WORK CAMP INFO & COSTS | INTERNSHIPS| CULTURAL TOURISM | JOBS

WHAT VOLUNTEERS HAD TO SAY

REPORTS FROM VOLUNTEERS

Christina, 24, student, Germany
"I wanted to travel to Kenya, but was not interested in just spending my holiday in a tourist resort. So I decided to go for a responsible holiday and participate in a work camp. I had the chance to work and live with Kenyans, build a school, teach and in the free time go for trekking and enjoy the magnificent nature. It was a unique experience and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to discover the real Africa."

Marcos, 32, photographer, Spain
"We slept in traditional houses, learned to live without running water and electricity, engaged in manual, lived for 3 weeks in a different, fascinating world. I am a student and spend most of the time learning theory, during the work camp I had a chance to live a simple life and do something practical and useful. We built 4 water tanks, this gave me great satisfaction. It was hard work, but also fun. I learned a lot and had many different discussions with local age mates. I will never forget my time there"

Stephanie, 39, teacher, UK
"I am a photographer. My dream is to take pictures for reportages about Africa. I thought participating to a work camp would be a great opportunity to see every day life in an African rural community. I also wished to combine my passion for photography with a useful activity. So there I went to help rehabilitate a social centre. I worked, played, visited national parks and took loads of great shots. Hope to get time to repeat this experience soon "

Alessandro, 18, student, Italy
"I had to real convince my parents to allow me to come to Africa for a work camp. Now they know it was an occasion to grow and learn in a different environment. I met and mingled with so many different people, found new friends, discovered and loved the nature and the animals. I was given the responsibility to assist the camp leader: the most memorable moment was when I had to facilitate sport activities with local teenagers and children in schools. Thanks DVA I am different person now."

Michael, 22, student, USA
"I believe that everybody has something to offer and something to gain, my experience with DVA made me realize and appreciate cultural social economic differences and also not to take for granted issues/lifestyle back home".

Herin, 42, accountant, UK
"I had an absolutely amazing experience in Kenya, it's fascinating what people and culture have given me. I could not have had a more enriching experience..I only wish that my stay had been much longer. I'm definitely coming back thanks DVA…".

Martinez, 28, social worker, Spain
"I had an awesome experience. I helped the women groups to build 2 tanks and 1 chicken house, it was so great… the fact that I could see the end product of what we had done to make a difference in the community. The fact that the projects would go along way to better the women life, was just enough satisfaction. The groups were very appreciative of the work, the host, on the other hand, made me feel at home and comfortable. It's a story to write back home…."

Maria Jose, 25, artist, Spain
"I study visual arts at the Arts Academy in Barcelona. Last year our professor organized a workshop in Kenya in partnership with DVA. We had the chance to rehabilitate the play ground of a children's homes and kindergarten. We also facilitated creative activities with teachers and children. It was the most inspiring thing to find out how art and creativity can bring people together, make a change and bring joy. Now we are organizing an exposition of the pictures and videos we took during the camp to promote and support the community groups."