Review Volunteer Maia Clare in Honduras La Ceiba at the Childcare program
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
He and the support were excellent. Rafael (my Coordinator and host dad) was always helpful and looking out for me. I never felt hopeless or alone at all.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The overwhelming care and support I received from the people and the children there.
At the accommodation: The familial atmosphere; everyone at the house loved to hang out and be friendly with each other.
About the country: How similar it is to Montevideo, Uruguay. That is where my mom is from so I felt very comfortable in the city.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Being almost immediately entrusted with 15+ kids in a room, by myself.
At the accommodation: Becoming comfortable enough to leave my room and just hang out in the communal areas of the house
The country: Witnessing the hardship every person experiences here (shootings, starving, corruption)
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Definitely go for practicality over fashion, but also don’t be afraid to bring options or change several times in a day. The weather can change from modestly hot to burning in a few hours so it’s nice to dress to the weather on an hour by hour basis.
Donations: I have personally found that giving donations in objects instead of money is the best option to really ensure that what you donate will be put to it’s intending use. Also, do not push yourself to donate more than you can actual afford or feel comfortable with. Though the donations are really important, you also cannot take the responsibility of helping someone solely on yourself.
Weather: It is hot and humid. Be prepared to get burned and tired and sweat a ton.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Let yourself have fun
b.- Do not scare yourself into not doing things you want to do
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
My time in Honduras has been absolutely amazing. I loved every second of working with the kids at the daycare (even when they were being naughty) and all the people here have been so kind and helpful. Rafael has been my dad away from home while I was here and all the volunteers have been like older brothers and sisters for me, guiding me through the experience. I wish I could stay longer. I’m even now planning to come back next summer because I loved my experience so much. I really think the month I spent here changed something in me and even though I only as one person cannot do much, I felt I changed a little part of Honduras too. I will always remember this trip and I’m so glad I decided to take the leap to come to this place on my own.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
The house (especially the terrace) is beautiful and comfortable. Everything is clean and the cooking is great as well. I was never alone at night or in potentially dangerous places and the coo and the ABV volunteers were always looking out for my safety. Overall really amazing.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Receiving greeting and farewell hugs from the kids every time I came or went
Country: How friendly everyone is and the beautiful beaches
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication: Absolutely incredible, any questions I had were answered thoroughly and very quickly. I was very impressed.
Website Information: Very thorough and helpful
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes