Living and working in a small Thai village opened Jamie’s eyes to new perspectives and ways of life.

“I’ve met people with completely different world views,” he explains. “Having conversations that challenge how I think about things has been so valuable. Coming to a different country and being thrown into an unfamiliar environment really made me learn to adapt, respect, and embrace new ways of doing things.”

For Jamie, the most meaningful part of his year was the connection he built with his students.

“Seeing the progress the kids are making is incredibly inspiring,” he says. “Watching their English improve and knowing I have played a part in that gave me such encouragement. Building those connections has been really special.”

Communication was a challenge at first, but one that taught him some of the most lasting lessons. “Very few people in my village spoke English,” Jamie recalls. “So I had to find other ways to express myself paying attention to my tone, emotion, even using technology to get my point across. My confidence grew so much. Being the only white person living in the village was a big thing to overcome.”

Alongside practical teaching skills, Jamie says the cultural lessons he learned will stay with him for life.

“Thai people are very dedicated, they work hard and take real pride in what they do. Everyone has their responsibilities, and they do them with such commitment. It’s something I really admire and hope to bring into my own work in the future.”

From Thailand to Technology

After returning from Thailand, Jamie decided to take a new direction.

“I chose to go into an apprenticeship in IT rather than university because that style of learning suited me more,” he explains. “I was a bit worried about finding a placement as I didn’t do the best in my A Levels, but that fear disappeared quickly as I had several interviews within a few weeks of coming home.”

In one of those interviews, Jamie discovered an unexpected connection.

“The Chief Security Officer of the company I was interviewing for had also done a gap year in Thailand when she was younger,” he says. “That gave me a real boost of confidence in the interview and a few hours later I got the call saying I’d got the job. It was such a relief.

Jamie’s new apprenticeship has already given him the chance to put his volunteering skills to use.

“My year out definitely helped my confidence levels and my readiness to speak to people I wasn’t familiar with, ” he says. “It also did wonders for my communication skills – learning how to articulate my ideas clearly was essential in Thailand, and that’s carried through to my job now.”

Looking back, Jamie believes his Project Trust experience was a key factor in securing his apprenticeship.

“In my case, my gap year might have been the difference between getting the job and still looking,” he reflects. “My boss had done something similar to Project Trust so knew the kind of person you have to be to complete one. Even just having it on my CV helped get my foot in the door.”

Jamie’s story shows how a Project Trust placement goes far beyond a year overseas — it builds resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to take on new challenges. From the classroom in Thailand to the start of a new career in IT, his experience is a reminder that the lessons learned through volunteering can open doors for years to come.

Learn more about Volunteering in Thailand here.

The post From Classroom to Confidence: Jamie’s Year Volunteering in Thailand appeared first on Project Trust.

Finding My Feet in Honduras

Volunteering in Honduras has been absolutely amazing. I’m currently eight weeks into my 12-month placement (which I’m very glad I chose), and it’s already been the best eight weeks of my life.

I’ve been teaching incredibly energetic – but of course, lovely – children, travelling around Honduras and beyond with other Volunteers, and embracing a completely different culture. Every day feels new and rewarding, and I’ve already learned so much about myself and the world around me.

Why I Chose to Teach Abroad for a Year

The idea to volunteer internationally came to me quite unexpectedly. At the start of Year 13, I attended a careers day at Sixth Form, not really expecting to hear anything that would change my plans -I was already set on going to university. Then I heard about the fantastic work that Project Trust does across the world, and I had a sudden thought: “Why not?” Despite normally being quite hesitant with big decisions, I knew that helping to provide education within a community abroad would be an incredibly rewarding experience – not just for my own personal growth, but for the next generation too.

Support from Project Trust

Project Trust has been there every step of the way – from helping me prepare for a year away (including guidance with fundraising!) to making sure all the legal and logistical parts of travelling abroad go smoothly behind the scenes. Their years of experience and genuine support have made a huge difference. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone thinking of taking this path.

Fundraising for My Year Abroad

It would be a lie to say that fundraising was easy – but with the amazing support of those around me, I made it. Friends, family, co-workers, and both local and national businesses all chipped in to help make the pennies count. The Fundraising Support team at Project Trust also shared great tips and advice that helped me stay motivated and organised.

Looking Back (and Ahead)

If I haven’t made it clear enough already, I’m absolutely over the moon with my decision to volunteer with Project Trust. I didn’t know anyone else doing something like this, and I was definitely a bit nervous at first, but it’s turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’d recommend a gap year like this to anyone- whether it’s before university, while figuring out your future career, or simply to see more of the world and make a difference while you do.

