Roger Justin Kenya


The most amazing thing?

The Village and the local people, so welcoming and loving, they really care about your well being, and they are so grateful that you are there to help.

Best memory?
Building a Library from sctrach

Best bits about free time?
Safari, amazing!!!!.

Tell us about the people
The village took us into their hearts, the relationships between the volunteers and the village was so strong, tears of joy when leaving, as we had achieved something for the whole village, a library.

Would you consider volunteering again and where?
Yes, probably back to Olasiti as it was amazing…

Tips for future volunteers?
Don’t worry if over pack as, it’s nice to leave things behind for your host family. Sleeping bag, Wet-wipes/cleansing wipes, toilet wipes and bacterial hand wash. Small pocket mirror for guys and gals.

Further advice, stories or statements
Quotes from the volunteers”Prior to the trip we were virtually strangers, now, we are all the best of friends … That’s Powerful””Our greatest fears prior to coming to Kenya, led to our greatest ever life experience” “Extraordinary””Magnificent trip, amazing. This should be compulsory for all employees”
“Communication and relationship building between colleagues from different departments and resorts was exceptional””Life changing” “A natural team bonding experience” “If the company wanted to improve staff morale, build loyalty, energise and inspire employees, Kenya ticks all the boxes and more”

Read more about our: Volunteers in African Case Studies

Sarah Gillam Ghana


The most amazing thing?

Spending Christmas with all the children and hosting a party for them. Amazing to see them all having so much fun with arts and crafts, gave them t shirts to decorate, face paints, cards, glitter etc! We played music, wrapped small presents for them and had juice and biscuits which they all absolutely loved.

Best memory?
New Years eve, celebrating with the local community in the Streets of the local village (Obo). All the children made wooden go karts and went racing down the hill on them. Rather crazy, but so much fun and a lovely way to bring together all the families- dancing on the street and everyone just happy to be out and spending time with each other

Best bits about free time?
Being able to relax, soak in the local life and atmosphere but also get to know the other volunteers. At the weekends you get the opportunity to see more of the country and understand its history, we went to the Cape Coast and saw the Slavery Castle, learning about how life used to be.

Tell us about the people
The staff were lovely, spoke good English and there was always someone about to help you out and check you were ok. It was nice to speak to them personally about their life in Ghana and how the country works! The local people were all so friendly and loved it when you spoke to them, played with the children, took their pictures etc! And the other volunteers were great, I have met some very special people who will be life long friends.

Would you consider volunteering again and where?
Yes! I do love Africa and have been there a few times, so would definitely go back there. But also up for trying somewhere new, maybe Mexico

Tips for future volunteers?
Ensure to pack enough clothes and essentials in hand luggage- my baggage got lost so was without everything for almost a week!

Further advice, stories or statements
You can never have enough baby wipes, hand gel etc!!”

Read more about our: Volunteers in African Case Studies

Stacey Gregory Ghana


The most amazing thing?

Helping those less fortunate, donating money to goodcauses.

Best memory?
Outreach project in Yawtenkorang, Help tidy Asubone ready for the children to move classrooms., Getting involved with the young children and sunshine Creche.

Best bits about free time?
Meeting some amazing people , Travelling.

Tell us about the people
Other volunteers were lovely, Coordinators werefantastic to work with and very well at organising projects for us volunteers. Local people were very friendly and welcoming.

Would you consider volunteering again and where?
Yes , Cambodia or Ghana again

Tips for future volunteers?
Bring packets foods tolast, wet wipes, resources – pens , books , games and If you want to help build, take donations of £50 per week.

Further advice, stories or statements
Just had the best time of my life. Thank you to everyone involved at Original Volunteers. Had an Incredible experience and would recommend anyone who has the time to do it. Such a rewarding feeling. “

Read more about our: Volunteers in African Case Studies

Leilah Amos Nepal


Was the experience good value for money?

Yes I have volunteered with other projects and this was much better value for money compared to them, I thought it was extremely competitive and didn’t feel cheated.

What members of staff do you remember the most and why?
I remember Asim the project co-ordinator the most as he was so helpful and was brilliant throughout the project. He looked after us throughout the project and helped with some minor problems we encountered. He was very friendly and accommodating letting us use his house as well.

What were your impressions of the accommodation?
Our accommodation was amazing, staying in a local lodge. I was overwhelmed with how nice it is and how lovely the people we were staying with were.

Why did you want to volunteer? 
I love going and experiencing the culture in new countries and being able to offer my expertise as a teacher. I like meeting new and like-minded people and having an adventure. It is my third time volunteering and I have loved it every time.

Do you feel you made a difference, how?
Yes I do feel that we helped with the teacher that was regularly in the school by showing her that lessons could be made fun. Unfortunately only being there for 3 weeks was not long enough to make a long-term impact with the children.

What did you do for fun?
We went on the jungle safari for two nights which was wonderful, we played with the local children in the mornings, socialized with other volunteers and went out on some trips with our host family.

