What inspired you to work for Tshega?
I was inspired to work for Tshega (non profit organization) for the main reason that I knew that they live up to their Christian values and believe in transforming lives, uplifting the villages served, and work with young children. After my interview, I heard what my responsibilities would entail. I was even more excited to join this team.
Describe a typical day at work.
Each day starts at 7h15 with staff devotion for 15 minutes. I have a short meeting with the founder, since I work very closely with her. We discuss the day's happenings and any challenges to be sorted out. After the meeting, I might have to attend other smaller meetings with domestics, volunteers, or any HR queries.
If all meetings are done, I check my emails and do any necessary follow ups on requested emails. I welcome any guests at the project and continue with any admin work or planning I have. My day on the premises ends at 15h15 but I often go to town to do shopping for TCM.
Why do you do what you do?
I have really developed a love and passion for the project. It’s a great feeling when you are in a position to change or help other people and make a change in their lives. We are forever developing new ways to help and expand the project having our vision in mind, "Transforming Lives".
We are busy working on a huge project now, which is to try to build a very needed clinic in the community. This will really "Transform Lives". I feel really proud to tell people about this amazing NPO that I work for. This job has taught me to be flexible and patient.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job would have to be that I never know what tomorrow holds. Each day has its own challenges. Some days are smooth and very productive, while others are one challenge on top of the next.
Days seldom go as planned, which I enjoy. This makes it so that the job does not get boring or routine. I love the fact that our management team all work well with each other, and we feel more like family than colleagues.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
My challenges personally are very few as I regard myself as a very flexible and accommodating person. I avoid conflict. In my position in HR, conflict is part of the day's challenges, which along with the founder, we resolve as quickly as possible so that it does not explode out of control. I don't necessarily take things to heart. I sort a challenge out, and then move on and don't like to return to them.
On an excursion to The Kruger National Park.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I do not have a project on my own. I assist the founder with different projects. We are busy trying to get funding to build our multi-functional hall that can host 500 people. Once we have this hall, it will also be used for a community hall to service the community we serve. We are also looking into building a medical clinic also to serve the community. These are two very big projects.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I am not an adventure type of person. The fact of traveling out of my country is not something I will ever do easily, especially as I am getting older. I however do think it is wonderful for these people that do travel.
I think the advice I would give my pre-travel self is to prepare and plan well. Do a lot of research on where you are going. Understand the culture so that you do not offend anyone unintentionally. Ensure you have more than adequate funds for any emergency that could possibly occur.
What makes Tshega special?
I feel that what makes our organization very special is the passion that all the staff has for it. We can see the lives of the community, staff, volunteers, and sometimes even visitors have been transformed. We often hear very positive reports coming from our village. When attending other educational meetings, our name is always mentioned in high spirits.
Why should someone choose Tshega over competitors?
I feel a potential volunteer should choose us as we offer a variety of options all tied up in one organization. They are able to choose one or get involved in each programme, or have the freedom of experiencing all 4 of the main programs. Our motto is " Transforming Lives" which we do daily including the lives of volunteers.
What hopes do you have for the future of Tshega?
I truly hope and believe that we will grow to become a much sought after volunteering destination as well as a well established NPO in South Africa. We strive for excellence in everything that we do. We are continuously looking for ways to better ourselves and expand while at the same time to help the village to grow, and reach a better standard of living for all those living in it.
What makes Tshega easy to market to potential participants?
Marketing is never easy as there is a lot of competition in the world. I feel what is a good marketing tool for us, would be the fact that we have four different programs thatintegrate under one umbrella, therefore, it expands the options in one host program.
We can host volunteers in education at Lamb's Haven Kindergarten ages 3-5 years, and The Lighthouse Academy, 5 to 13 years old, and a sports program. OVC is our village outreachers working with the community ministry to evangelize in the village. The Basadi woman's project is where the ladies do sewing.
A small group of teachers during our annual Lighthouse prize giving.
What is Tshega's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Tshega Christian Mission is striving to serve the community holistically using the Christian base as a hub for Tshega staff to live on and work from. The base will assist in evangelism, church planting, social support, and training. We continue to work towards this by living each day remembering our statement and follow it as best we can.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Our hope and aim is that participantes take a life changing experience that will fulfill more than what they were ever dreaming of. We try to give them a home away from home environment, volunteering at the base with the children that just steal their hearts on the first day. We also provide excursions that are fun, informative, and a great experience.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I think if I was volunteering and had to choose just one program it would be Lamb's Haven Kindergarten. When you cannot communicate due to a language barrier, but soon realize it is only words which are not needed. Love and attention is what these little ones want. They are so open to sharing what they can with you.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Are there wild animals roaming in the streets? Yes, Africa is known for its animals, but they do not just roam the streets . The animals are kept in very big National Parks behind a fence where they are looked for in the bush to be viewed. So as to keep them wild, no feeding is allowed. It is wonderful to go to one of the many parks to view these stunning animals in their natural environment.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is important that people travel the world so as to widen their knowledge of all the wonderful cultures and landscapes of this beautiful world. You can not talk about a country or culture if you have not lived in it to experience it. Cultures are so vast. In my small town alone we have about nine different cultures to explore.
The ladies from the Basadi Woman's Program after receiving a donation from a German sponsor.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language of the country or region you plan to visit is important so that you can greet them in their language and the people of the area feel more welcoming to you as you have taken time to learn how to communicate with them, albeit just the basic words.You can always learn more during your stay.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
This is a difficult question for me as I have not traveled abroad, but if I listen to what some of our previous volunteers talk about, I would have to say, pack extra clothing and toiletries in your hand luggage in the event your bag gets lost or left in the stop over country. It can take a few days to recover your baggage. Keep all important documents and numbers safe on your person. Take along a small medical kit.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me would mean that there should be an outcome of why you chose the country and project. This includes what encounters with nature and a life changing experience. I would like to get to know the local people as well as their environment, culture, and foods. I would want to take something from that country home.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means, that if it is pursued correctly it will hold the possibility of improving a higher standard of education in the entire world. If this higher education standard can be reached, this world will prove to be a better place for everyone. As long as a committed attitude and commitment is practiced by all.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And Tshega?)
I think an important quality that we look for in a potential volunteer is that they are humble and prepared to give selflessly. One should be honest and hard working, as well as be able to work well within a team of strangers from other cultures. Often language can be a barrier so learning the basics of that culture is helpful. Be prepared to offer your knowledge and experience or studies to help build a stronger program you chose.
How is Tshega handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?
When Covid 19 protocols were necessary, we followed our countries protocol. As we slowly started to get volunteers, we made sure that social distance was in place at all times, including at the dinner table. Each volunteer had their own room, shower ,and a toilet assigned to them only. Masks were worn. There was constant sanitizing and little to no contact allowed with the children, which was very challenging.
