Volunteering here changed my entire outlook on children’s home. Each staff member here treats each child like their own and it’s truly heartwarming. After just six weeks I’ve fallen in love with these kids (in the home and preschool). The kids and staff open their home and heart to me and they will forever have a place in my heart. This experience has made me truly consider adoption in the future as well.
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details?
Great! I arrived early and the staff picked me up right away, staff was available to answer my question and provide me transportation to get packages, renew my visa etc.
2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?
At the program: The kids are so welcoming and used to volunteers being here. Mr. Wafi workout classes were super-awesome.
At the accommodation: There is the laundry room and the rooms volunteers stay in are very nice lots of grate places to get food from nearby.
About the country: there are such a beautiful island only 45mins by water taxi right off Belize.
3- What was most difficult/culturalshock to experience?
At the program: It’s very loose in terms of what you have to do every day, dive in and find things to help with. Leaving these kids is going to be the worst.
At the accommodation: I missed the luxury of wifi (they have it in the office but its slow). But there is a library of plenty of plenty of books. I also missed vegetables! The cooks are great but don’t cook a ton of vegetables like I am used to eating.
The country: Super humid and hot.
Not a lot of places to buy already made salads and realiced coffee.
4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…
Clothing: Comfortable, loose, cool clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, sneakers and sandals. Hat and sunglasses!
Donations: Fun interactive games for the kids to play on weekends. CASH! for the sustainable projects here.
Weather: It’s very hot. Bring an insulated water bottle. Don’t bother bringing rain boots-I definitely wasted space packing those.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:
- – Mayan temple – I wish I did this but I didn’t
- – The bus to the city is only $2.00 (Belize) and a taxi is $25.00 USD. Use the bus. And a ferry to the Islands is only $20.00 USD.
- – Go to New Hope Restaurant if you like fried rice/chow mien (across from Perez Hardware)
- – Bring books or get some from the library here.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
Volunteering here changed my entire outlook on children’s home. Each staff member here treats each child like their own and it’s truly heartwarming. After just six weeks I’ve fallen in love with these kids (in the home and preschool). The kids and staff open their home and heart to me and they will forever have a place in my heart. This experience has made me truly consider adoption in the future as well.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:
My accommodation was private and comfortable, my own bathroom, a fan, plenty of room. The meals were great big portions (love fry jacks). I always felt very safe at Liberty.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Getting to walk the kids to the school bus each morning and waving to them as the go to school on the school bus.
Country: Traveling to Caye Caulker each weekend and exploring the Island.
Tours: Starfish Island on Amir’s yacht and snorkeling!
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):
Great! They always answered my emails
Website Information:
Lots of great info-step by step directions on what to do and testimonials.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely! I’d love to.
10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View? What keywords did you use, what did you search for.
“Volunteering Abroad” and “Kids”