Who did you make friends with and for what reasons?
My main friend was a girl called Eve as we stayed in the same room in the host family. We got on well because we were of similar age and she was a trainee teacher and I am a teacher. I got on well with all the other volunteers however.

What were the names of the best places to hang out and socialise
Sitamai bar where we staying was the best place to hang out, you could get drinks and sit in a beautiful cabana in the middle of the jungle. It was beautiful. We also enjoyed visiting Pokhara which was much more fun and lively for young people.

Would you considering going again or perhaps to another project with Original Volunteers?
Yes I would consider doing it again as I thought it was reasonable and I enjoyed being with the other volunteers. I also felt that I was well looked afer.

What would you say/recommend to a friend who was interested in volunteering?
That its good for a short volunteer project, you meet lots of nice people, you are well supported but there is not as much value in the actual project as some other projects I have been on.

What items would you suggest future volunteers take?
CLOTHES for the local children!
You don’t need a sleeping bag, that was a waste of space.
A way to get up your mosquito net in Chtiwan easily.

How much money would you suggest you take per week?
I spent £400 in 3 weeks.

Could you offer any tips to future volunteers?
August was VERY hot in Chtiwan – also the schools were closed and the children attended the local school voluntarily. I think volunteers should know it’s a bit quiet in August.

Read more about our: Volunteers in Asian case studies

Bexx Moss Nepal


What members of staff do you remember the most and why?

The drivers – both very friendly and helpful.

What were your impressions of the accommodation?
Was very surprised at the facilities available, was expecting a lot worse!

Why did you want to volunteer? 
Always been known as a bit or a party goer and wanted to do something that made a difference

Do you feel you made a difference, how?
Feel as though wasn’t like your ordinary volunteers, knew how to show the kids a good time and they have made me promise to return ASAP!

What did you do for fun?
Taught the kids how to paint nails (they loved) and went on a jungle safari!

When was your most enjoyable experience, do you have an interesting story?
Elephant bathing was amazing!

Who did you make friends with and for what reasons?
Made friends with lots of volunteers from all over the world including Spain Germany and Australia!

What were the names of the best places to hang out and socialise
Kathmandu was the most amazing city ive ever visited and so cheap! Got myself a new tattoo whilst there!

Would you considering going again or perhaps to another project with Original Volunteers?
Yes definitely, I found everything was organised so well I would have struggled finding buses and taxis etc on my own!

What would you say/recommend to a friend who was interested in volunteering?
Most humbling thing I’ve ever done, can’t wait to return!

What items would you suggest future volunteers take?
Lots of mosquito repellent and as much stuff for the kids as you can carry!

How much money would you suggest you take per week?
£30 a week was enough for my food then buying the odd souvenirs!

Could you offer any tips to future volunteers?
Would go in October because I found it a little cooler, as the first couple of weeks I was there in September was still unbelievably hot!

Read more about our: Volunteers in Asian case studies

Francesca Evans Morocco


What members of staff do you remember the most and why?

Rachid- Because he helped me with everything, even if it was some advice about life or what to go and see in Morocco he had an amazing answer. He also arranged for me to go and see the babies for an extra time as he knew it was my favourite project and I was going home soon. He was happy to help with anything. Fatima- She was incredible; she helped me with everything when I was in Morocco for 2 months. She even offered to do some washing for me. She was great on trips and on all the projects. Love her and have staid in tough since. Amina- she cleaned riad 5 but I would always pop in and see her and she was lovely. When I got sick she made me some herbal tea and made sure I got the right medication at the pharmacy

What were your impressions of the accommodation?
Loved the accommodation it gave me a real sense of having a family. Everyone got on well, the only thing I would improve was the bed size and to have a few more fans as it is so hot in the summer months.

Why did you want to volunteer?
To gain some experience and to work more with children. I am a teacher back home but I just graduated uni and wanted to see the world a bit more before settling down.

Do you feel you made a difference?
Yes, all the children knew my name and when I left they all came to say goodbye to me with small gifts (I was so over come as most of these children lived on the streets) I also gave all my clothes to the street children and regularly took food packages to them if I did not finish my evening meal.

What did you do for fun?
Swimming walking round the markets just hanging out with other volunteers on the roof.

When was your most enjoyable experience?
Taking the streets children swimming, I did this a handful of times and encouraged other volunteers to do so too. It was so rewarding seeing the children’s faces and getting to play with them in the water. The pool we took them too have music and I loved seeing them dance and sing. When this project was available it was my favourite time of the week.

Who did you make friends with and for what reasons?
Everyone, so I could have as many friends as possible and make my experience as rewarding as possible. .

What were the names of the best places to hang out and socialise, why was this?
Sesame Gardens, the owner is linked with OV and he would treat us really well. The cafes and restaurants around the market area because it was a great experience to watch everyone and everything pass by.

Would you considering going again or perhaps to another project with Original Volunteers?
I would 100% go back to Morocco as I loved every single moment, the projects are rewarding the people I met were amazing and I just fell in love with the culture the food and the people. I would go any where with OV if I knew it was going to be half as good as Morocco.

