As I browse through the Linkedin app, I began reading, congratulations messages from my connections and it registered late that this month is my official 3rd anniversary working for All Out Africa. A big thanks to all of you who sent me a quick note, I appreciate all of the kind words.

I started reflecting on my experience working at All Out Africa, and I realized how my work anniversary is a bigger deal to me than I thought. I remember my first day at work as a photography intern, my heart was beating, pulse racing, nerves ticking as I entered the threshold of what would be my workplace the next three years. 2018 to be precise, I was young and full of great expectations. I worked very hard that year and to my surprise, I was promoted to be a Marketing Assistant and Team Leader. I was assigned to create content for All Out Africa and do other marketing tasks under the supervision of Ginger Green who was the Marketing Coordinator then.

Simise with volunteers planting a tree during World Environment Day

During my experience at All Out Africa, I have learned that progress does not stand still and living within your purpose is not easy but it is all worth it. I am thankful that the company provided me with opportunities for self-development. So, my everyday advice is to use every opportunity to do your work to the best of your ability and choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Before I drop the microphone I would like to thank the All Out Africa Team, Ginger, all the international volunteers who contributed immensely to my career and lastly I will forever be grateful to Kim and Robs Roques as they have given me the head start towards my career.

I thank you.

Written by Simise Masilela, Marketing and Donations Coordinator 

Where are you from?

Hi, there! My name is Daphne, I am 23 years old and from the Netherlands.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the 6 week Kruger to Coast project and chose Childcare as my voluntary work. My role was to assist the NCP teacher, educate children between 3 to 5 years of age and concentrate on the language, motor, basic academic and social skills of a child in order to prepare them for primary school. In the afternoons, we had the Homework Clubs with older children, most of them are NCP graduates, from the ages of 12 to 17. We helped them with their homework and if they did not have any, we would played mind games.

What do you do for a living?

Actually, I obtained my Master of Science degree in Marketing Management the Friday before I started the program. At this moment, I am looking for a job.

What does volunteering mean to you?

In my opinion, volunteering means giving something back to a world where there cannot be enough help. In my case, this world was the local community of where my NCP was in. I managed to give something back to the local community in a sense that I helped the kids in writing and learning small English phrases. Afterwards, I never expected that volunteering would mean that much to me. It is impossible to describe the feeling you get when you manage to get a smile on the kids’ faces, or when they – after a couple of times of trying – write a certain word correctly.

Click here if you would like to know more about our Childcare (Eswatini)