Blog Article: International Volunteer Day 2024
International Volunteer Day is a special celebration for us at Project Trust as it’s at the very heart of everything we do. This year, we’re proud to highlight Iona, one of our inspiring Volunteers in Honduras. Iona has immersed herself in a new culture and been thoroughly impacted by her new community. We asked her to share what volunteering with Project Trust means to her.
“Volunteering with Project Trust is an incredible opportunity that allows young people from across the UK to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. To volunteer with Project Trust means immersing yourself fully in a new cultural experience that fosters global awareness, personal resilience, and independence.
One of the most amazing aspects of my placement so far has been experiencing the diverse cultures. I am based in Yamaranguila, Honduras, working with a bilingual school organisation called Abundant Life Christian Schools. This experience has encouraged me to participate in local cultural celebrations, such as Fiesta Típica, Semana Morazánica, and National Teachers’ Day.
In these new environments, we have the chance to learn about a different way of life, helping us expand beyond our own cultural perspectives and develop a more inclusive worldview. As Volunteers, we form deep, lasting bonds with our communities. My experience is not only benefitting my local community through my work but is also a significant benefit to me as a Volunteer. I am gaining valuable life lessons in humility, empathy, and adaptability.
This experience with Project Trust is providing an invaluable opportunity for self-discovery. In just four months, I have faced challenges that have pushed me out of my comfort zone, such as overcoming language barriers and adjusting to a completely new culture. This experience is about forming new friendships with people from all over the world, whether they are fellow Honduras Volunteers, colleagues at the school, or Honduran locals. It’s about building connections with your community that will last for years to come.
Volunteering with Project Trust is one of the most important things I have ever done and probably ever will do. I know that this year away from home will change me profoundly, whether by shifting my worldviews, altering my opinions, or shaping who I am as a person. Through my teaching, I hope to make a positive impact on the community around me and leave a lasting mark. “
Written by Iona Catherine Imrie, Honduras Volunteer.
Iona’s experience captures the heart of volunteering, embracing challenges, building connections, and making a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing how she continues to grow and inspire others.
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering in Honduras take a look here.
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