Volunteering in Africa has changed local woman’s life

A NORTHSIDE grandmother had no idea how much of an impact volunteering could have on people’s lives until she experienced two weeks as a volunteer in Africa. 

Lillian Lynch, from Rush, discovered that volunteering really does transform lives, and that the difference can be subtle but life changing.   

“I had no idea that just 10 hours away are some of the most poverty stricken and helpless children on the planet,” said Lillian, who volunteed with Humanitarian Volunteers.   

Its organiser Denis Buckley said: “The volunteers are a great help, especially in times of low morale on the projects. 

“So long as they have a good heart, are creative and smiling, they can make an enormous contribution both physically and emotionally to the project.”  

Lillian learned how volunteering at the project cultivated confidence in children who had none.  She described how one young orphan who, when she started, wouldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. Now, with care and support from volunteers, he smiles and integrates much better with others. 

Lillian described how the volunteer’s presence encourages everyone on the project to re-ignite that passion to protect and educate. The loss of confidence in some charities has had an unexpected effect on the street children and orphans of Africa. 

An inability to access assistance and funding is crippling the efforts of orphanages and rehabilitation centres to feed some of Africa’s most vulnerable children. 

Mr Buckley is actively canvassing for ordinary Irish women and men to contribute just two weeks of their life in June  to work on a project in Africa and give a child a chance in life. 

Volunteers can assist with sports and games, arts and crafts, school studies, teaching English, farm work, decorating or assisting generally in the operation of the centres. Their presence gives hope to those abandoned by their families and society. 

Volunteers need no prior experience, but do need to have a love of children, patience and kindness. Contact Denis at Humanitarian Volunteers on 086-8520271 for more information.