Emma – 2014
“I had a brilliant time at the Children's Home in Belize. The children are delightful, cheeky and full of fun. They are full of love and desperate to receive love. They also work together as a large family, looking out for each other.
I really enjoyed caring for all ages. The teenage girls liked me helping out with their homework and discussing England, the Queen, brick houses and snow!
What was a typical day at the project?
Up at 6.30am for a 7am start. Help with breakfast, serve, tidy. See the older children off to school, walking or bus. Help out in creche with my own creative inspirations, playdough and arts and crafts. Help with Lunch, care for babies. Homework help from 3-5. Help with tea serving then finish for the day.
What did you find most rewarding?
Seeing how happy and content the children are.
What did you find most challenging?
The mosquito bites, I am allergic and the high humidity.
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Be prepared to work long days in extreme humidity and a huge mosquito problem!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
Opens eyes up to the Third World, makes you appreciate and realise how lucky you are.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes, Great reputable agency. Staff very friendly and thorough.”
Hish – 2014
“How’s life at Liberty?
I have really enjoyed my time here and the children and staff have been very loving and very rewarding. I have to say I have fully settled into the routine and I am really appreciating the culture as well. I actually am not looking forward to leaving too much now....
I stayed at this project for 4 weeks in August/September in Liberty Children's home. It was certainly different to anything I have ever experienced before but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips of my life.
Getting to know another culture was brilliant, and the Belize culture is truly unique. Getting to bond with the children, the staff and other volunteers on camp was also what really made my trip here. Everyone was truly welcoming and friendly so it made staying here very enjoyable. There are of course many differences from Belize to home, but you really end up with a broader perspective of the world which for me was truly invaluable. Even though I found the first week the trickiest, after that first week everything ran like clockwork and by the end of it I was almost picking up a few Belizean mannerisms! Of course that’s because a lot of volunteers come and go through Liberty so the children are used to seeing lots of different faces. Once they become familiarised with you, then friendships really start to form. Also another thing to bear in mind is that the Caribbean mentality is that of a laid back one. This is fantastic as everyone is really relaxed, but take this in mind when working as there may be little structure with respect to activity timings or project work. But there is certainly a routine which you can do once you have settled in. They all really appreciate you being there which is the best thing.
All in all I had a brilliant time and would recommend anyone to undertake this project.
What was a typical day at the project?
This varied with the summer holidays and school period. The summer holidays was mostly spent for me doing odd chores as the children all helped out throughout the camp. Summertime was mainly to help out with interacting with the kids and playing games here or there. Watching TV among many other things.
When the children were at school, I had the following routine.
Woke up at 7am
Breakfast at 7.30 am
Walk the kids to the bus stop at 8am
Waited with them and then return to Camp.
Do the kitchen dishes and sweep/mop the kitchen until about 10.30am
Then I had about an hour to relax in the volunteer quarters (Wifi available)
Help take the lunches to the respective schools. 11.30 pm
Have my lunch and relax.
Help around here or there in the pre-school or day care on camp.
Relax until the children come home. You could meet up with the children at the bus stop to pick them up (3pm)
Help out the kids with homework and playing games (3.15 pm until 5.30-6pm)
Have Dinner and then the kids usually go to sleep after. Giving you all the free time you want!
Of course as it is so relaxed here you can do as little or as much as you want.
What did you find most rewarding?
Meeting the children, volunteers and staff in Liberty. That's certainly what it’s all about. There was a lot of love at Liberty. And I became very attached to the place.
What did you find most challenging?
The humidity and various bugs here or there (Make sure you bring bug spray!!!)
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Just go in with an open mind and realise that even though it may not seem like you’re making the biggest difference, you really are. And it will take time to adjust, but it will be worth it. You will see how you will grow throughout your time here.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
The world is a massive place, this is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture whilst helping out other people and improving your extra-curricular skills. A truly win-win situation.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes! I chose POD as the staff were co-operative and they had excellent choices and really put you and their projects first. I really was pleased with how everything went.”
Rachelle – 2014
“My time away was very nice. The month I was there came and went so quickly and I felt like I needed more time! The children and very loving, crazy, funny, and sometimes just want someone to talk to, read with, or play with. Go in with an open mind, WILLINGNESS TO WORK, and lots of energy :)
What was a typical day at the project?
This this the schedule I followed for most of the days I was there: 6:30a Wake-up 6:45a Help with breakfast prep 7:30a breakfast served, afterwards walk kids to school/bus stop AND wash dishes, sweep or mop 9:00a Circle time in the preschool for one hour *A little bit of down time or laundry/ raking until lunch prep 11:00a Lunch prep *Raking, laundry, dishes etc until kids come home from school 3-4:00p Kids start to arrive from school: Homework time/play time until dinner 5:30p Dinner and clean up: assist/ oversee in cleanup by the older children *Kids usually head right into their dorms after dinner so your evenings will be free for much needed sleep. :)
What did you find most rewarding?
Being able to share a part of myself and make a difference (however big or small) with the children and staff.
What did you find most challenging?
Nothing in regards to the Home actually. Because it is very laid back, it is easy to get into a routine of not really doing much at all. This leaves all of the work for willing volunteers and staff. Don't be lazy! There is always something that can be done.
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Be willing to work and help. Be willing to observe and acknowledge the no alcohol on campus rule. A lot of volunteers come through there so gauge when to ask questions about how you can help. When the cook is rushing to get breakfast out on time is probably not the best time to question her. Be observant and ask the kids too, they know a whole lot about the routines and details that could assist you in helping.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
Guys, it's a great feeling. It might sound a little corny, but it's so true.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes! Their process was very thorough, the staff was helpful, and communicative. Upon arrival, I was told how much money goes to the project. It is well above another organization. I'm glad to know where my money went and how it is being used.”
