Mirjam
Mirjam was working in Mung’ang’a sublocation for September-October 2010 and in the beginning of 2011.
- Age
33 - Profession
youth instructor - How long time you volunteered in Shianda?
2 months - Why did you decide to go to Kenya?
Because I hadn’t been to Africa, I like different cultures and my friend Janika was there already. - Why did you decide to volunteer with WEFOCO?
For me was important that local people themselves wanted to develop their home village and show up their own initiative. - What do you think about the work that is being done by WEFOCO?
I think it has been well organised and has a great influence there already – the work there is long-term and based on locals – this is most important. - What were your tasks?
I was dealing mostly with education – school fees, uniforms etc, but HIV-victims, orphans, families and first aid as well – I really enjoyed thad we had choice to do what we wanted most. - What did you like most about volunteering?
I had an opportunity to live in Shianda real local life (was practicing even carrying water on my head! :) ) and had a feeling that sometimes with so small things it’s possible to help so much. - What was suprising?
That I took very different life-style so naturally :) - What would you have liked to know before coming?
As more as possible about all areas WEFOCO is working with. - What are the difficulties that the volunteers should prepare themselves for?
Africans’ way of thinking, behaving and acting can be very different. - Tell about your favorite experience from Kenya.
Going back after 10 days! :) - Do you miss something?
Miss our family and pottery house there and the feeling that I have time – I think I was there the only one, who was running, all locals just have time… hakuna matata! :) Hope I will learn it from them :) - Any other comments:)
The experience I wouldn’t change for the world :)