VSO Global Xchange volunteer, Amber Hughes, writes about her time volunteering in Ethiopia.
I have, and will always, consider myself a global citizen. It horrifies me that children die every second from preventable conditions but before volunteering I was detached, it did not resonate. I wanted to help, but how? That’s where VSO stepped in.
Fast growing and expanding, VSO is an international development charity which offers the opportunity for individuals to volunteer in some of the world’s poorest countries. To date VSO has sent 40,000 volunteers to work with poor people in 32 countries. I took part in the Global Xchange (GX) scheme – the precursor to the current International Citizens Service (ICS) programme - which offered young people the opportunity to volunteer overseas. GX provided me with the most enriching experience of my life, one that is with me forever and shapes how I see our world.
Being from a low income family it was great that I had no fees, unlike other volunteer organisations where ‘small’ (usually very large airfare) fees apply, and full and thorough training was provided. It is not to be taken lightly, and the interview process was gruelling, as were the seemingly endless inoculations and health and safety briefings. But if you are passionate about international development, look no further than VSO.
I spent three amazing months teaching English to HIV positive children and vulnerable adults, whilst living with an Ethiopian family in a host home. Host homes were standard with Global Xchange when travelling to any country, and provided such an authentic experience I was practically Ethiopian within a month.
At work, I was able to structure my own lessons and provide sustainable worksheets to continue after my departure. Every day was so ridiculously rewarding that the one hour up (and down) hill trek and challenging living and working conditions seemed trivial by the end. Seeing my students improve day on day is something I won’t forget.
Aside from designated roles, which vary from teaching English to sports, volunteers were able to explore the wonderful culture of their temporary home. I can still vividly remember the sounds and smells, from the wake-up call of the mosque each morning (especially during religious holidays) to the vast array of exotic spices and fresh coffee beans. I can also remember leaving, and how my sadness mixed with satisfaction; it is never easy leaving people, whom you have become attached to, but it is also never easy taking a chance and doing something you never dreamed you could.
I am indebted to VSO for giving me the platform to take a leap and live and breathe another culture whilst bettering the lives of those less fortunate - experiences I will treasure for the rest of my life.
"If underprivileged
Children become
Empowered socially
Economically and
Academically, they can
Become agents of change of
a better world..."
Laureate Sr. Tibebe Maco, Founder and Executive Director of HIDA
Find out more about volunteering with International Citizen Service (ICS)