“I had a brilliant time at the Children's Home in Belize. The children are delightful, cheeky and full of fun. They are full of love and desperate to receive love. They also work together as a large family, looking out for each other.
I really enjoyed caring for all ages. The teenage girls liked me helping out with their homework and discussing England, the Queen, brick houses and snow!
What was a typical day at the project?
Up at 6.30am for a 7am start. Help with breakfast, serve, tidy. See the older children off to school, walking or bus. Help out in creche with my own creative inspirations, playdough and arts and crafts. Help with Lunch, care for babies. Homework help from 3-5. Help with tea serving then finish for the day.
What did you find most rewarding?
Seeing how happy and content the children are.
What did you find most challenging?
The mosquito bites, I am allergic and the high humidity.
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Be prepared to work long days in extreme humidity and a huge mosquito problem!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
Opens eyes up to the Third World, makes you appreciate and realise how lucky you are.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes, Great reputable agency. Staff very friendly and thorough.”
Hish – 2014
“How’s life at Liberty?
I have really enjoyed my time here and the children and staff have been very loving and very rewarding. I have to say I have fully settled into the routine and I am really appreciating the culture as well. I actually am not looking forward to leaving too much now....
I stayed at this project for 4 weeks in August/September in Liberty Children's home. It was certainly different to anything I have ever experienced before but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips of my life.
Getting to know another culture was brilliant, and the Belize culture is truly unique. Getting to bond with the children, the staff and other volunteers on camp was also what really made my trip here. Everyone was truly welcoming and friendly so it made staying here very enjoyable. There are of course many differences from Belize to home, but you really end up with a broader perspective of the world which for me was truly invaluable. Even though I found the first week the trickiest, after that first week everything ran like clockwork and by the end of it I was almost picking up a few Belizean mannerisms! Of course that’s because a lot of volunteers come and go through Liberty so the children are used to seeing lots of different faces. Once they become familiarised with you, then friendships really start to form. Also another thing to bear in mind is that the Caribbean mentality is that of a laid back one. This is fantastic as everyone is really relaxed, but take this in mind when working as there may be little structure with respect to activity timings or project work. But there is certainly a routine which you can do once you have settled in. They all really appreciate you being there which is the best thing.
All in all I had a brilliant time and would recommend anyone to undertake this project.
What was a typical day at the project?
This varied with the summer holidays and school period. The summer holidays was mostly spent for me doing odd chores as the children all helped out throughout the camp. Summertime was mainly to help out with interacting with the kids and playing games here or there. Watching TV among many other things.
When the children were at school, I had the following routine.
Woke up at 7am
Breakfast at 7.30 am
Walk the kids to the bus stop at 8am
Waited with them and then return to Camp.
Do the kitchen dishes and sweep/mop the kitchen until about 10.30am
Then I had about an hour to relax in the volunteer quarters (Wifi available)
Help take the lunches to the respective schools. 11.30 pm
Have my lunch and relax.
Help around here or there in the pre-school or day care on camp.
Relax until the children come home. You could meet up with the children at the bus stop to pick them up (3pm)
Help out the kids with homework and playing games (3.15 pm until 5.30-6pm)
Have Dinner and then the kids usually go to sleep after. Giving you all the free time you want!
Of course as it is so relaxed here you can do as little or as much as you want.
What did you find most rewarding?
Meeting the children, volunteers and staff in Liberty. That's certainly what it’s all about. There was a lot of love at Liberty. And I became very attached to the place.
What did you find most challenging?
The humidity and various bugs here or there (Make sure you bring bug spray!!!)
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Just go in with an open mind and realise that even though it may not seem like you’re making the biggest difference, you really are. And it will take time to adjust, but it will be worth it. You will see how you will grow throughout your time here.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
The world is a massive place, this is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture whilst helping out other people and improving your extra-curricular skills. A truly win-win situation.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes! I chose POD as the staff were co-operative and they had excellent choices and really put you and their projects first. I really was pleased with how everything went.”
Rachelle – 2014
“My time away was very nice. The month I was there came and went so quickly and I felt like I needed more time! The children and very loving, crazy, funny, and sometimes just want someone to talk to, read with, or play with. Go in with an open mind, WILLINGNESS TO WORK, and lots of energy :)
What was a typical day at the project?
This this the schedule I followed for most of the days I was there: 6:30a Wake-up 6:45a Help with breakfast prep 7:30a breakfast served, afterwards walk kids to school/bus stop AND wash dishes, sweep or mop 9:00a Circle time in the preschool for one hour *A little bit of down time or laundry/ raking until lunch prep 11:00a Lunch prep *Raking, laundry, dishes etc until kids come home from school 3-4:00p Kids start to arrive from school: Homework time/play time until dinner 5:30p Dinner and clean up: assist/ oversee in cleanup by the older children *Kids usually head right into their dorms after dinner so your evenings will be free for much needed sleep. :)
What did you find most rewarding?
Being able to share a part of myself and make a difference (however big or small) with the children and staff.
What did you find most challenging?
Nothing in regards to the Home actually. Because it is very laid back, it is easy to get into a routine of not really doing much at all. This leaves all of the work for willing volunteers and staff. Don't be lazy! There is always something that can be done.
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
Be willing to work and help. Be willing to observe and acknowledge the no alcohol on campus rule. A lot of volunteers come through there so gauge when to ask questions about how you can help. When the cook is rushing to get breakfast out on time is probably not the best time to question her. Be observant and ask the kids too, they know a whole lot about the routines and details that could assist you in helping.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad?
Guys, it's a great feeling. It might sound a little corny, but it's so true.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others?
Yes! Their process was very thorough, the staff was helpful, and communicative. Upon arrival, I was told how much money goes to the project. It is well above another organization. I'm glad to know where my money went and how it is being used.”