What inspired you to travel abroad?
The possibility of supporting people who are in less fortunate situations was inspiring. Having grown up in Germany, I am very grateful for everything a Western country supplies, and I am very aware that things are different in Africa.
I wanted to share more by helping and also donating on-site. To see the money that I collected being used while I was in the school felt wonderful!
Why did you choose Simoonga Thandizani Trust School?
I like Africa, and liked the idea of helping in the school. I read reviews and felt that this was a simple life, but also close to a large city, and also close to some touristic highlights.
I have a lot of respect for one man who changes the lives of hundreds and thousands of children by dedicating his life to a school, and all this is based on donations only!
Buying Mangos on the market of Simoonga
What was your favorite part about Africa?
Africa is intense, exotic, and beautiful. I like being close to safari, the sun, the river, and Victoria Falls. I liked the feeling of being in a small village but, at the same time, being close to Livingston.
In the village, people were very friendly, and I also felt very safe at all times. And I liked being very close to the beautiful nature.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The kindness of the people, the joy in life they show, and Africa being so beautiful. I remember very well how the children played with pebbles and loose strings. Not having any toys whatsoever, they constantly improvised with what they found.
I also still love the ‘sugar high’ that two boys had after eating a mango. Of course, they never eat sweets because they are simply not available.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They were open to all my ideas and very helpful in every aspect. They asked me whether I would do small reading groups, which is much easier with six children than in a classroom with thirty-five!
When I suggested a needle workshop, so that the children learn how to sew, they instantly organized this, and from that moment on, the children learned how to sew!
Making greeting cards
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have liked to stay longer! Other than this, I must say that I made great use of my time, so I really cannot say that I would’ve done things differently.
Maybe it would’ve been good to get more in touch with local families, which I only did in the case of one teacher, who kindly invited me to her home.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Get up around seven, take a quick shower, join one of the school classes, help with small reading groups, and then lunch together with the children.
Workshops in the afternoon, like Theatre, needlework, yoga, or free time. Going for a walk and then dinner, which I usually make by myself on a small stove.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Victoria Falls, a canoe ride on the Zambezi river with some fishing, doing some yoga, walking around in the village and to the very small market, hanging out on a big baobab tree.
One afternoon, I was invited to visit the family of one of the teachers, which was a wonderful experience as it gave me a great insight into the daily life of a teacher.
Outdoor yoga in the playground
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a tent, and it was simple but comfortable, and it was also my private space. The mattress was comfortable; I had a blanket in case the night got cooler, and it felt very cozy.
The Thandazani school now has rooms for volunteers, but I think they still set up a tent if somebody prefers this.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be open to a new experience, adapt to the situation, and think about what you can give! You should have a certain maturity and also understand that you need to blend into the culture of the school. A certain independency is also helpful and I think about what kind of help you can offer to the school.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Yes, I would recommend Thandizani School as everybody was very supportive, the children were great, and the location was wonderful.
I am sure you will have a wonderful time and be very grateful to have lived this experience. You can also think about combining this experience with more travel in the region, which is wonderful!
Students working on a needlework project
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Experiencing other cultures, broaden your horizon, becoming more flexible in your mind. Coming from a western culture, life is so different in Africa, and I feel it is very rewarding to have this kind of experience–especially for younger people. It is very important to become independent and not be dependent forever.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I feel more grounded, and I have beautiful memories which I will never forget. I can share my experience with my friends and also their children. It has been eye-opening for some of them.
They never realized how fortunate they are to be able to go to school, which isn’t a typical expectation for children in Africa.
Knowing how precious water is, I have changed my attitude toward water and try to save water whenever I can!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Be mindful of other cultures. Show respect and be kind. Share what you can, in terms of thoughts, and ideas, but also in terms of money.
Explain to people more about our culture and way of life, which they were always, very interested in. And for me, meaningful was also that I took a water bottle with a filter rather than buying many plastic bottles.
