Feeling fulfilled as a volunteer

Many volunteers find teaching HIV Education a really
rewarding experience because of the knowledge they pass
to a younger generation who could avoid contracting HIV.

Making a difference during a short period as a volunteer can seem like an objective that’s out of reach. However, with some alterations in what it means to make a “difference” while volunteering in sub-Saharan Africa, volunteers can feel like they’re part of a process of development that’s making a great impact on the communities in which they work.

However, volunteers must overcome the emotions surrounding the voluntourism process that can make them feel helpless and disappointed. 

Upon their arrival, volunteers never think that their emotions over the days and weeks to come can be plotted out on a chart like the one pictured here. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, volunteers are eager to jump into projects with both feet. While a great attitude to have, it’s a lack of preparedness that leads to the feeling of pessimism that follows. Often this is because volunteers arrive with a certain picture in their minds, only to have that picture altered when they land at their destination.

Others feel more fulfilled by getting their hands dirty with
manual labour projects - it's all about finding what makes
you tick as a volunteer! 

Once the rollercoaster of projects is introduced, some volunteers experience a feeling of discontent, perhaps feeling helpless or powerless against the development process. Many of the ups and downs that come with volunteering on the projects are based around the notion of making a difference, and what constitutes the measurement of a difference made.

When working with sustainable development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where life’s pace is very slow, making a difference can seem like it takes a lifetime. As a volunteer (and even a staff member) it is important to remember that with each day on projects comes a success. Every day means we are moving towards the achievement of our goals as volunteers, staff members and as an organisation.

If you’d like to make a difference during your short time as a volunteer, think about the following quick tips before embarking on your experience:

Do your research 

Reading up on African Impact, the project you’ll be working at and the area you’re travelling to will all help you acclimatize easier once you’ve arrived on site, particularly if you’re volunteering for only two weeks.

Fundraise and bring needed materials 

Often a project will send you a list of items that are needed to help the projects work, or can supply you with a project “wish list” upon your request. Sometimes it’s as simple as bringing lightweight art supplies (like cotton balls or pipe cleaners) or medical materials like bandages, which you can see being used while you’re out on projects.

Arrive with personal goals in mind

Think of your skills at home and build some expectations around what you would like to achieve personally. From there, learn all you can about how you can use your skills to positively influence the project as a volunteer. If you’re a photographer, offer your photographs to be used as promotional materials; if you enjoy writing, maintain a blog for the official page or if you possess a green thumb, offer your services more often during farming and gardening projects.

Talk to everyone 

Speak to the coordinators and managers of the project you’re on about what their upcoming goals are. Usually they’ll have a task for you to take on or an initiative you can start.

Expect a mixture of flexibility and rigidity 

Some things you can change and some things you can’t. Project managers and volunteer coordinators are willing to take volunteer ideas and use them to the best of their ability. However, remember that your suggestions must align with practices that work towards African Impact’s sustainable development agenda.

Throw caution to the wind! 

Experience everything and throw yourself into projects. Make suggestion after suggestion and work hard to put your mark on the project. That way, you’ll really see how you’re making a difference in the longrun. 

For blogs from some of our other African Impact projects, check out our Official Blog.