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Teaching EnglishJenny - Oct 09 My placement with Village Africa in Yamba in the Usambara Mountains was a life-changing one. Our welcome by the local people was so warm and genuine. I realised immediately that these people were going to inspire me despite their poverty and hardship. I saw, during my month, how Village Africa's management team, led by Caroline Johnston, are helping a community to survive by achieving a balance between maintaining African ways and introducing some Western ways when appropriate and deemed as beneficial to the Community. For example, the knitting group and the new sewing group were obviously a success. The Village Africa team's kindness and support to the volunteers was always evident during my placement. My teaching experience was humbling.The children were polite, so respectful and responsive. Their desire to learn was insatiable. Yamba Primary School faces many challenges due to teacher shortage and the hardships these teachers face. Village Africa has education as a high priority. Hopefully with Village Africa's clear vision, dedication and with more teacher volunteers Yamba Primary School will once again thrive. Some children walk miles to school unsure as to whether a teacher will be there to teach them or not. If not, they wait all day and then walk home again.
The children deserve better. I would like to say asanteni sana to everyone in Yamba and Village Africa. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to observe and experience firsthand the current projects and the Yamba way of life. Please keep up the marvellous work. 'It is possible,' but only because of you. * Relevance and usefulness of training in-country:
TEFL course very relevant and even if volunteer is a trained teacher this course is essential in order to learn how these children learn.
* Quality and location of accommodation:
location was 'on top of the world'! A one story building with an incredible view. Fantastic! Basic,clean accommodation.
* Your work placement:
Yamba Primary School at the moment has many challenging problems with the result that the teachers are very depressed. I just got on with the job. The children made the job so rewarding because they were so reponsive. Their desire to learn is something I shall never forget.
* Was the work what you expected:
Yes. but I expected larger classes. The response from the children was amazing. I was given plenty of time to plan and mark.
* Quality of support in-country:
This was excellent. Caroline and Fiona were available at all times. Fiona especially was such a friendly, encouraging,supportive and professional girl and nothing was too much trouble for her.
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes.
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Excellent
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:
A more positive welcome from the male teachers at Yamba.
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Yes definitely.
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:
I would recommend PoD because I felt they dealt with problems quickly and professionally. I would recommend this placement because of the support given by the Village Africa team.
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:
1) Take plenty of layers to wear rather than bulky clothes.
2) A walking stick is a great help for the walk up the mountain.
3) Muesli bars are good as snacks as diet does include alot of lentils! Caroline - Aug 09 My 4 weeks in Yamba was just a wonderful experience. The children and the adults around the village are so generous and helpful. They genuinely love having people there and love you speaking to them in Swahilli. We had loads of fun, never a dull moment and so many treasured memories. I am definitely going back!!!!
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:
Yes probably. However it is important to remind volunteers of spiraling inflation in developing countries and how this can affect the costs form printing of stuff to actual trip If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be: NOTHING
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: YES
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: YES
What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:
1) Take fun resources art stuff including paper and pens because although you can get them in Tanga we did not actually go into Tanga until the middle weekend.
2) Bluetack does not stick well on the lime walls cos of the damp
3) Take Books to read to the children Rememeber there could be lots of children in a class (up to 80 in Kindegarten) * Any other comments:
It is important to point out that transport can change really at the last minute between the project and the public transport and because of the vulnerability of only having one car available. However they will always look after you VERY WELL, but there needs to be a bit of flexibility.
Sheila - Jul 09 After the first few days of being slightly phased,I started to thoroughly enjoy my time in Yamba and was very sad to leave. The people are truly wonderful and so is the support for the volunteers. I really would like to return. Everything that village africa does, I felt comfortable about, in terms of ethos, which was very important to me.
* Quality of support in-country: Excellent
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Good
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: Yes and I am recommending it. Because you have a very ethical approach to what you're doing unlike most other companies. This was very important to me. * What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:
1) Make sure you have a day or two to recuperate on arrival in the country.
2) Ask Pod to double check the project work so that if teaching for example, you can take appropriate resources.
3) Try to have enough money/time to travel afterwards in country. Jessica - Jul 09 Doing the Summer camp Placement with Village Africa is one of the best things I have ever done. The whole experience was wonderful and it was a total privilege to live and work within the the Yamba village community. There were so many moments that in themselves made the trip worthwhile and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences that doing this gave me.
* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): Very good, friendly supportive staff at PoD
* Relevance and usefulness of training in-country: Orientation training in was very good. We could have done with more planning time and more background information regarding the topics we were coving in the health seminars.
* Quality and location of accommodation: Absolutely excellent * Your work placement:
I was worried before I went that we might not have enough to do or that what we did might not be of much use to the community. We were kept very busy and made to feel that what we were doing was important and worth while.
* Quality of support in-country: Excellent, I felt really cared for * Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Very good
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Exceeded my expectations
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: 100%
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement: It can be really cold (in august it's winter and you're up a mountain)- make sure you're prepared for this take a good medical kit, although you are very well looked after it is really easy to get ill so make sure you have everything covered in your medical/first aid kit. Take a really big memory card - there will be so much you want to treasure and remember your camera will become your most important possession.
