What inspired you to work for your organization?
Elvira’s Garden is much more than a charity—it’s the legacy of my family and the fulfillment of a lifelong calling. My father was born in Grenada, and when he passed, he left me a piece of land there. It planted a seed in me—both literally and figuratively. Though the charity is now based in Coals Gap, that inheritance was the first tangible reminder of where I came from, and it deepened my desire to give something back.
My two daughters have always shared this passion with me—one is a teacher and the other a social worker. Together, we saw the need for a community space that could provide more than just childcare. We wanted to create a safe, joyful, and enriching environment for children to grow, explore, and be heard. That's how Elvira’s Garden was born—a place named in honor of the grandmother my daughters never met, who was always giving, always growing something beautiful.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day for me involves juggling a lot of behind-the-scenes responsibilities that help keep Elvira’s Garden running smoothly and sustainably. I start my mornings checking in with our team—especially Rae, my daughter and our General Manager—who keeps me up to date on everything happening at the community centre with the children, staff, and volunteers.
From there, my day might include staff coordination, administrative tasks, or heading into town to oversee our other premises. We operate a restaurant, thrift market, and car wash, which all help fund our programs. I’m also responsible for the essentials that aren’t glamorous but are absolutely necessary—things like banking, insurance, and the occasional government meeting.
Although I don’t get to spend as much time with the children as I’d like, I make sure to attend our after-school club once a month and participate in each camp session. I also prioritize spending quality time with our volunteers—taking them to dinner on their first night, and usually joining them for a local activity each week, like bingo night or the hash hike. These shared experiences are important—they give our volunteers a taste of the culture and help build a real sense of connection.
My days are full and varied, but they’re always driven by the same goal: making sure our charity has the structure and support it needs to keep doing meaningful, joyful work for the children we serve.
Why do you do what you do?
I do this because every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and inspired. When I was in my twenties, I drove all the way from England to Romania to donate items to a children’s home. That experience opened my eyes to the resilience of young people and the life-changing impact of small acts of kindness.
I believe that childhood should be protected and celebrated. For many kids, especially in under-resourced communities, that doesn't always happen. If Elvira’s Garden can offer even one child a moment of joy, comfort, or opportunity, then it’s all worth it.
Summer Camp
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing a child light up with confidence after learning something new—or simply knowing they feel safe enough to be themselves here. I love watching friendships form, talents emerge, and personalities blossom.
One of my favorite moments each year is our Summer Camp talent show. Seeing the pride on the children’s faces when they perform—whether it's a song, a skit, or even a magic trick—reminds me why this work matters so much.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Though my professional background is in property and business, I’ve found those skills incredibly useful in running Elvira’s Garden. Budgeting, organizing logistics, dealing with local authorities, fundraising—it’s all part of keeping the centre running smoothly.
On a more personal level, my international heritage helps me relate to the diverse families in our community. I understand the importance of cultural identity and inclusivity, and I work hard to make sure every child and family feels they belong here.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
Funding is always a challenge. We’re a grassroots charity, so we rely heavily on donations, grants, and volunteer support. I’ve learned to be resourceful—reaching out to local businesses, organizing community fundraisers, and applying for every grant I can find.
Another challenge is burnout, both for myself and the team. Working with children can be emotionally intense. I try to lead by example by encouraging rest, supporting each other, and celebrating even the small wins.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Right now, we’re preparing for our Summer Camp program. It’s a big undertaking with themed weeks, guest visitors, and outdoor learning experiences.
A continued focus would be our after-school club program, which is accessed by more local children and provides them with a place to learn new skills.
We are also hugely focused on finding more amazing people to come to Grenada and volunteer with us as we are greatly in need of manpower/help.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
I would say: be brave, trust your instincts, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to start something meaningful. That drive to Romania taught me that impact doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from showing up with an open heart and a willingness to help.
You’re going to make mistakes, but you’ll learn from every one. And in the end, the children will teach you more than you ever expected.
After school Club
What makes Elvira’s Garden special?
Elvira’s Garden is special because it’s rooted in genuine community and family values. We’re not a large, faceless charity—we’re a hands-on, heart-led organization built on love, legacy, and lived experience. Every child who comes through our doors is treated as part of the family. What we offer isn’t just structured programs—it’s warmth, safety, belonging, and the freedom for children to just be children.
We’re also proud of our holistic model. Not only do we run camps and clubs, but we’ve built social enterprises like a restaurant, thrift shop, and car wash to fund our work. That means we’re embedded in our local economy, too, creating opportunities and sustainability.
Why should someone choose Elvira’s Garden over competitors?
People should choose Elvira’s Garden because we offer more than a program—we offer a purpose. Volunteers who join us don’t just work for the community, they become part of it. They live, eat, and explore alongside locals. We’re small enough that every person matters, but established enough to run meaningful, well-organized initiatives.
Also, our volunteers leave with a real sense of cultural connection. Whether it’s sharing meals, joining local hikes, or experiencing the island’s traditions first-hand, we go beyond volunteering—we create unforgettable, human-centered experiences.
What hopes do you have for the future of Elvira’s Garden?
My biggest dream is to see Elvira’s Garden grow beyond our current location. There are six parishes in Grenada, and I’d love for each one to have its own community centre like ours—places where children and families can feel supported, encouraged, and inspired.
