Action Africa Volunteer & Development Programme

l spent four weeks volunteering with Action Africa in their Lion and Elephant Care project and had a wonderful time. The majority of my time was spent at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve working hands on with the lions ad elephants and l also had the opportunity to do several game drives where l saw the “big 5” and many other amazing animals. The staff at the reserve were so friendly and open, answering all my questions about wildlife and their lives growing up in Zimbabwe. I also visited the rural areas, stopping at several schools and a couple of hospitals. Coming from a country where everyone is given the opportunity to go to school and have at least basic health care what l saw was both eye opening and heartbreaking. The staff at Action Africa were also very helpful and friendly. My program coordinator helped me with everything l needed from extending my visa to taking me out with her friends to meet local people in Victoria Falls. I had a great time and would definitely recommend for others to come and have the same experience.

Action Africa’s Youth Center hosts many events for the youth of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  A couple of the events that were held during my time with Action Africa were a Youth for Christ gathering and an Eco Rangers meeting.  During both events there were many eager and smiling young children and youth who came to share and participate in the good times and activities.   Mr. Jubane, Regional Director of Youth for Christ, led both events for which the children were visibly excited to be attending.  The events were started with a greeting where everyone was introduced.  Mr. Jubane then led the group in a song and read some scriptures.  The Children were then divided into separate groups to play some games.  Uno, connect four, old maid and jump rope were among some the games that we all played.  The children learned the games quickly if it was a new game and they were also great teachers for me when I did not know how to play.  The time spent playing games with the children was very special to me, it is then I felt a stronger connection with them.  Friendships seem grow and walls seem to come down when everyone is sitting on the ground, playing a game, spending time together and enjoying each others company, the shyness seems to just disappear. After playing games I began to take some pictures of the children.  They loved posing and were excited to be in all of pictures.  After I had my turn taking their pictures, they lined up to take a turn using the camera to take pictures of their own.?Next Mr. Jubane told a meaningful story to the group.  The children sat quietly and listened to his wise words.  The children are always encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts at all events.  After the story, time was given for everyone to ask me questions about America.  At first they were timid with their questions, but after two or three spoke up, many more questions came.  The events were closed with a prayer spoken by one of the children.  Each event cultivated feelings of happiness and positivity for everyone who participated.