* Any other comments: Thank you - I will treasure this experience forever. Polly - Jan 09 Hi Liz! Apologies for my late response in emailing you about my time in Tanzania earlier this year; I've been travelling since then and only just returned to England.
I'm probably repeating the feedback you are given by most (if not all) of the volunteers, but I had an absolutely fantastic time. I was one of the four teachers based in Milingano - and despite being a distance from Yamba 'HQ' I felt really well suppported by the charity. Both Caroline and Fiona came down regularly to give us feedback on our lessons, took any concerns we had seriously, and dealt very quickly with any issues that arose.
I loved Milingano - the children, the villagers, the way of life - and while there were challenges, the work the charity is doing is just incredible. I really felt as though the work that I did - together with the rest of our group - made a difference. We were able to set up a netball team, a choir, a knitting group - and were really made to feel part of the community by the end of our three months there.
The conditions at the house were so far removed from what we are used to in England....a 'shower' consisting of a bucket of hot water and a bucket of cold (!), no electricty, no running water...and yet very quickly it just became normal! Our housegirls were just wonderful, and even now I often think about them...the things they could do with simple food was amazing, and they really did look after us well.
As for the organisational side of things, I would (and indeed already have!) definitely recommend PoD; it was really well organised and I felt very supported in those last, frantic weeks before leaving, wondering if I had everything I needed etc etc.
Overall, I absolutely had the time of my life - I still miss it and think of the people and the incredible landscapes even now, and sincerely hope that one day I will be able to return. The work Caroline and Village Africa are doing is fantastic, and truly inspirational, and I genuinely feel pretty honoured to have been able to have been part of it.
Many, many thanks for everything! Yvonne - Jan 09 Hi Jirapan, very very belated email. I meant to write to thank you all for everything when I arrived home a few weeks ago but you know how it is settling back home. No excuses because you guys were fantastic and I couldn't have asked for more.
As for Village Africa in Tanzania, that was an organisation to the other extreme. It was fantastic and Caroline is brilliant and such a hard worker. You've got a great organisation there and I hope you send many more
volunteers there over the coming years. I don't think you'll find anyone who will have a complaint from there.
As for POD. You have been great and always answered any queries that I had without delay. I heard the exact same thing from all of ther other volunteers. I have no doubt that I'll recommend you to anyone here who may want to go volunteering in the future.
Best of luck with the strong future POD holds and keep up the hard work.
Thanks again for everything. Laura - Jan 09 Hi Liz, Thanks for your note. It is great here and I am thoroughly enjoying living in Milingano - it is just so beautiful. You will have heard that four of us managed to get malaria already so that's put our teaching back by a week which is a shame. But we are recovering well in Tanga and still really looking forward to getting into the swing of things next week. The welcome has been amazing and we have been so well looked after and well trained by the Village Africa team. We have also done some lovely hikes and have started learning Swahili from a local guy.
I wanted to say also thanks to you and Mike for all your help before the start of the trip. It was wonderful to feel that we had you there as someone to contact with any questions and you were both really supportive. It made a big difference. Thank you!
Will keep you posted with how we get along! Avis - Jan 09 Hi Liz, thanks for the email - it's been great so far and I'm really loving it, but unfortunately we all got malaria already!! Just out of hospital but feeling much better. Everyone has been so welcoming and I'm loving it here so much - thanks again for all your help! Sarah - Sep 08 Hi Liz and Jirapan, huge apologies for not replying sooner, thank you so much for your email. My time with Village Africa was amazing, loved every minute and hoping I can carry on working with them back in the UK. Unfortunately my time was cut short with them as I got Malaria and couldn't return for my final week - was rather upsetting, just means I have to go back again! Hope all is well in England, so looking forward to getting back and getting fundraising for VA! Kelly - Jul 08 "I had an absolutely fantastic time in Yamba. It is some "unlife like" place i dream about virtually every day. It has shaped my values and beliefs and turned me into a more assertive person. I have developed stronger views on trivial everyday things that I didnt give much thought before the trip. I also feel that, becase Tanzania is the furthest Ive been on a plane, the world has opened up for me, and anywhere seems accessible in the future. " India - Jun 08 Hi Liz! Thank you for your email, there's so much i want to say and i promise that when i'm home and have more time on the internet i'll write a longer reply. I'm having the most incredible time out here - its exceeded all expectations, i really couldn't be happier! The children are fantastic and its amazing to see even the slightest improvements, hard as it is with classes of nearly 200! The other volunteers have been brilliant from start to finish, and the 4 of us in Milingano are terrified at the prospect of leaving each other in a few weeks! I've come to see Mili as home over the last few weeks, the people i see everyday and who know me as i know them and the students we've been tutoring privately over the school holidays, the market on Thursdays, the stunning setting we live and breathe...i dont know how i'm going to leave, i'll feel like i'm losing something that's become part of me. But i also know that it isn't the end of the line as i'm looking forward to getting back and fundraising and spreading the word about Village Africa! Eleanor - Apr 08 * Relevance and usefulness of training in-country: Was useful, but pretty intense, maybe a top up course half way through the teaching to check that the volunteers are still on track and using the correct teaching methods, would be a good idea.
