The WWISA Experience

Going to a foreign country to do a voluntary work can be extremely daunting and with so many organisations promising an unforgettable experience, it is very difficult to find the best. After the six weeks I spent in Hobbiton Outdoor Education Centre in the Eastern Cape I knew I found it in WWISA. To be honest, I realised this as soon as I arrived in Plettenberg Bay for my orientation and was taken straight to the pub for a pint in possibly the best located bar in the world - this was no ordinary voluntary organisation.

I thought orientation week would be one of meetings, going through paperwork, and generally not very enjoyable. It was nothing like it. To list all the activities I got up to that week would make you green with envy so I will give a brief summary: boating down the Keurbooms River, tubing down Storms River, bungee jumping off the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, an all-night party, watching dolphins play in the surf and lots of braais, beer and boule. I was having so much fun I didn't really want to go to my project, but as soon as I saw the incredible setting of Hobbiton, I soon changed my mind, even though the mountains were snow-covered and it was mid-summer!

Settling into the routine of Hobbiton was quite easy. If there was a camp on, you'd probably be busy all day - hiking, abseiling, ropes course and other team-building activities. If there wasn't a camp, the morning would be spent on an individual project - generally work that needed to be done around camp, with afternoons free. Although Hogsback is a small village only the basics, there was never a time when I was bored. Hiking to one of the many waterfalls was always a great way to spend a day. It is a very beautiful part of the country and I hope to return one day.

The support WWISA provided throughout my stay was excellent and Josh, the centre director, was always friendly and supportive. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent at Hobbiton. Although it was a project that I was not initially keen on, I feel I made the right decision choosing it, as I was able to do things I never thought I would have the opportunity to do, and it has provided me with some incredible memories.

With all the troubles South Africa currently faces, I feel the future is brighter with organisations like Hobbiton and WWISA having such an impact on people's lives. I feel very fortunate to have played a part in that.

Iain

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