Find out more about volunteering in Honduras here.

The post Volunteering in Honduras: Dylan’s Experience with Project Trust appeared first on Project Trust.

During our year in Ghana, we wanted to leave something lasting behind for the school: a library. While teaching at A. A. Fia Basic School, we quickly noticed a gap in students’ learning: although many were fairly confident in spoken English, they struggled with reading and writing. As lifelong bookworms ourselves, we believed that access to books could make a real difference in bridging that gap.

Our plan began months in advance, but as so often happens, time slipped away and obstacles appeared. Suddenly, with just over a week left, we still had no library. Determined not to give up, we threw ourselves into fundraising, and thanks to the generosity of family and friends from all over the world, we quickly raised £800 for books.

That weekend, we travelled to Accra, the capital of Ghana, where we spent one long day book shopping. With limited funds, we aimed for variety, choosing books for every age group, from KG1 to JHS3. We also made a deliberate choice to focus on storybooks rather than syllabus texts. At the school, we had seen that classrooms lacked storybooks entirely, and we wanted children to have the chance to read for pleasure, not just for exams. It was also important to us that they could see themselves in the characters of the books, so we made sure to buy as many as possible set in Ghana, written by Ghanaian authors.

After a hectic day in Accra and a long four-hour journey back home with a suitcase full of books, we had done it. Payment had gone through, books were acquired, and we were ready to begin converting an abandoned classroom into a library. Although we managed to buy slightly fewer books than we had hoped, we were able to combine them with the school’s smaller existing collection to create a respectable bookshelf full of them.

The next morning, the real work began. The classroom we hoped to use had been empty for some time, but it still had a large bookshelf that could be repurposed. We were joined by a group of our students who, having just finished their exams, were eager to help. Together, we cleared out the room, cleaned and dusted, sorted through stacks of old books (including one set from 1960!), and organized the new ones from beginner level through to more advanced. Maisie painted a mural to brighten up the space, and by the end of two very full days, the dusty classroom had been transformed into something that truly looked like a library.

The best part of the process wasn’t the finished room but seeing how quickly the children took to it. Even as we were still unpacking, some of the students who usually found English lessons boring were already sitting down with books, completely absorbed. At the end of each day, we read together, and it was amazing to see them learn and use new words almost immediately. It showed just how much potential there was once books were simply available.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising, and to the Headmaster, Sir Isaac Sallah, for giving permission to use the classroom. Our hope is that the library will keep growing and continue to give students the chance to read, explore, and learn for many years to come. Go Back

The post Building a library in Ghana, Maisie and Lena 24/25 appeared first on Project Trust.

Callum’s love for football was born in the back garden, playing with his two older brothers. After moving to Scotland in 2010, he joined a club to learn the basics, and by age six, he was proudly standing between the posts as a goalkeeper. For seven years, he dedicated himself to his first team, where football was both a passion and a source of stability.

A pivotal moment came when he was scouted by a more competitive team after impressing a coach during a school match.  Callum made the leap, encouraged by supportive coaches and his proven skills on the pitch. This transition marked his first lesson in stepping out of his comfort zone, a theme that would echo throughout his journey.

In 2021, Callum faced a period of instability, moving between two teams in just six months. The uncertainty led him to question his future in football. However, a teammate introduced him to refereeing, and in October 2022, Callum officiated his first match. Instantly, he was hooked. Refereeing not only kept him connected to the sport he loved but also provided a newfound sense of purpose and ability to earn a wage from what he loved.

Yet, football had more trials in store. In 2023, after struggling with limited playtime in a new under-20s team, Callum faced an even greater setback, he dislocated his shoulder just 10 minutes into the match. The injury left him feeling helpless, unable to play or referee, the very activities that had kept his passion for the sport alive. Callum was told that if he didn’t have surgery to stabilise his shoulder he would never play football again.

The road to recovery was both physical and mental. Surgery was inevitable, and Callum approached it with determination, knowing it was the key to reclaiming his passion. Though the recovery sidelined him from refereeing temporarily, his resilience never wavered.

Arriving in Ghana marked a turning point. Eager to reconnect with football, Callum quickly found a new home with the Kickers, a local team that welcomed him with open arms. Back on the pitch, he rediscovered not just his skills but also his strength and confidence in the sport. A fun fact about his new team, Kickers FC, is that one of their former players, Terry Yegbe, was born in their town Akatsi, represented the Kickers in his youth, and is now playing internationally for Ghana.

The friendships he’s formed and the mentorship from his Coach Alex, fondly known as ‘The Don’ have been instrumental in his journey.