* Quality and location of accommodation: Stunning location, very good quality accom, excellent housegirls, exceeded expectations.
* Your work placement: Didn't feel there was quite enough direction on the teaching, Caroline absent quite often due to people having malaria, maybe more support in Miligano village would be more helpful. But still highly enjoyable.
* Was the work what you expected? Yes, although probabaly would have expected the local teachers to be more helpful and attentive, some really were, but others left a lot to be desired.
* Quality of support in-country: Good, Caroline excellent at looking after those that were ill. John Samueli excellent at looking after the other volunteers, in future Caroline should maybe send another VA staff member to the hospital, as I rarely saw her during the 3 months
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed? Yes
* Quality of any PoD activities (please specify which trips / activities): Weekends away good fun and a necessary break on the 3 month project
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Very good value for money, much better than many of the other gap year placements
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be? More teaching time as we had an unexpected 4 weeks holiday in the middle of our placement, otherwise everything else was fantastic.
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations? Yes, and exceeded them.
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? Yes, and I have! Great value for money, wonderful location, fantastic locals, real African experience!
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement? As many malaria preventions as possible; take a lot of footballs and dictionaries; get as involved in village life as possible.
* Any other comments? Really fantastic experience, highlight of the gap year, really felt part of the community, would love to return. Thanks so much, really amazing 3 months. Carol - Apr 08 "Please pass on my thanks to all the Village Africa Staff in the UK for their part in organising to placement. I had an amazing 3 months in Yamba and know it was partly due to the careful way your organisation arranges all the details." * Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? I definately would recommend this placement as we were made to feel so welcome and that we were helping the people to have a better future.
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement? Be flexible.
Have a sense of fun, adventure and humour.
Take less clothes!
* Any other comments? A heartfelt thankyou to all the people involved with my placement. I had an amazing and totally amazing 3 months. Michelle - Jan 08 "Hi Mike and Alex I hope that you are both well and not too rushed off your feet with sorting out volunteers etc. I really just wanted to e-mail and say a massive thank-you for enabling me to take part in the Village Africa project in Yamba. i have had the most amazing three months of my life and have learnt so much about the place, the people and myself whilst being there. I was always looked after so well by Caroline and the staff and even my stint in hospital didn't take away from the incredible experience that I've had. I was truly devastated to have to leave and miss everyone there very much. I intend to return after i finish studying if not before. You both made the transition really smooth and were so very helpful with all my many queries and questions....especially as I applied at such short notice. I really appreciated your help and support. On my return to England I will be recommending you to everyone." Kelly - Jan 08 "Been meaning to email you to say thank you for everything you did leading up to my time in Tanzania. I had the most amazing time with Village Africa and am already planning on going back! I hope you are all well at POD and I wish you continued success with the work you do! Tina - Apr 07 & Jan 08 "I have often said to other volunteers & Caro how amazingly helpful you have been from my very first enquiry when i didn't even know what continent I wanted to visit, but I doubt I have ever take the time to relay that back to yourselves! Many apologies. From my initial conversations & emails with Alex & meeting Mike & Caro with other vols before my trip I have been blown away with the personal care given and the help & advice. The VA project is simply amazing, and as you know from stories you may have heard about certain ever growing knitting groups, goats with sweaters & songs sung with ladies waving their knitwear I could never forget Yamba or it's people - I am in love with the place - but where did it all start - with you guys! I choose to call you because of your friendly personable information on your web site & was only then encouraged further on speaking to you. It has been truly life changing, and I thank you." Yamba and its people are simply magical. The people are an inspiration and I truly will go home a better person because of all that I have learnt from them. The school is incredibly well organised and the pupils are amazing – their eagerness to learn is so encouraging. Yamba and its people are simply beautiful and quite unforgettable!” Doug & Moe - Sep 07 "Our 3 months have been the most incredible and rewarding time of our lives. it is one of those rare experiences which are impossible to describe to others - you must see for yourself. We loved it, so will you. Whatever your skills or age get in touch with PoD and go and meet, work and live with these wonderful people. We miss the many friends we made in Yamba (young and old) and are planning to return. Best wishes Moe & Doug" Lucy - Jan 07 "Just dropping a line to say that the Tanzania experience was the happiest time of my life! I enjoyed every minute of teaching. The children were wonderful and their enthusiasm was overwhelming. I did not think you could get so attached to a class of pupils but their willingness to learn, even when they struggled, was a breath of fresh air. They were so keen, so wanting to learn and so competitive amongst each other!! I miss their smiling faces. I miss the people of Yamba and everything I saw and experienced in Tanzania. The time of my life! Coming home has been a bit daunting. There is a dreariness here which I did not miss. It is odd not to greet everyone, to say hello, to shake hands. My neighbour didn't even recognise me! I am now feeling that I would be happy teaching abroad and in Africa especially so that is my aim. I definitely wish to go back and visit Yamba and the project but also I do feel it has changed me and my outlook on life, what is important, what is superfluous and what really matters in the great scheme of things. I