I have always been interested in travelling overseas and experiencing an entirely different culture from the one I grew up in. I am in my final year of studying Economics at the University of Bristol. As part of my course, I have taken a keen interest in developmental economics which has spurred me on to seek out a worthwhile charity or project abroad. So, when I attended a talk given by ‘Hands Around the World’ (HATW) about their work, I was gripped and excited by their ethos and strategy of working in partnership with communities.
The 3 weeks I was there I felt fully prepared and comfortable by the support I received by various members of HATW team in Monmouth as well as Jersey. Not only did I feel comfortable going into the project but the members and associates of the charity in the town of Bugurama, Rwanda was overwhelmingly hospitable. I loved the generous welcoming nature involving celebrations of elaborate speeches and traditional dance; the unique gifts including live chickens. Above all I felt embraced into the routines of their lives making me rapidly feel a part of their community and an established friend.
During my time spent there I was introduced to many local people who were making a difference in the area and held valuable discussions. I got to be part of decorating over 20 classrooms alongside local workers and fellow volunteers, exchanging ideas and learning about each other’s cultures. The latter part of my trip I was a part of teaching in a local school with the ‘street’ children, leading P.E/dance classes to encouraging and improving crucial life skills such as teamwork. I gained an incredible insight to Rwandan values and their way of life. It gave me a clearer understanding of the needs and ways to truly make a difference, helping me gauge just how successful the partnership between HATW and one of its partnered communities is.
The project was hugely rewarding, as there was clear rapid progress being made and a plan with accomplished local individuals leading the community particularly through the development of schools, hence future generations. I have returned to the UK with a major source of inspiration to work hard and get more involved in charity work overseas.