Below: (Left) Callum with his country group

(Right) and with Coach Alex on the left.

Callum’s story is more than just a tale of sports and setbacks. It’s a testament to the transformative power of volunteering with Project Trust. Through his year in Ghana so far, he’s not only rebuilt his relationship with football but also rediscovered parts of himself he thought were lost. His journey shows that sometimes, stepping away from the familiar and immersing yourself in a new environment can be the most profound path to personal growth and empowerment.

Find our more about Volunteering in Ghana here

The post Kicking Back Stronger: Callum’s Journey of Growth and Resilience appeared first on Project Trust.

We would be part of a 38-vehicle convoy under the P4P charity https://www.pickupsforpeace.co.uk/, who have already delivered over 570 second-hand vehicles and aid over the past few years. The vehicles were to be predominantly used for medical evacuation for wounded soldiers on the front line; delivering medical supplies; and helping with mine clearance.

On Wednesday 19th February, we left the UK via the Eurotunnel in our Ford Ranger filled with medical supplies – surgical masks, syringe packs, bandages, face shields, iodine incise drapes, and other miscellaneous bits and pieces. The journey took us approximately 1,400 miles across Europe through France, Germany and Poland, where we crossed the border into Ukraine. Our final destination was the beautiful city of Lviv, which was about two hours from the border and required a full police escort: 38 vehicles, flashing lights, nose to tail, no stopping (even for red lights!) – an exhilarating experience, and Becs drove brilliantly.

After three days of travelling, we arrived in Lviv and handed over our vehicles and supplies to our Ukrainian friends. There was a lovely moment speaking to the Ukrainian soldiers and the Governor of Lviv, as well as meeting some MPs from the UK who were on their way to Kyiv. We then spent two nights in Lviv, which allowed some of us to visit a local hospital where some of the team were helping with prosthetic limbs; a potato farm that provided starch for a variety of uses in both food and health; a drone research centre; as well as a chance to see the beautiful city of Lviv – think Prague without the tourism.

Our return trip involved coaches and minibuses, and most of the team flew back to the UK via Kraków. I did take the opportunity to visit Auschwitz; Becs had already visited after being part of a previous convoy.

As I reflect on my trip, it’s clear that living here in the UK makes it very easy for world events to be out of sight and out of mind. Being in Ukraine helped to focus my thoughts, and I have been reflecting on what I experienced. There were moments of sorrow and sadness: listening to a priest read out the names of soldiers at a memorial service, looking at flags with the name, birth and death dates of soldiers, hugging a father grieving for his son. As well as moments of hope: watching an old lady light a candle in a Catholic church, climbing to the top of the Town Hall tower and seeing the city spread out in the sunshine, reading messages written on paper angels made by local schoolchildren. And moments of appreciation: standing in sub-zero temperatures being thanked by soldiers and townsfolk for our continuing support; standing arm in arm with a woman whose husband is currently fighting; buying a record from a local stallholder who, when he heard of what we had done, wanted a photo and gave a huge hug.

My overarching impression is that although there is sadness, there is also hope, an appreciation of friendship and support, and immense pride. I would urge anyone who is interested in helping this charity https://www.pickupsforpeace.co.uk/ to either take part and/or donate a 4×4 vehicle and/or donate funds – there are lots of convoys being planned in the coming months, so it’s never too late.

Kate Scott, Project Trust Alumni

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Project sent me there to teach in the Abba Hanna Jimma School, run under the auspices of Prince Iskinder Desta, Haile Sellassie’s oldest grandson, who I think had been at school with Captain Bristol, as he was when I was recruited.  I was given passage on the Lion of Judah, an Ethiopian cargo ship, and boarded it in the East India Docks in London in July 1967.  I was one of only two passengers and we had our meals with the Dutch officers.  The first part of the voyage was full of interest, with stops in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Genoa, but then, instead of going through the Suez Canal, which was still closed after the Six-Day War, we embarked on a four-week journey around the Cape of Good Hope, with only one stop of three hours to refuel in Dakar, Senegal.  For the most part, it was extremely boring.  We only saw land as we passed South Africa, and were visited by a variety of sea-birds including a wandering albatross.  In desperation, I asked the Captain for a job and he gave me the task of typing out the ship’s manifest on a jumbo typewriter.  I had my eighteenth birthday on the 25th August, which I celebrated by presenting the officers with a bottle of port to drink after dinner.  I remember that it cost me seven shillings and six pence – properly duty free!