am so glad I found your website by chance that day and thank you for allowing me this great opportunity to make small changes and big alike. Caroline is doing an amazing thing out there, she is an inspiration. I have recommended PoD to several people and I hope they will take the same chance as I did. They would not be disappointed!" Jo - Sep 06 "I've dreamed of coming to Africa for about 10 years, but never thought it would live up to my expectations. I can't imagine having a better experience than Yamba, what a fantastic place and what an honour to have been so accepted into their community so warmly. I'd also like to say that volunteering with PoD/Village Africa was the best thing I ever did and I'd recommend you to anyone, thanks alot guys!!!" Rebecca - Sep 06 "Living and working in Yamba has been incredible as has the opportunity to see such a wonderful country. The whole experience has been amazing, the people so welcoming and the children so fun. I hope to return before too long. I can’t believe how much Yamba feels like a home to me now. I cannot thank the villagers and the project enough, there was nothing more I could have asked or wished for during my 3 month experience.” Sarah - Sep 06 "Also, Mike, apologies for not getting back to your previous email about life in Milingano. I know that some of the others responded and hopefully you'll have seen from their glowing reports that we've all had an absolutely amazing time on the project. I cannot rate Village Africa and Caroline highly enough and will certainly be recommending the project to anyone who cares to listen! It has exceeded all of my expectations and I have some tremendous memories (and photos) of my time there. I'll happily go into more detail when I get home! I am sure that the next lot of volunteers will have a brilliant time too and that the project will go from strength to strength. Being on this project has far exceeded my expectations and been a life changing experience." James - Sep 06 "Thank you for all your help and support over these last 3 months, it is very much appreciated. You made the transition from England to Yamba much easier and I had an unbelievable experience working with Village Africa. It has opened my eyes to the world around me and the situations people find themselves in, which in turn has inspired me to get involved in charity/volunteer work. Thank you all again for your unfaltering drive and determination, it has been a pleasure to meet each and everyone of you and I hope to stay in touch." Quality of support in-country
couldn't ask for anything better
Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed?
yes, mike and alex have been very friendly and helpful The PoD package (what was included) and value for money good value for money, caters for backpackers If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be?
i would stay longer! Did the placement overall live up to expectations?
and more, had an unbelievable time there, was really involved in village life Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement?
none, my partner got malaria but it was dealt with quickly and effciently Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? Why?
yes, because you can trust them to send you to safe and excellent projects Henry - Jan 06 "If someone had told me six months ago that every morning I would get up at 6.30 am, eat purple porridge (uji), teach hundreds of children the English language and then come home and wash my boxer shorts in a bucket, I would have told them they were insane. Perhaps, not surprisingly, doing all this at Emau was nothing but a pleasure. To be surrounded by so many kind and wonderful people just made it that much more special." Anon - 05 "The most fantastic experience I could have hoped for." Charlotte - Jan 06 "I loved the teaching and I found it really fulfilling. It was amazing watching a student who has just 'clicked' on something they didn't understand before. I like the way we were split into two schools because it meant we had different things to talk about in the evenings. I had so much fun and I miss my classes so much!" Emma Jane - Jan 04 "Altogether the trip was an experience I will never forget and would recommend it to anyone who wishes not just to travel to visit a country and its people, but also to travel to live in that country and live with its people." Katie - Jan 06 "School is still fantastic - I’ve had a riot this week - teaching all 500 students the hokey cokey (in groups of 100 at a time!). After they learnt the words we went out into the yard and carried out the actions - 100 African children and one mad white woman dancing the hokey cokey in the afternoon sun certainly raised a smile from the villagers!" Liz - Sep 05 "You'll be pleased to know that I've survived my first week of teaching - lots of fun but very tiring and I'm not sure how much the kids understand! The others are taking bets as to how long it will be before they start speaking with a Scottish accent!? Both Jenni and I are teaching at a very friendly school but the classes are huge - 90+ in each of mine - and there are very few teachers. It's scary to see how poor everyone is and by the end of the week there are lots of dirty, smelly kids wearing the same clothes that they started the week in! Saying that, they are the loveliest people and we are treated like royalty - lots of little faces waving at us when we arrive in the morning, children falling over themselves to carry our bags, lunch made for us by the pupils and we keep getting presents of fruit to take back to Emau Hill." Joanna - Sep 06 The following article appeared in the Derby Evening Telegraph
LIVING AND WORKING IN AFRICA WAS A 'DREAM FULFILLED' FOR JOANNA DATE : 01.01.08
Teacher Joanna Elgar, of Cherry Tree Hill Infant School, in Chaddesden, has been on the trip of a lifetime to work with children in Africa. She spent six months working and living in a remote mountain village in Tanzania. Now Miss Elgar is hoping that her story will help to raise the profile of the country and the charity that helped her to fulfil her dream. Zena Hawley reports.
For years, Joanna Elgar dreamed of visiting Africa, drawn to the culture, the people and the stunning scenery.
The Chaddesden teacher decided the best way to experience real Africa was to live within a community and hopefully, to offer something back to its struggling education system. She set off for Tanzania in East Africa to volunteer on a project called Village Africa set up in May, 2006. Joanna and seven fellow volunteers were the first to work on the project. The charity aims to alleviate poverty in and around a village called Yamba, located in the Usambara mountains.
