Staff Profile: Shwele

Shwele at Afterschool Club. 

This is Shwele Gumede, our community coordinator who has been working with us since February 2011.

While living in Khula, Shwele saw African Impact working in the community and decided she wanted to work for the organisation. Although she loves all aspects of the projects she works on, her favourite parts are the creche and Afterschool Club.

"I love to play with the children, that's my favourite part," says Shwele, "I like working with the community, I like helping people - that's what I love."

Shwele feels that projects like Afterschool Club make a difference in the community by helping children who are orphaned to have fun, show their talents like dancing and singing and to learn new skills. Shwele thinks that making the kids laugh and being with them at Afterschool Club is one of the best parts of her job.

In the future, Shwele hopes to continue working for people who need the support in her community.

"I've seen people who need help and African Impact helps them and it's what I like - helping people."

Tips from those who have been there

There is only so much that you can read about your experience in St. Lucia that is written by the staff of African Impact, so here are some comments that have been left by volunteers in our guestbook.

“If anyone who’s just arrived is feeling a little apprehensive or nervous, don’t worry! I was the exact same and I ended up having the most amazing time.”

– Kirsty Lucas UK – Photography Project October 2010

“The people here have made my trip even more amazing, they have taught me that a smile can make a very big difference. Always keep smiling.”

– Mariska Meinen, Netherlands – Community Volunteer, October 2010

“Don’t underestimate monkeys – they look cute, but will kill you – they sell slingshots at Banana Box. Only 15 Rand. It is a good investment.”

– Daniel Tuddenham, Australia – Community Volunteer, February 2011

“Sometimes it’s tough, but you do make a difference in the communities, which I know is appreciated.”

– Pete Lambert, Volunteer Coordinator 2009

“If you’re not English, American, Canadian, the first week may be hard with your language. Don’t be shy, even if you do a lot of mistakes like I do it’s not a problem. You’re here to learn so keep talking!”

– Mathilde, France – Community Volunteer, August 2011

“St Lucia – a place where not only five ecosystems converge in one but also a magical-natural-‘creepy little town’ full of inspiration and contrast with plenty fauna and flora, different smells, colours, patterns and diverse animals; where you’ll meet so many interesting people and the good vibes will just overexceed your expectations and will drag your memories forever.”

– Ana Quintero, Venezuela – Community Volunteer, October 2010

"If you've just arrived and are reading this (with a sense of anticipation over what's to come) I'd say to you - throw everything you have at this project.  There's opportunity here to help very special and deserving people in ways both small and large."

- Steph Gibson, UK – Community Volunteer, May 2010

“To any new volunteers reading this, I hope this project offers you as much joy as it has for me.”

– Natalie Boley, Volunteer Coordinator, 2010

"To the newbies - continue to work hard in your projects. You are all dedicated and prepared to carry on with such amazing projects - both community and medical."

                              - Derek Andrews, USA – Medical Volunteer, May/June 2011

“Always take an opportunity to help someone in need because that small act of kindness can stretch on for a lifetime. It may be a small act for you but in turn it can change someone’s day or life.”

– Kate Hallett, Canada - Community Volunteer, August 2011

 “Set small goals for yourself and celebrate your triumphs even if you may not feel you’re making a difference in the big picture. The important thing is that you try your hardest to impact the programme and every person around you.”

– Laura Zdrowski, USA – Medical Volunteer, November 2011

Check out more advice on our official African Impact Blog.  

Staff Profile: Nokwethemba

Nokwethemba rallying the crowd at our National Women's
Day event in Khula Village. 

This is Nokwethemba Nxumalo, our Medical Coordinator.

Nokwethemba is 28 and lives in Khula Village. She has worked for African Impact since July 2010 and started as our Community Coordinator, in March of 2010 she moved across to our medical project.

Nokwethemba loves all aspects of her job but she is particularly fond of Home Based Care, she feels that we really get into the heart of the community and help the people that need it the most. she sometimes finds things hard though, as she gets to know the people she visits with the volunteers and unfortunately some of these people don't survive. She finds this difficult but tries to remember all of the people we have helped when this happens. She finds going to church every weekend really helps her deal with this too and also likes to spend time with her friends and neighbours when she's not at work.

"I feel very privileged to work for African Impact and know how much we have helped in the community. I love meeting the volunteers from all over the world and would love one day to visit some of them. It is my dream to fly in a plane!" 

All around the world

In September our volunteers included individuals from
Belgium, The Netherlands, Japan and the U.K.

Part of the excitement of being at our African Impact projects in St Lucia is the lovely people from all around the world that you get to meet as a volunteer. Being part of a tight-knit group that lives and works together in the surrounding communities close to the volunteer house brings people together from many different countries around the globe.

Not only does volunteering help you network amongst individuals from around the world, but it also helps you make friends with people abroad! At any given time we can have staff and volunteers from over 10 countries residing in our house, which allows for some great conversations and healthy debate about what nationalities mean to each one of us.

Many of our volunteers are not English-speaking, and although we do operate in English, our staff can communicate in a number of different languages. Many volunteers succeed in improving their English skills whilst volunteering, particularly when they set this as a goal for themselves.

The following is a breakdown of where our volunteers in 2011 were from.

Celebrating National Women's Day in August - volunteers
and staff from the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland and Venezuela.

30% - British
28% - Dutch
14% - American
  6% - Canadian
  4% - Swedish
  3% - Australian

The other 15% was comprised of one or two volunteers from Belgium, Ireland, Israel, Venezuela, Switzerland, Spain, Japan and France.



"If you're not English/American/Canadian: The first week may be hard with your language. Don't be shy, even if you do a lot of mistakes (like I did), it's not a problem, you're here to learn so KEEP TALKING!" - Community Volunteer Mathilde, from France

Donations announcement

A big thank-you to Stretch Öresund AB & Stretch Stockholm AB for their generous donation of approximately R15,000 to our Educational Support Programme. Their donation will provide our volunteers with ample resources to continue working at the crehes in Khula Village. It will also give volunteers the opportunity to execute some much-needed refurbishments of some of the creche playgrounds.

A poem from Sindy

You can also read blogs from our other projects throughout the continent on our official African Impact website. 


The following is a poem written by Ezwenelisha Support Group member Sindy Nqobile Zulu, addressed to African Impact Medical Coordinator Nokwethemba and the African Impact 2011 team. 

Sindy is currently studying nursing in Durban.

When I wake up
I think about a team
Of my dreams, team
Of trust and health.

Because of you I think
The future bright.
My hobbies goes near to your work
Because I believe in you
And I trust in myself.

Now you are  my friends
Now you are my family of tomorrow
You make me feel enjoyed,
To be a person like others.
You make me happy
Every day of my life.

Now I believe in myself
And am proud of myself
All is because of you.
You make me important in the world
Thus I love you so much.

I wish God be with you
In these days of Christmas
Up until forever
God bless all of you
Ngiyanithanda.