Voluntourism
Takes on a New Meaning
When i was
first introduced to volunteering as a vacation, I knew I had to experience it
for myself. Since then, years ago, volunteering has become a passion. It wasn’t
until recently though, that with the help of friends this passion was taken to
a new level – through it my friends and I have embarked on an important
journey.
Our walks
through the country have helped us to see and feel the difficulties and
realities of life among villagers. Inspired by our projects and visits to these
rural communities, in October, 2011 we have re-launched the program based on a
shared common love for adventure and compassion for our volunteers/travelers.
We decided to design combined 2 Weeks & 4 Weeks volunteering
with expedition’s activities
into our projects
to empower the people living in these villages and project s will be available up to 8 weeks
Voluntourism
and Where it all began
During our
previous voluntourism developments in Kampala, Jinja and Kabale. Here many of
our volunteers have worked in our schools with the locals in these villages and
our Kampala orphanage, where we house 11 kids. With their help we were able to
feed, gather donations of school supplies, backpacks and toys to take them
through this fiscal year.
Volunteers who
went to Jinja and Kabale met kids who don’t know of chocolate or spaghetti, who
have never heard a birthday party or even attend a children’s party. They felt
tremendous joy in providing supplies to these communities, and were immediately
motivated to do more. We continued to spread the word through social networking
sites, and invited people to help us with future projects.
Most volunteers
came to Uganda to make their contribution to the local community but in the end
everyone wants to see the real Uganda while they are here! This taking us to where
"Voluntourism" gives the receiver and the giver satisfaction of their
time committed. From an initial group of five who planned the first adventure
expedition, the desire began to grow, and the number of the volunteers and travelers
that we took on increased. This experience was an eye-opener for our
organisation.
Unique
Adventures Bring Inspiring Outcomes
During the
first expedition, we met different volunteers and people from other
communities. We noticed that these all were here because they also shared the passion
for adventure and helping like us. We couldn’t imagine that there are
volunteers that will travel independently from their placement just for the
search of adventure and experience! So we had several drinks and chats over the
lines and travelled throughout the trip together. How many people will you meet
during an expedition?, there are many.
On another
trip, we met young students. Here these students wanted to better understand
local cultures; our group followed up with this, had long conversations over
different tribes and languages that Uganda has, camp fire in the evening and
even a few lessons in typical Ugandan food during the bush camp. This was an
experience to have, how much can you learn during an expedition? There are
surprises in every one.
In
spite of the many people and surprises that we encounter though, we are always
reminded that the rewards of our efforts are well worth it. There are simply no
words strong enough to describe the joy we receive when we see kids faces
lighting up, mothers expressing their gratitude, and teachers affirming the
goodness that we’ve done. It also comes as a great bonus to the volunteers that
all the places they have visited have been truly amazing.
Serving Through Adventure with
Mzungu
Some of our
adventures will come with challenges, but they are all guaranteed to be
fulfilling and rewarding experiences. The New team and experienced guides now have our eyes set on this,
we are ready to take and serve with you through the adventures of discovering
Uganda. Information on our website www.mzunguvolunteers.org
are underway, and we are once again inviting everyone to join us on our adventures.
From Kennedy ,
President.
and The Mzungu
Team.
Carole Turner -
Volunteer Coordinator
Kadondi Betty -
Country Director
Sserumaga
Daniel - Programs Manager
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