Joanna, 27, said: "I wasn't sure what to expect as I had been told the area had no electricity, water had to be collected from a nearby river and the nearest town with a phone signal and internet access was a five-hour journey away. We arrived to an incredible welcome. As we drove into the village after a somewhat hairy journey up the mountain road, which they had built for our arrival, we were greeted by hundreds of excited villagers. We began the 45-minute steep climb to the house which they had built for us and we felt like royalty, as more people came out of their houses to shake our hands.''
Joanna said she was overwhelmed with the response and later discovered that many of the villagers, particularly the children, had never seen white people before. She said they were incredibly grateful to have English teachers come to their primary school to educate their children in a remote village. In Tanzania, primary schools are taught in Kiswahili, the national language, but secondary schools are taught in English. For the children to go to secondary school, they must pass an English exam, so it is essential they learn it at primary school.
Joanna said: "teaching English to primary children, who had very little experience of the language, was a real challenge". She said: "I spent a lot of time drawing and colouring pictures to use as visual aids. We were able to pass on our resources, such as puppets, felt pens and coloured paper. It's shocking to see how little they have in the way of resources - just a stick of chalk and a decrepit blackboard in a crumbling classroom - with no pictures or even paint on the walls. The children in my class were sharing tiny, worn-down pencils. They have to provide their own exercise books and stationery and even these few things they struggle to afford."
Before she left the UK, Joanna was able to raise £3,000 to help buy resources for the school and village.
In the six months she was there, she was able to pay for new stationery for the children, six new toilets, new tyres for the village ambulance, new English text books for the school, safety equipment for the local builders, medicine and furniture for the health post and a contribution towards the salaries of Village Africa staff.
She said: "No money was wasted. I now aim to raise a further £1,500 to help build a much-needed new classroom. We have an on-going loose change collection at Cherry Tree Hill and
are planning a sponsored walk next year. It will be around the playground with children carrying small buckets of water like they do in Africa."
Joanna said one of the hardest things for her was getting used to the climate. She said: "I had packed for a hot country but soon discovered that 2,000m up an African mountain can also be very cold and wet. One of the local woman knitted me a woolly hat, so that helped. The toilets were drop holes and my shower was a hot bucket wash. Food normally consisted of rice, beans, yams and cabbage. We rarely had meat or dairy products. One child in my class would sometimes bring me an egg and I would get really excited."
Joanna said malaria was a serious problem in the country and she saw both Tanzanians and fellow volunteers suffer with it, although she was lucky enough not to contract it. She added: "My only scary experience was when I discovered worm-like parasites living in my feet, which led to an infection. A trip to the village health post, funded by the charity, soon sorted me out but I discovered many children don't get the problem treated and suffer permanent damage as a result."
During her time at the school, which began in September, 2006, Joanna got involved in many aspects of village life. She said: "There was never a dull moment. If I wasn't teaching I was helping plant beans on the farm, or drinking tea in people's homes and attempting to learn their language. I had a group of young children who used to come up to my house and
we had great fun colouring in pictures and playing with toys and balloons. I used to enjoy carrying babies on my back in a sling and attempting to balance baskets of yams on my head or a bucket of water. One of my most special memories was having a baby named after me - baby Joanna."
The project allowed Joanna to get involved in many new things, including helping to build a house, teaching adult English classes and setting up sewing, singing and art clubs. Joanna said: "I just hope I am able to go back one day to see the new friends I made and the children I taught."
"What an experience - and what a dream fulfilled."
Before she went to Africa, and since her return, Joanna has encouraged her Cherry Tree Hill pupils in the reception class to write and draw pictures to send to the villagers she met.
She said: "It has been very helpful for our pupils to understand what life is like in other countries." Building and other roles Bobby - Jan 09 I was a building volunteer for a few weeks with Village Africa. I worked in a small village called Yamba. The time I spent there was amazing. I met so many great people. Village Africa and POD were very helpful and professional. It was a very possitive experience and great value as well. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone. * Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): Very fast and helpful.
* Relevance and usefulness of training in-country (if received): Great
* Quality and location of accommodation: Great
* Your work placement: Great
* Was the work what you expected: I didn't really know what to expect. But I was pleasantly suprised.
* Quality of support in-country: Great
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes
We enjoyed going to church, even though I never go back home.
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: The POD package was good. I couldn't believe how much I got for the money. It seemed like a good value.
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be: I know your looking for some good advise but I honestly can't think of anything. It was perfect.
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Yes
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: Yes, Read Summary.
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement: Prepare to walk up and down a lot of hills. Bring lots of insect repellent and use it religously. Try to get to know the locals. Barry - building Nov 08 1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The thank-you ceremony the people of Yamba performed for us - very moving.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is not for you if you like hustle and bustle. But if you like rural locations and gorgeous scenery, book away!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, definitely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, any reservations I have are very minor.
**** Some wonderful memories, I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend Gemma, Jordan, Calvin & Matt- building & other roles Sep 08 We absolutely loved every minute of our time in Yamba.We were only there a week because we visited the project in between travelling around Tanzania but it was incredibly worth while and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience real rural Tanzanian life. The villagers were very welcoming and the builders and carpenters that we worked with were very patient and friendly while they taught us new skills. If we ever have another chance we will definately be back!
