What inspired you to work for Elvira’s Garden?
I was drawn to this organization because of its commitment to supporting children. I’ve always had a passion for helping young people, and when I saw the impact this charity makes (particularly as it is very close to where I grew up), I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Knowing I could contribute, both administratively and directly with the kids, really inspired me to get involved.
Describe a typical day at work.
My mornings are spent assisting the General Manager with admin tasks—answering emails, scheduling, running errands, organizing files, and helping keep operations running smoothly. In the afternoon, I switch roles to support the afterschool club, where I help run activities and ensure the children feel safe, supported, and engaged.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I genuinely care about the well-being of children. There’s something special about seeing a child smile, learn something new, or open up. It reminds me that even the smallest effort can make a difference in someone’s life. That’s what motivates me to show up every day and give my best. Also knowing that any department I work in (the office, restaurant, car wash, thrift market, after-school club, holiday camps) I am making a difference to the children in our care.
At the School Club
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is definitely interacting with the children. Each day brings something new — from helping with homework to playing games — and their energy and joy are contagious. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m helping create a safe, welcoming space where they can just be kids.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My education in hospitality taught me time management, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure—all of which I use daily. Even though I work in a local setting now, having a diverse background including working in a call centre, helps me relate to people from different cultures and walks of life, which is vital when working with families and children.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of volunteers, especially during busy periods. It can be hard to juggle everything, but I’ve learned to stay adaptable and support wherever I’m needed. Teamwork and open communication help us work through tough days and ensure the children still get the attention they need.
What are some current projects you are working on?
At the moment, I’m supporting the after-school club due to low volunteer numbers. This has involved reopening it after the bad weather, which caused a landslide, making the road unpassable. During the reopening, we have been reestablishing routines whilst introducing new activities such as trampoline lessons (our trampoline has just been installed)
I am also focusing on managing my usual administrative duties. This can be from helping to streamline some of our internal processes, like organizing digital files to creating templates, so our operations run more efficiently in the long term.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Although I’m a local Grenadian and didn’t travel to be part of this program, I’ve solo-traveled before, so I understand what it feels like to relocate to a new place. I’d tell my pre-travel self to stay open-minded and not stress about having everything figured out. Each experience, whether planned or unexpected, will teach you something valuable. You’ll grow in confidence, find new passions, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had—so trust the journey.
Easter Camp 2025 - Swimming Lesson
What makes Elvira’s Garden special?
What makes our organization special is the genuine care we put into everything we do. We’re more than just a children’s charity—we’re a safe space where kids feel heard, valued, and supported. Every child is treated with kindness and respect, and we work closely with families to make a lasting impact.
We are also always thinking of ways we can improve our services and have a plethora of ideas - we just need the manpower from gaining more volunteers to make it happen.
Why should someone choose Elvira’s Garden over competitors?
Individuals should choose to come and help our organization because we are truly rooted in the community we serve. We know the children, we understand their challenges, and we design programs with their needs at heart. We don’t just offer services—we build relationships and provide consistent, long-term support.
What hopes do you have for the future of Elvira’s Garden?
My hope is that the organization continues to grow and reach even more children who need support. Hopefully, this will be achieved by creating an Elvira's Garden Community Centre within each parish. I’d love to see expanded programs for more ages within the community, not just children, more volunteers, and sustainable funding so we can make an even bigger difference.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Recently, due to staffing changes, we've been working to improve our internal systems to operate more efficiently and better support our programs. We’re also looking into partnerships and funding opportunities that will allow us to expand our services and reach more children across Grenada in meaningful, lasting ways.
What makes Elvira’s Garden easy to market to potential participants?
We’re easy to market because the work speaks for itself. Families feel and see the care we provide, and word spreads quickly in the community. Our programs are hands-on, heartfelt, and genuinely focused on child development. The real impact we make in children’s lives is our strongest selling point.
Volunteer Birthday Party at After School Club, May 2025
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our current mission is to support, empower, and uplift children through safe, engaging, and nurturing programs. We work toward this every day by showing up for the kids—through education, play, mentorship, and care. We adapt as needed, but always stay committed to creating opportunities for every child to thrive.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope volunteers take away a deep sense of fulfillment and connection. By working directly with children, they’ll see firsthand the difference their time and skills make. Our programs provide a meaningful opportunity to impact young lives and be part of a caring community committed to real change. Their experience here often inspires a lifelong commitment to service and compassion.
How do you help support participants?
We support volunteers by providing clear guidance, training, and a welcoming environment. We match their skills with meaningful tasks and offer ongoing support to ensure they feel valued and effective. Whether in the afterschool club, going into the local school to aid the teachers in our children's formal education or behind the scenes, we help volunteers make the biggest possible impact. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide encouragement every step of the way.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could participate in only 1 of our programs, it would be working directly with children in the after-school program — helping with educational activities, mentoring, and creating a safe space for kids to thrive. This hands-on role has shown me how it is truly the heart of what we do. Being there gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges local children face and the positive difference volunteers make. The way the children love to spend time with individuals from other cultures is truly amazing. They are curious and very responsive to new individuals.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Volunteers often ask about their role, the children’s needs, and how they can make the biggest difference. I respond with honesty about our challenges and emphasize that every contribution matters. I also provide encouragement and practical advice to help them feel prepared and confident. I make sure they know their time here is valued and can change lives in ways they might not expect.
After School Club
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Volunteering abroad, specifically with Elvira's Garden, offers a unique chance to understand Grenadian culture deeply while contributing meaningfully every day. It fosters empathy, breaks down barriers, and pushes people outside of their comfort zone in a fun and organic way. Experiencing life in a new place challenges assumptions and preconceived ideas. This type of cultural exchange benefits everyone involved, creating bonds that last beyond the program.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language helps volunteers connect more deeply with the children and community they serve. It opens doors to better communication, builds trust, and shows respect for local culture. It’s a powerful way to break down barriers and foster genuine relationships. Although Grenadians speak English, it is often described as “broken English,” so learning how we phrase certain things helps children understand volunteers better and feel truly seen and heard.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice is to approach travel with humility and an open mind. Research the community and culture beforehand, listen more than you speak, and be ready to learn and adapt. Remember, you are there to support, not to impose solutions. Respect and genuine curiosity will help you make a meaningful impact.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means immersing yourself respectfully in a new culture, building authentic connections, and contributing positively without exploiting or overwhelming the community. It’s about growth — both personal and communal and ensuring that your presence leaves a lasting, beneficial impact rather than just a footprint.
People who travel and remain solely in a fancy resort can never gain a true understanding of the country they are visiting.
