experience.
Towards my last week I finally got to start tutoring. We were tutoring a select group of children from each class that were struggling with academics. This where I really wish I had stayed for at least three months because I didn't really get to see the children progress. I was able to help some of the children with math and english. I feel bad that some of the children have to move up a grade when they barely know the fundamentals of certain subjects. Some of the volunteers before me created a program where you write about the tutoring session for each child, that way the volunteers will know what to focus on for each session. I hope this is working out.
When I decided to volunteer in South Africa it was not because I thought people need help in South Africa. But I had no idea of the townships that these kids grow up in. I heard a rumour that there was a five year old boy trying to tear off the clothes of a three year old girl. I hope to god that this is only just a rumour. In a township nearby seventeen people got shot in eighteen days. This is the life of some people. But let me clarify that South Africa does need help but what part of the world doesn't? Everywhere you go there are going to be people that need help. These problems are not unique to Africa. South Africa is a beautiful country. Next time if you are ever thinking of traveling to another country, consider volunteering because it is a completely different form of traveling. You never know what kind of experience your going to have. Anyways I have been in Japan now for the past three weeks and I am having an amazing time; I'll definitely post another few postings! Till next time ;P
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