Soon afterwards, we arrived in Assab, now in Eritrea, but then in Ethiopia.  Eritrea had been annexed by Ethiopia in 1962, giving Ethiopia a coast-line and allowing it to develop a navy.  Prince Iskinder Desta had been appointed the head of the navy, and his rank went up as the navy acquired new ships.  When I knew him, he was a Commodore.  Staff at the Navy base in Assab had been primed to look after me, and I was taken, on the evening I arrived, to a beach party to celebrate Ethiopian New Year.  The Ethiopian calendar is some seven years behind the Gregorian, so it was the beginning of 1960.

A few days later, I was put on a plane to Addis Ababa.  I had never flown before and it was a magical experience, in a small plane flying low over the Danakil Desert and then up into the mountains, to arrive in Addis, some eight thousand feet above sea-level, and still in the rainy season, so it was cold and wet.  Later, in the dry season, I reflected that in 24 hours in Addis, you experienced the same range of temperatures as in a whole year at home.  By night it was chilly enough to need a coat, but in the afternoon it was a little warmer than a British summer’s day.

My fellow Project Volunteer, Michael Coke, arrived by plane, shortly before term started and we were found a house within five minutes walk of the school, which we shared with Tim Beatty, whose father, Captain Beatty, was employed by the Ethiopian Navy to train their personnel in a camp in the hills above Massawa, far to the North of Addis.

My only means of communicating with home was by letter, and when I arrived there were several waiting for me in the post restante at the main Post Office in Addis.  It took about ten days for letters to arrive, so nearly three weeks for an exchange of correspondence.  Only once, during my time in Ethiopia, did I speak to my family on the phone.  It was a laborious and costly experience.  I booked a three minute call shortly before Christmas, and was put through at the main Post Office, with the pips going very soon after I began to speak!

The post The First Journey to Ethiopia- Chris Schenk appeared first on Project Trust.

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.

The post International Volunteer Day 2024 appeared first on Project Trust.

“Martha Recently returned from 11 months teaching in Ghana  with Project Trust. Her life has given me two emotional highlights. Her birth 19 years ago and then just a few weeks ago, when I was happy that she was sad.

It was her final week in Ghana, saying her goodbyes to the  people, places, habits and emotions which had made it a home. Once left, it would never be the same. The bricks, mortar, tin roof, dusty yard, shady trees, and so many friends will still be there if (when!) she returns.

Her sadness lay in the  thought of losing that intangible magic which makes a place home. True sadness can only exist once we have known true joy, and loss is so often a place from which growth begins. What Martha left behind in Ghana is not lost. It is a web of memories, of moments, of joy, now embedded in her as she continues to grow.

Having seen her there allowed me to be happy when I knew she was so sad, and to love that she had found a place which was home to her, but not to us. The most primal parental instinct is to protect their child, yet the strongest need of a child is to grow and develop the skills and resilience required to survive without the parental protection. Somewhere, sometime, somehow us parents need to learn to let go.

Whilst in Ghana, Eddy took portraits of the young people at the School. Martha then printed these out and one was given to each participant, many of whom had never had a printed photo of themselves.

Letting go is so hard, but indefinitely easier when there is a safety net. From day 1 we had the utmost trust in Project Trust to provide essential support but hadn’t anticipated how that solid foundation might nurture multiple safety nets. Lucy and Romilly, Martha’s project partners, have been soul mates beyond extraordinaire, and the wider group of Ghana PT Volunteers have been a fantastic and supportive network of friends, travel companions and social media commentators, keeping us connect to a home which isn’t ours. Our gratitude to that big gang, to those nets which enabled us to give the hardest gift and to let go, is endless!”

Ghana Volunteers at Heathrow upon their return to the UK in August 2024 (left) and at departure in 2023 (right).

Find out more about Volunteering in Ghana here.

The post A Year in Ghana – A Parent’s Perspective appeared first on Project Trust.

Lauren: I am in Gracias, Lempira, Honduras. I am teaching at a bi-lingual school in a really beautiful part of the country. Gracias is a decent sized town/city right next to Celaqué National Park (Highest point in Honduras!). I have had different roles during the year and at the moment I am teaching reading and spelling classes to 5^th and 6^th grade students. I have also been involved with the girls volleyball team and was the ping-pong coach last term.

Maja: I have been participating in a cultural immersion programme on Negros Island, Philippines and I’m about to be relocated to a project in Kep, Cambodia to teach English to students aged 3-17.

Did you know that each of you had applied for a year out with Project Trust, and what inspired you to apply?

Lauren: We were in an assembly in year 12 sitting next to each other in a talk from Project Trust. We were both interested in travelling and not enthused about going to University straight away. After the presentation we went up to talk to the speaker and went to another talk the next evening together and were both really set on applying.

