I have just been to Uganda for one month; I was volunteering in a children’s home and in a health centre. When I tell people this they say ‘I’ve always wanted to do something like that’ and I’m sure that you feel the same, so why don’t you?  My month in Uganda was the best month of my life, and although I was scared before I went it was well worth it.

In the children’s home I was teaching and although I had no teaching experience I felt comfortable after a few days (although I felt a bit daunted the first time I went in to a classroom and the head teacher informed me ‘teach them ANYTHING-just give them your knowledge!’). Teaching in the children’s home was a wonderful experience; the children are amazing!!! They were so inspiring as they are joyful despite their situation. 

We also worked in a health centre in the HIV clinic- again this was quite daunting at first as our job was in the lab testing patient’s blood for HIV and I am rather squeamish! So I was asked to work with the ‘councillors’ who reveal to the patients whether they are HIV positive or negative! I never thought that I would do such a thing in my life but it made me aware of these issues and how they are dealt with in a different country and culture.

As well as this we visited rural villages and saw true poverty, although awful, it opens up one’s eyes and makes you appreciate everything that you have. When I arrived back at Heathrow airport I went to the toilet and was simply amazed that hot water was coming out of the tap- how I will value everything after this experience!

Nowadays we have opportunities; it is possible to have a part time job to save money for such an experience. However, it is important to do a lot of research to find a good organisation to go with, some charge more than others.

 However, if you are simply not the type of person who volunteering abroad appeals to, there are many opportunities to volunteer in your local area.  Many universities have a volunteering society, who will no doubt keep you well informed regarding local volunteering opportunities.

There are many benefits of volunteering in the UK or abroad; to mention a few you will meet likeminded people and therefore no doubt make new friends. If volunteering abroad you will become immersed in an entirely different culture, which is an amazing experience!  Any project that you become involved in from teaching to building will also enhance your confidence. And like me you will probably become inspired to start your own project (I am currently raising money to buy a cow for the children’s home I worked in).

I would definitely recommend volunteering; don’t be one of those people who in later life say ‘I wish I’d done more when I had the chance...’