What would you say/recommend to a friend who was interested in volunteering?
GO!!!!! If its your first trip try some where close to home like Morocco as it’s a short trip. Don’t be nervous or scared everyone is in the same boat and once you are there just say Yes to every new experience.

What items would you suggest future volunteers pack?
Sun cream!!!!!!!!

How much money would you suggest you take per week?
£100 (more than enough)

Could you offer any tips to future volunteers?
I would go in summer as there are lots of volunteers and its easier to make friends, make sure you take a diary as its amazing to look back on all you have done. I Wrote in mine at the end of every week and even now I love to look back and re live all my experiences.

Read more about our: Volunteers in African Case Studies

Emma Quinn in India


Emma Quinn in India – Review 2012

What members of staff do you remember the most and why?
Bala was very friendly on arrival, eventaking us to our first Indian breakfast! The security was slightly humorous in the form of three, elderly looking women, lying sleeping on the dusty ground as we slept.

What were your impressions of the accommodation?
The accommodation was shocking upon arrival –extremely basic. But this after all was what we had signed up for!

Why did you want to volunteer? 
I’ve have always wanted to travel to India andso this presented the perfect opportunity as it combined this with my love of education. Perhaps selfishly I thought it would also help me in the long run as I consider a career following this path.

Do you feel you made a difference, how?
In terms of educating I don’t feel we really made a great difference. I got the younger kids, and gaining their attention never mind trying to teach them anything was a daily struggle. Due tothe sheer heat and lack of ventilation, they usually just cried on the ground or passed out!

What did you do for fun?
We travelled in the local town A LOT. We were staying in a very rural area with nothing much to do. We went on an hour long walk up to an amazing sightthat looked like something from an other planets, a rock wonderland. Often we brought the newer volunteers here after they had settled in. this was the way of life – passing on information from your forfriends to the newbies! We ate out A LOT also. This was always afun experience. The locals would come and watch us eat which was a little strange at the start. A few of the other volunteers also went to the local swimming pool – in full attire.. I didn’t fancy it myself.

When was your most enjoyable experience, do you have an interesting story?
Weekend trips to Mammalapurum were HEAVEN.When you had something that resembled a REAL SHOWER!!! And also a toilet… witha seat! These little luxuries are something you forget about, but when you live without them you come to appreciate things. The weekends here were super fun. Back at the school you didn’t have the opportunity to do much and Bala wanted us backbefore it got dark – and dangerous…dun dun dunnn. These weekends we would try the local hotspots, the ridiculously overpriced clubs that were empty, nights of oh so disgusting beer, and generally having a good time with people you may never have met.

Who did you make friends with and for what reasons?
I made friends with all the other volunteers, a few I am very close to! We are in the middle of arranging another little get together now were all back on home turf. We were always in close proximity and never apart nor alone, so you forge strong relationships that will hopefully last time.

What were the names of the best places to hang out and socialise
Mammalapurum – perhaps spelt wrongly. A little rice stand in Kanjanur village itself – local food was fine to eat despite all the stories of Delhi belly.

Would you considering going again or perhaps to another project with Original Volunteers?
Most definitely. I would go to another destination.

What items would you suggest future volunteers take?
TORCH. I FORGOT ONE! ENTIRELLY NECESSARY. LOTS OF INSECT REPELLENT. TOPS WITH ¾ SLEEVES. LOOSE FITTING LONG TROUSERS.

 

How much money would you suggest you take per week?
I really don’t recall what I spend but I know everything was dirt cheap. It just depends if you want to buy a lot of gifts etc in the more touristy towns.

Could you offer any tips to future volunteers?
Don’t expect anything. Go with an openmind, and throw yourself into the new environment!

Read more about our: Volunteers in Asian case studies

Ffion James Nepal


The most amazing thing?

Paragliding, Poon Hill Yoga Trek, Helping in the orphanage and giving the children lots of love and support, making friend friend from Australia and the rest for England. Just generally giving instead of receiving is so rewarding. Learning that life shouldn’t be taken for granted just live in the moment and experience as much as you can.

Best memory?
Auysh the youngest orphan saying “Waw beautiful” when I came out in the nepali salwar cameez dress and taking the children to the temple in the middle of Fewa Lake on canoes for a day out.

Best bits about free time? 
Get to see a lot of things, meet people and experience more of the culture and country.

Tell us about the people
Nepali people are one of the nicest people I have ever met, made me feel very at home. The children in the orphanage were very intelligent, creative and enthusiastic and full of energy. Very outgoing and will now be lifelong friends.

Would you consider volunteering again and where?
Definitely, volunteering is so rewarding and you experience so much. I would hope to go to Peru or Camboidia.

Tips for future volunteers?
Expect no expectations , be very open minded, live as the locals live and just live in the moment and experience as much as you can.

Read more about our: Volunteers in Asian case studies