* Relevance and usefulness of training in-country (if received): good
* Quality and location of accommodation: accomodation was fantastic, food was absolutley delicious (especially the daily cooked fresh bread!)
* Your work placement: the carpenters and builders were very friendly and patient with us.
* Was the work what you expected: yup
* Quality of support in-country: thorough
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: yes, but it wasnt needed since the support in Yamba was top notch
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: £262 for a week is expensive but since i see it as a chairty donation I dont mind paying it!
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be: stayed for longer, but our other travel arrangements wouldnt allow it
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: yes and more
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: yes, very thorough, high quality service, especially in Yamba
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement: take rechargable batteries, wear long knee high socks in the evening to avoid mosquito bites, take a pack of bouncy balls with you so that you can get many kids involved with games Giles - building Jul 08 "Well I've only managed to write one thing that comes close to putting into words some of my feelings for Yamba... But I'm afraid it's not a short paragraph ;-) I wrote it in the Village Africa visitors' book, just as I was leaving: Last night I wrote this in my diary: Tomorrow I'll get up before daybreak & steal away from Yamba - to all intents and purposes I've seen the village for the last time. I've filled scores of pages writing about it, but I realise now that I have never, and can never, really describe it. I've twice filled my camera's memory card with photos of Yamba, but I could never capture it. In twenty years' time I'll have strong memories of the last 10 weeks, but they'll never be as sharp as they are today, and that's something I'll take a long while to accept. It's no easier to express my feelings here than it was there. I've been hugely fortunate to come to work on what must surely be the world's most welcoming building site, and to see such progress both at the Kwemshi store and the new Kindergarten. Being able to say that a small part of that progress is down to me is a real thrill too. But none of that is really important. Nor are the apocalyptic sunsets, the dappled shadows cast by unfamiliar plants, or even the joy of finding the ant that's been biting you for half an hour and squashing it under the steamroller of a triple-A battery. None of this holds real significance compared to the people. On site I owe everything to Freddy for teaching me, and to Lucas, Epimark, Edward and particularly Paulo for their constant good humour and for making me feel at home. Away from work it's been a pleasure to discover that where you go and what you do says more about you than I'd ever realised, so despite being half across the world with people I'd never heard of, I've made great friendships with the other volunteers. I'm hugely relieved that we live in an age now where there doesn't have to be any question of whether we'll be able to stay in touch. Cosmas has been a great entertainer, both at football and teaching us Kiswahili, depending sometimes on sentence. And Clemencia - how can I express my thanks to Clemencia? All the housegirls have been great, but I think I've been particularly lucky to have her to look after me, tease me, and of course to braid my hair in ever more inventive designs. I'll miss her more than I can say. I've been signing off in my diary with "NeverLoseYourSenseOfWonder", and now that I come to say goodbye I hope I'll be able to keep following my own advice, back in the ordinary world. Yamba could never be encompassed by anything I could describe as ordinary, I'm quite certain. Asanteni, na Mungu awabariki." * Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): Was particularly reassuring to get the phone call just before I left. A level of communication that isn't strictly necessary, but just gives the impression that someone's keeping an eye on things :-) * Relevance and usefulness of training in-country The training from Caroline was short and to the point, and said everything that needed to be said.
The training from the building team was constant, and I hope fairly successful - I'm definitely a better bricklayer than I was. * Quality and location of accommodation Location... Yamba is just stunning. That's all there is to it.
Quality... A damn site better than we deserved or expected, and the housegirls were more wonderful than I can describe. * Your work placement Great fun, and everything I'd hoped for in terms of seeing the buildings shoot up... And again, the people made the difference, so special thanks to Freddy, Epi, Paulo, Edward & Lucas * Was the work what you expected? Pretty much - tho I wasn't expecting it to only last for half a day. And then for me to be doing accounts in the afternoon... Strange mix, but it was what needed to be done. * Quality of support in-country In terms of PoD themselves, I didn't get any contact with them while I was there, but I wasn't expecting to. In terms of Village Africa, I think Caroline is still working out exactly which bits she has to do, and what she can deputise. * Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed? I did quite like the initial briefing where we were told that, in the event of Caroline's death, you guys would fly in to rescue us. I had an image of climbing up a rope ladder to a black helicopter at the dead of night... * The PoD package (what was included) and value for money We had a complicated little phase working out food money, but that wasn't anything that could or should have been organised differently up front. Other than that, very good value :-) * If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be? Of course we had the odd moan while we were there, I can't think of a single thing I'd change. * Did the placement overall live up to expectations? It far exceeded them. * Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement? If so, please give details. Well, I got malaria a couple of times... but then most people did, so it's hardly a big deal ;-) * Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? Why? Certainly - I'd recommend PoD cos I got a feeling that they cared. And I'd recommend VA because Yamba is the most stunning, mind altering, awe inspiring place in the world. Darren - building Jun 08 * Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application) The communication that I received before and after my trip was excellent. * Quality and location of accommodation I know I only put 4 out of 5. However, the standard was still very good. * Your work placement
Outstanding - the best and most rewarding two weeks of my life. The only problem was I had to come home and go back to work. I really needed to stay there longer - a couple of months maybe. * Was the work what you expected?
