Im quite new to this forum and I apologize if I make any mistake. I just finished 2 months of volunteering programme in Moldova & Sri Lanka. It was totally different experience in two different geographical & cultural region. The journey was started from Moldova in a Community-based English Language Center which is 80km away from Moldovas Capital. This is a rural town in post-soviet Eastern Europe. this village is a good sample that historical factors have dramatically affected the country's economy.
Moldovan People are extremely welcoming, motivated to learn English. I stayed in a home-stay & they treated me as a family member. if you know a little Russian or Romanian, that would be easy for you to communicate easily in the village. I had a good chance to practice Russian while they learn English. normally village Children start to learn English around age 10. They have a real shortage of teachers so, there are fewer opportunities for everyone to learn English, which is why it was such a great opportunity for me to help them. When I was volunteering there were 6 of us and so we also volunteered in a nearby village, which was extremely rewarding programme because I could really see how the children and adults are getting proved I was there.
My next destination was Sri Lanka in a remote village. It was a least developed village 400 km away from the capital Colombo where people make their living by cultivation. My program involved participating Community- led conservation which empowers local people to manage and conserve their unique environment within the social, cultural, and economic context of their communities.
The program was varied and meaningful every day. There were opportunities for change when it seemed advantageous and we were treated as a family - with humor, respect and caring. The program was planned in such a way that, within the first week, we identify all the practical problems that can come our way when launching such a project in a completely new village with a completely new group of people.
Hence, the program was broken into 3 main parts, create connections and knowledge gathering, planning, implementation. Main aim of the project was to improve their quality of life by giving them scientific education about soil conservation, saving their own environment, protecting the wildlife through awareness programs and hands on activities.
We taught the children English and conducted awareness sessions for adults on various topics. Most fun part was the relationship building course in the program where we helped them preparing the lands, spent nights in tree houses with them to protect crops from wild animals, had evening bath in the river, eat what they eat and do what they do.
Program was planned such a way that we gain the necessary knowledge through the same activities we do with the community during the relationship building phase. Since we spent a good time laying the foundation for the project, it was not a big problem to come up with a practical plan and execute it.
Both two programs were once in a lifetime experience and the satisfaction I had in the end was priceless. It was a great pleasure to see people getting benefited out of what you have done.
This is the highlight of my trip! we have the chance of pushing us and having an unforgettable experience. Additionally, since both programs were a group activity, i got the opportunity to meet new people and make friends for life!
I still remember the simple smile of people and kids who lived with me for two month providing me family caring. They are one of best people I met in my life who have a rich heart. No words ! They are simply amazing.