Meet The Volunteers- Pauline Servais

Where are you from?

I am from Belgium.

What All Out Africa project did you sign up for?

The Child Care Project in Swaziland.

What do you do for a living?

I am currently working but I am planning to go to Canada in September to follow 6 months of courses.

What does volunteering mean to you?

I have always wanted to do some volunteering in my life because I think it is important to give our time to the communities and children who really deserve our support. Volunteering is giving time to people and giving a little of something to improve their lives. It is also out of our comfort zone and discovering new populations, countries, a new continent and different cultures.

With the childcare projects, you give your time to children, teach them English and to assist the teacher with her daily tasks. There’s also an afternoon activity called homework club, The homework club is an initiative that All Out Africa set up, to help out the underprivileged primary school learners. In this afternoon session, we assist these students with their homework and improve their Math, English and reading skills.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

My friend came last year and she came back really happy with this experience!

I graduated last June and so I decided to go to Swaziland to discover this country but mostly to give my time and my experience too these wonderful children. All Out Africa is a great organisation where the volunteers are fully involved in the projects and give 100% of their time in changing and making an impact toward such communities.

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact in your life?

My experience as a volunteer was just amazing! I learned a lot about this country, it ’s culture and also more about myself. It changed my vision of the world and seeing these children with their smiles was the best thing I have never seen. I met incredible people there that I will never forget!! I made friends for life. The people there are so kind. They are just happy, they live and think about the present moment and enjoy their life. This volunteering has changed my life forever and every day I am thinking about the day when I can return.

Many thanks to the All Out Africa team, they really made me feel at home during my 3 months as a volunteer.