Should I spend the next 2 years of my life in Africa as a volnuteer?

Question

OK, the dictionary was a joke... I'm new to this game and didn't realise a sense of humour was not a necessary prerequisite of asking questions. I am however thinking about living in Africa for the next 2 years. Is it a good idea? What do people think? Can I change the world or even make a tiny difference to the starving babies?

Answer 1

I looked up volnuteer in the dictionary, but I couldn't seem to find it...

Answer 2

Sure, why not? Volunteer work is a great way to build yourself up from the inside out. It feels really good to help those in need. It also makes you appreciate your life more, with all of your opportunities and advantages, things that you typically take for granted.
We live in an individualist society. In the US, we are so concerned with what makes US happy, US more comfortable, and what WE want....
What the world needs more of are collective thinkers. You grow so much as a person, and gain so much wisdom when you see beyond your own perspective. If there were more people that thought like you, the world would be a better place.
Yes you can change the world by touching even one life, and making it better.......that person will always pay it forward.

Answer 3

Some of your answers are SO spot on!!

You must really examine your reasons for wanting to go there, I can assure you you won't be going there, and have everything fall at your feet, ANY of the comforts of home, see any real evidence of benefit for what you do, even though whatever you do WILL be helping.

Please, get some counselling, or just visit one of the care agencies that are already in the field helping these desperate people, learn the facts about everything you'll need to know, not just the edited "pretty" bits, with the cute babies, no sores and disease and dirt showing, that are shown on TV documentaries.

If you know that this IS what you want to do, then go with God's blessing and a prayer from me, after all if everyone said I can't make a difference, then nothing would get done.........

God bless...............

Answer 4

2 years is a long time. It all depends on how strong, physically and emotionally, you are and how adaptable...You will find everything completely different. Take nothing for granted. There is the political situation to consider, the crime level, especially with regard to whites, the heat, the food and so on. Of course it all also depends on whereabout in Africa you will be -- some places are better than others. Do your research first, very carefully.

Answer 5

You would have to work quite hard and go without a lot of home comforts but if you survive you will find it really rewarding. My niece spent several months looking after babies in Africa and has gained an insight in to the problems of the the poor orphans some with aids. She is planning to go back again

Answer 6

No! every now and again, a real, un biased, common sense answer crops up, this is it. Don't do it. You sound like you have no real conviction or burning desire, so you probably wont get as much out of it as someone who believes theyre doing it for god. Its dangerous, hot, smells, thankless, and you will only make a difference to the few people directly surrounding you. I dont feel its you. Thankfully, there's plenty of people who will get more out of this than you, NOT that your wrong, im not taking the "p", i just dont think it will be beneficial. There you go. a politically incorrect, yet honest answer.

Answer 7

Only you can decide what you would like to do with your life. I personally think it's wonderful that you are considering going to Africa for the next to years to help there.

Can you change the world by yourself, no, but every little thing helps to better the world. I'm sure the people there will be more than grateful that you are helping there.

Blessings To You & Yours

Answer 8

If you spend 2 years in Africa you will end up with as much, if not more than what you leave there! My son was in the Peace Corps. He had a very hard time adjusting, but said it was worth it in every way! Won't do you any harm in learning how wonderful our country really is. Any small contribution to those people over there is worth it to them!! What we think as small is very important to them! Yes, by all means go help.

Answer 9

I think its a very good idea.
>You might get training in the dependingon the role that you do, as some opportunities need more in depth skills training than others. Allowing you to expand your skills.
>It will give you an opportunity to interact/meet a varity of different people from very different backgrounds.
>Some charity organisations allow you to claim benefits while doing volunteer work, but you have to look into it.
>However, many of volunteers find the skills and experience they've acquired through volunteering has helped them in applications to work in the not for profit sector.
>You may get opportunities to work directly with children and young people.
>Volunteering is very rewarding, and its almost as if your giving back to society.

I have been learning a lot from working in various volunteer placements. Although it is compulsory to have 40 volunteering hours in order to obtain highschool diploma, it is important not to take opportunity that comes our way. Only by volunteering in the fields of our interest that we will enjoy the experience and thus learn more.

Answer 10

Yes, it is a good idea.

I think it's great, but what *you* think is all that matters.

Absolutely you can make a difference and change the world. It may only be for a few people, but the world will be changed nonetheless!

"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." - Edmund Burke

Answer 11

I would definitely go if I were you. My teacher's wife helped out in Africa for a couple of years and absolutely loved it. Although she helped out in the medical field instead of helping starving babies and such, I still think its a great opportunity that you should seriously consider. Good luck!