I also hope to expand our programs to support young adults aged 16–25, especially those who left school early but want a second chance to complete their exams or learn a trade. It’s important to me that we give opportunities not only to children but also to those who are trying to rewrite their story.
Looking ahead, we hope to gain support from larger international partners. Even something like a donated bus would be transformative—reducing our transport costs and opening up more opportunities for trips, educational visits, and outreach. I’d also love to see a consistent flow of international volunteers who can help us keep our doors open all year and share their skills.
Ultimately, my long-term vision is to be able to guide our children into adulthood with real support—whether that’s financial help for school, internships, or mentorship. I want Elvira’s Garden to be a launchpad for their future.
Are there any developments with Elvira’s Garden that you would like to share with us?
While we haven't launched new programs recently due to limited volunteer support, we’ve still managed to make small but meaningful improvements. At our community centre, we’ve added rope swings and a trampoline—simple additions that bring a lot of joy and physical activity to the children’s days.
We’re also working on upgrading our small farming space. Our goal is to install raised garden beds so we can grow fruits and vegetables more efficiently throughout the year. It’s a step toward food sustainability and hands-on learning for the children.
We’re aware that to grow further, we need more consistent volunteer help—and that’s something we’re actively working on. With more support, we’d be able to bring back pilot projects and expand our offerings significantly.
What makes Elvira’s Garden easy to market to potential participants?
Elvira’s Garden is authentic, vibrant, and deeply human. It’s easy to share our story because it’s real—founded by a family, driven by love, and grounded in a local village with visible impact.
We offer a mix of meaningful work and rich cultural immersion. Volunteers leave not just with memories, but with relationships and a stronger understanding of what it means to serve. That balance of impact and connection makes us stand out in a very real way.
Horse riding at the Easter Camp
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Elvira’s Garden is authentic, vibrant, and deeply human. It’s easy to share our story because it’s real—founded by a family, driven by love, and grounded in a local village with visible impact.
We offer a mix of meaningful work and rich cultural immersion. Volunteers leave not just with memories, but with relationships and a stronger understanding of what it means to serve. That balance of impact and connection makes us stand out in a very real way.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I want every volunteer who joins us to leave with a deep sense of fulfillment, connection, and growth. Beyond the work they do, I hope they take away meaningful relationships, cultural insights, and a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteering with us isn’t just about helping others—it’s about transforming yourself through service and community.
How do you help support participants?
We support our volunteers every step of the way—from arrival through to departure. We provide a welcoming orientation, ongoing guidance, and meaningful cultural activities that help them settle in and feel part of the local community. We match volunteers with roles that fit their skills and passions, and offer continuous support to ensure their experience is positive, rewarding, and impactful.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could be a volunteer again, I’d jump right into our summer camp. It’s such a vibrant, joyful time filled with creativity and energy. I’d love to help run activities, share local stories, and build friendships with both the children and other volunteers. It’s a chance to truly immerse yourself in the culture and make a real difference.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Volunteers often ask, “Will I make a real impact?” or “How will I adjust to a new culture?” I always assure them that their contribution matters deeply—that even small acts of kindness create lasting change. I encourage openness and patience with cultural differences, reminding them that the learning and growth they experience will be as rewarding as the work they do.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad expands your worldview and challenges you to grow in ways staying home can’t. Experiencing a new culture firsthand builds empathy, resilience, and understanding—qualities that make you a better global citizen. For volunteers, it’s a unique chance to give back while gaining insights that enrich their personal and professional lives forever.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning even a few words of the local language is a powerful way to show respect and build trust. It breaks down barriers and opens doors to deeper connections with the community you’re serving. For volunteers, language skills enhance the experience, allowing them to engage more fully and meaningfully with the people around them.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice is to come with an open heart and a humble spirit. Go ready to listen more than you speak, to learn as much as you teach. Research the community and organization thoroughly so your goals align with theirs, and be prepared to step outside your comfort zone. The most rewarding experiences come from genuine connection and respect for local culture.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about more than sightseeing—it’s about building real relationships and making a positive impact. It’s immersing yourself in a culture, understanding the challenges and strengths of a community, and leaving behind something valuable, whether that’s time, skills, or support. It’s a two-way street where both traveler and host grow and benefit.
After School Club
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located?
Too often, programs focus more on what volunteers want to experience rather than the real needs of the community. This creates a one-sided relationship where locals don’t benefit as much as they should. There can also be a lack of transparency and accountability in how programs operate. For me, true international education must prioritize community voices, sustainability, and respectful collaboration.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means approaching every interaction with respect, honesty, and a commitment to doing no harm. It’s about recognizing power imbalances and working to create equitable partnerships where communities have agency and ownership. It requires listening, learning, and adapting—putting local needs and dignity at the center.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope international education continues to evolve toward genuine partnership models where host communities and participants benefit equally. I envision more programs grounded in cultural exchange, sustainability, and social justice—programs that empower local people, support long-term development, and foster global understanding.
What qualities in program & host community relations are essential to you? (And your organization?)
For us, trust, transparency, and mutual respect are non-negotiable. We believe relationships should be built on open communication and shared goals, with the community’s needs leading the way. Flexibility and cultural sensitivity are also key—understanding that each community is unique and deserves a tailored approach. This foundation allows for collaboration that is both effective and meaningful.
