The WWISA Experience

Over the past year, I have experienced so many amazing things that I never thought I would have the opportunity - or the guts - to see in my life. I have had the most exciting, most interesting year and had more fun than I thought legal! There are so many stories to tell that all I can fit in here is a very brief overview of some of the most important things about my volunteering experience.

I know many people worry about how safe it is in South Africa before they go out but, for me, nearly everywhere I went, I experienced only great generosity and kindness. It seems like once you find your stride here - as Rocky is always saying - the universe provides. Before I went out there, I knew I would not be able to achieve much in just one year so I never expected to change the world. But neither did I expect that I would get so much pleasure from making a small change, in a small way.

Africa is a slow country - the pace of life a shock to the system after five years in London - so it often feels like progress takes place at a snail's pace. But I came to appreciate that it was still very valuable progress. Helping the KCDF and WWISA was greatly rewarding, giving me the opportunity to use my writing and organisation skills somewhere where they were truly appreciated and not simply taken for granted.

Although the writing of business plans and other documents is hard and time-consuming, it enables organisations like the KCDF to present themselves professionally, giving a much better chance of securing the funds they need. I feel that the work Karina and I did for the KCDF gave it a foundation from which it can start building towards the future. It was great fun working with both Rocky (at WWISA) and Anthony (at the KCDF).

Having colleagues who have so much enthusiasm, commitment and optimism makes work a pleasure and even when I was ploughing through the finances, I was always happy to be working in such a great environment (I know it may not have seemed it to those who had to suffer me at the time!).

The monument Jack has now built in the Rocky Road is a perfect symbol for WWISA, representing how each volunteer's contribution builds on those that went before them, providing a firmer foundation for future volunteers to build on.

One thing I was struck by after working with so many different volunteers over the year was that everything about each person gave us something great, even if it wasn't directly related to their volunteer roles. We had great cooks, entertainers, hosts, wonderful listeners, organisers, carers - all making Rocky Road more like home. All these things people brought to WWISA in addition to the wonderful things they did for their host organisations.

I think, of all I learnt, I value two things the most. The first is optimism. I have met so many people in South Africa who are so happy - no matter what happens, they always have a positive attitude and a smile for everyone (I confess, I've started smiling at people on the London Tube - it scares them a lot but keeps me entertained!)

The second thing I learnt was patience, particularly in terms of not making judgments about people, but being patient and giving them a chance to shine. It is amazing what strengths people will reveal if you give them a chance.This is not to say that there weren't hard times and struggles along the way, but all these things made the achievements (and rewards) even greater. I am still dreaming of Africa and cannot wait to return. I fell in love with the country and the people and I can't wait to get back!

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