Maja: We booked on the same Selection in summer 2019 and travelled up to it together. We both got selected- Loz for Honduras and me for Thailand. We did a big Ceilidh fundraiser together too! But then the plans couldn’t happen because of Covid. I went off to University and got wrapped up in it all and didn’t even think to consider Project Trust as an option as it was so many years away, so I just forgot about it. Then Loz got back in touch with Project Trust which inspired me to do the same and see what options were available and see it through!

How have you kept in touch through the process and has it been nice knowing someone familiar is also going through some of the same new experiences?

Lauren: We’ve kept in touch through online messages and calls. It’s been fun to hear about Maja’s time in a different country, especially because we both thought it wasn’t really going to happen after the pandemic. It’s nice because we had that shared experience on Selection together that we both loved so much. It’s good to talk about our experiences with someone else who understands how Project Trust works and what happens.

Maja: It was really nice to have that shared experience on Selection l and it felt strange going back for Training without Loz (I opted for the shorter programme). It was quite nostalgic and in lots of ways a very different experience doing it alone.

Has there been any situations where you have reached out to each other for support?

Maja: Since I left after Loz on the shorter 8 month programme I definitely reached out a lot in the few weeks leading up to my January departure since she had already experienced all of that in August. It was super helpful to have advice from someone who had experienced all the emotions and preparations involved in such a big change in environment.

Lauren: It’s nice to talk to each other about living in a country with a different culture to the UK for a long period of time because there are definitely  some shared experiences. We also have in each other someone who is part of the Project Trust experience but also a part of life at home. I messaged Maja lots during training and sent her photos of Oban and Coll that brought back nice memories for us both!

How have your experiences differed?

Maja:
I’ve  had a very unique Project Trust experience as I started out in the Philippines and then was relocated to a project in Cambodia. It has felt a bit tough at times as it felt like I was restarting my experience all over again. In Cambodia it will be my first time teaching English with Project Trust, whereas Loz has been teaching for much longer, so I’m sure I will be asking for lots of guidance in that department!

How do you think this shared experience will affect you going forward?

Maja: I think we are both forever changed by our experiences and will reminisce together for many years to come. It’s comforting to have each other when we return to Manchester and to be able to support each other in the move back home and in our next steps as adults.

Lauren: I think it’s definitely going to be comforting going home too knowing that Maja has had a similar experience being away for a long time. It’s daunting at the moment the thought of going back to the UK after such a long time getting used to normal life in Honduras. I think Maja and I will always have Project Trust as something we’ve shared together. To have someone I can talk to who understands and will be in Manchester with me is going to be so nice. We are excited to spend time together and hear about each other’s experiences.

Want to find out more? Visit our Latin America or Asia pages for more information. If you are interested in Volunteering with us you can Apply Here.

The post Friendships across the Globe appeared first on Project Trust.

From traditional Ceilidh music (on the fiddle) or Scottish Folk Rock (on the guitar) or even just a bit of Burns poetry – these are all ways I have shared my passion and stories about my home with the amazing family I have found myself a part of in rural Thailand. Especially at celebrations and parties, I find myself playing music with friends and trading stories through songs until the early hours of the morning. I’ve enjoyed playing Flower of Scotland, Loch Lomond, Scotland the Brave and of course, Auld Lang Syne. I had the pleasure of bringing in the bells on New Year’s Eve with my friend T.Soo (the music teacher at school) and his family. We shared a particularly Scottish moment, and all sang along as I played Auld Lang Syne on the guitar.

Having recently bought a violin from Chum Phae, I have been teaching friends the Scottish fiddle and in return they have taught me the Thai Phin. The Thai Phin is a traditional instrument in north eastern Thailand.

Amid preparing for the upcoming English exams at school, I have also been practicing playing the Thai Phin with my fellow teachers at Baan Faidinsor, which has been a great way to connect and share stories. My friends here in Thailand have noticed my passion for sharing music from home and as a result, I have been asked to perform at my friend T.Aum’s wedding later this month. This will be my first experience of a Thai wedding and while there will be lots of traditional elements, I will be bringing some Scottish stories to the event by playing the fiddle. I am very humbled to have this opportunity and it really reaffirms how music is an integral part of both Thai and Scottish culture.  

Being able to teach students and fellow teachers about traditional Scottish music and learn traditional Thai music in return has been a wonderful new experience for me. I’m just so glad this exchange of storytelling is in a language I understand – notes, chords and songs.

Learn more about what it’s like to Volunteer in Thailand by visiting our country page here.

The post From Fiddle to Phin: Ethan’s Experience of Storytelling through Music  appeared first on Project Trust.