Volunteer Articles

An Interview with the 'English Man'

By Lauren McMahon and Nyawira Tshivhengwa July 2008

It has gotten back to the GVN Headquarters in New Zealand that one of our volunteers, Alex Lee, has been an absolute hit with the local school children at his placement in the small town of Venda, South Africa! Nyawira Tshivhengwa, GVN South Africa Partner, tells us that the children who know Alex as the local teacher now rush to school and push each other to be on time because the "English man" is teaching!

Alex is a 20 year old lad from the UK who has taken a break from studying Political Science and African Studies in the USA to volunteer with GVN's Youth Project in South Africa. The Youth Project focuses on the social and academic development of young people in Venda through teaching and childcare projects.

In the following interview, Nyarwira asks Alex about his experiences during his volunteer placement, what types of challenges he has faced and what advice he has for others:

Nyawira: What inspired you to become a volunteer?

Alex: Living a relatively privileged life has given me opportunities and experiences almost unparalleled. One of these opportunities, by definition, is to be in a position to aid those less fortunate than myself. Its seems too clichéd to say that in cases such as this, duty amounts to obligation, but this combined with the adventure potential made it an experience not to be missed.

Nyawira: Why did you choose the South Africa Youth Volunteer Program?

Alex: The South Africa youth provided the mix of community integration, direct teaching work and rural adventure. It has gone above and beyond my expectations in all 3 areas.

Nyawira: Do you have a favourite moment or highlight from your volunteer placement experience?

Alex: To select a favourite moment would not do justice to many phenomenal experiences in Venda, but perhaps a stand-out occasion was teaching a lesson on rhythm and singing to a grade 7 class. Music, it would seem, has no language barrier.

Nyawira: Did you face any challenges during the program? And if so, how did you overcome them?

Alex: The help and support of the program and school staff minimized any potential challenges. The difficulties inherent in teaching young children, overcoming cultural differences and helping in the community can all be overcome with imagination and tenacity. My problems with students, I found were best met with a sense of humour and a focus on the student (s) in question.

Nyawira: Do you think you have grown or changed as a person through participating in the South Africa Youth Program? How?

Alex: My time in Venda, and as a teacher, has most certainly been an element in my development of global perspective. The resilience, good humour and willingness to learn with children who have very little, certainly instils me with humility, admiration, and even a little awe.

Nyawira: What advice could you offer others who are thinking about a volunteer program but don't know where to start?

Alex: My advice first and foremost would be to avoid over thinking the issue. Pick a placement and get on a plane, you will not regret the decision.

Nyawira: What are your future plans or goals? Will you continue to help communities in need?

Alex: In terms of future plans, I hesitate to predict life beyond finishing my degree. But I will certainly continue to volunteer in needy communities.