Yes, it was exactly like I expected. I did more than I thought I was going to do. e.g. I helped build a mud hut and chopped down banana trees. * Quality of support in-country
Excellent - everything went like clockwork. I had no problems whatsoever. * Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed?
Yes. Every time a sent an E-mail I got a timely and informative response from you. * The PoD package (what was included) and value for money Yes I think so. To be honest money just can't buy the type of experience that I had over there. * If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be? The only thing I would change is the time that I spent over there. I would of liked it to be longer. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work. * Did the placement overall live up to expectations? Definitely. The most wonderful of experiences. I must do it again. * Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others? Why?
Without a doubt. As mentioned earlier I had an absolutely fantastic time. The other people on the placement were great as were the people whom I worked with. They had nothing but would give everything. * Any other comments?
Thanks for an amazing time. The best money I have ever spent. I felt more at home over there than I did in the UK. Even though the people did not have a lot they were always happy and would give everything !!!!! Christine - nursing Feb 08 I went to Yamba to volunteer as a nurse with Village Africa. I had an excellent time, learnt such a lot and was made to feel very welcome and met some amazing people. The support from Caroline was brilliant, the project is extremely well organised.
I went through PoD to organise my visit. They were very thorough and responded really quickly to my enquiries. I was travelling to Tanzania by myself and was very reassured by the excellent organistion of my arrival arrangements through PoD.
* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): Excellent communication both before and after my application, I had had problems with other organisations not getting back to me so this was very refreshing.
* Quality and location of accommodation: Accommodation was better than expected
* Your work placement: I was able to help the nurses in the Health Post, for example, consultations with patients and was able to help and advise with the use of their microscope. I also did a lot of health promotion and was provided with a translator to assist with this.
* Was the work what you expected: Yes
* Quality of support in-country: Could not fault the support and organistion by Caroline. Excellent, she does a fantastic job.
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes
* Quality of any activities (please specify which trips / activities). Would you like to see any particular activities included in the programme: The opportunity to go away alternate weekends is a great idea
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Good value for money
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be: Nothing
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Definately
Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement? If so, please give details: No
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: I have already recommended Pod to friends that are interested.
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement: Research some topics for health promotion, Take good walking boots I meant to say when I got back from Tanzania that I was really impressed with POD and your organisation, its very reassuring when you are traveling by yourself, so thank you. Emma - building Feb 08 * Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application): The people I spoke to on the phone were helpful and friendly and all the info i received was
* The PoD information pack: Info book was awesome! Perhaps more information on malaria/anti-malarials. During my time there nearly all of the volunteers got malaria and I think future volunteers should be aware of the risks.
* Quality and location of accommodation: The accommodation was luxurious compared to what I was expecting! My bedroom was large and the communal area was huge! I knew that I was going to be living in the middle of nowhere however the first time I climbed the mountain was a bit of a shock!
* Your work placement: My building placement was physically very hard work for me due to my lack of fitness but the structure of the building programme was very good as we were involved ina range of different tasks throughout Yamba.
* Was the work what you expected? Yes and no! Due to the timing of my placement, I was involved in the preparations for building ie making bricks for the new kindergarten building and levelling the site for the new store to be built. So I wasn\'t really involved in any building work!
* Quality of support in-country: Can\'t fault it! I didn\'t encounter any problems at all!
* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: For sure...I had all the numbers in the info booklet and Caroline was on top of everything anyway!
* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money: Value for money was amazing with PoD. There are so many companies out there that in my opinion are overpriced but not PoD.
* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be: Can't think of anything!
* Did the placement overall live up to expectations? For sure! I loved Yamba so much that Caroline has invited me back next year :)
* Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement? If so, please give details: I had a dose of Malaria (I think!) even tho I was taking Malerone. I had all the symptoms just as I was due to leave Yamba so fortunately it didn\'t affect my placement. Caroline was amazing in helping me recover...she knew exactly what to do!
* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?: I would definitely recommend PoD to others based on the outstanding value for money that they offer for placements. The staff were so helpful in the run up to my departure and provided all the information I needed to make sure I was fully prepared!
* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement? Be prepared for lots of physical work!! Spend as much time as possible with the locals and get completely immersed in their way of life. I helped out with the cooking, ironing, teaching, rugby coaching, tree planting and many more activities! David - building Dec 07 "I was a little unsure of what the building team in Yamba would have in store for me. Speaking little Swahili also brought a degree of anxiety as I anticipated using all my charades ability! However, as soon as I met the team I knew there would be no problems, the team were friendly and welcoming with a small english vocabulary. They did work extremely hard but were happy for me to take regular breaks. I was posted at the school aiding the regeneration effort of both the toilets and classrooms. These were great projects to be a part of as they will obviously bring so much ongoing benefit to the village. I have been lucky enough to experience rapid progression of these areas during my short stay and had a chance to see the huge amounts that have been accomplished by Village Africa this far, for this I feel very privileged and thankful to those who made it possible." Simon Faulkner - Photography Oct 07 Short Yamba Diary 2007 Yamba is a tiny village shrouded in the cloud forests of the West Usumbara mountains some 200 miles north of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. My stay totaled just seven days but became by far the most remarkable journey I’ve ever made. Below is a brief record of highlights, but first an introduction. Yamba is populated by about 1200 people, cut off from civilization, without a road, it is claimed that nobody here had seen a white person before 18 months ago. Aside from no road there is no running water and no electricity, most of the houses are mud-brick and roofed with banana leaves. Caroline Johnston came to Yamba 18 months ago. Sickness including Malaria is endemic and a journey to the local hospital would take six men two days carrying a stretcher down the mountain. Not surprisingly people die young here and the work that Caroline has done, galvanizing the villagers into building a road to the village (2-3 years yet to completion), raising funds for health, education, child sponsorship and attracting volunteers has done wonders. I was asked to document this progress and support the marketing with my photography. To be asked to do this was a privilege and I will never forget the welcome, the kindness and generosity of people who have virtually nothing. Arrival - Saturday October 27 Arrived Dar es Salaam airport and collect suitcase full (slight exaggeration) of Tanzanian shillings (the largest notes are worth just £4!). Met by Henry the taxi driver and taken to Kipepeo Beach resort – a thatch hut with a very muddy communal shower. Nice fish. After a five hour bus journey to Seghera I was met by John (driver), Mel and Doug (volunteers). Learn 3 out of 4 volunteers + coordinator have been down with malaria. Moe, Katie and Caroline (co-coordinator) still in hospital with Malaria. Caroline also has Amoebic Dysentery, a Urinary Tract Infection and Worms. Mel has just left the hospital (they think the malaria has gone). What have I let myself in for? Long drive over dirt tracks with stop on way for chip omelette (Goat is looking a little risky). Arrive “The garage” where the 4X4 is kept. Met by 100 residents of Yamba who carry our bags and provisions up the mountain (including my laptop on top of one boy’s head). Accompanied by 40 minutes of singing “welcome Simon” till we reach the top (feel like the Pied Piper) and then there is a brief welcome ceremony. Living in Yamba 1 – Sunday October 28 to Wednesday October 31 I awake each morning to a cup and bucket shower followed by donut bread and jam. Sunday morning we take a long walk up to the Lutheran church – a mud brick building with a tin roof and lots of holes in the walls, said to be 50 years old. This is the usual meeting place on Sundays for announcements – but none today as too many people sick. Sunday afternoon - watch Yamba Town play on the world’s steepest pitch. If in doubt pass to number 9 – the whole team is wearing No 9 Ronaldo Shirts. By 6:30 complete darkness aside from a kerosene lamp. Monday I spend the day photographing the village including the “High Street”, consisting of a few mud huts, the Catholic Church (mud brick again but with a tin roof) and shop. The “shop has razor blades, biscuits, matches, batteries, and orangeade – can see nothing else. Greeted by village elder heavily intoxicated on Sugar Cane Spirit sporting a fluorescent green snake necklace. Asked if the snake was dangerous John said only deadly if the bite wasn’t treated within 8 hours. Dinner at Doug’s – more chip omelette (Yummy), Ugali ( Not Yummy) and lentils (better than Ugali). Feeling cold that night and decided to give my spare fleece to the night watchman who stands outside my hut all night (with his bow and arrows – honest!). Tuesday is a day photographing the school classes, the teachers and orphans to obtain sponsorship. Invited into huts where there are just one or two rooms – bare earth on the floor and a tiny cooking area where an open fire is fuelled by firewood. The animals (chickens, piglets, rabbits) run around freely inside, but there are few other possessions. Evening up at Doug’s the bushes are full of glow worms and fireflies. The sounds of the forest are so loud they almost hurt the ears. Wednesday I met with John to photograph sub-villages of Yamba. Invited into one home where they had ten children and three orphans. The father, dressed in rags asked me to photograph him and his sick bed-ridden wife, a very sobering experience. After 30 minutes and some of the most poignant photographs I’ve ever taken he presented me with a live chicken (a huge gift by Yamba standards). Weekend in Tanga Thursday November 1 Sunday November 4 Thursday - made an early start for the 4x4 trip to Yamba. Photographed Katie and Mel teaching, then stomach churning drive to Tanga. Collected Caroline and Moe from the 34 bed Catholic Hospital. Very basic – but clean. Malaria really is a killer here – two people died of it in the hospital the previous night. Friday - A day talking with Caroline and organising a thousand photographs followed by dinner at the “Yacht Club” – a little bit of colonial Britain in the back of beyond. Saturday - shopping for Kangas for our housegirls and a blanket for the sick woman. Met Father Baruti who is working with Caroline. Wants me to return to photograph his other projects – orphanages, farming and environmental. Tried to convince me the church would not let me die – a serious promise in what I now know must be a place where malaria is a serious problem. Sunday -return to Yamba, but before returning I am asked to photograph the hospital for fundraising. Sister Flora who runs it is lovely, but the hospital is empty – virtually no equipment, just beds and drips. The operating theatres are unused but they hope to hire a surgeon in February – at £600 a month this is 60% of their monthly budget for the whole hospital. Queuing patients don’t look too happy – surprise surprise! Living in Yamba 2 Monday November 5 to Wednesday November 7 Monday - back from a break and I’m now into the photography again with a new zest. Only three days to go and so much more |
Testimonials 
