Hannah's Life Changing Volunteer Experience

I’ve just recently returned from volunteering in GVN’s Thailand and Kenya programs.   While working at GVN I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate both these programs, and have heard time and time again how amazing they are, so I decided it was my turn! 

Animals have always held a special place in my heart which is why I decided to spent my first two weeks of my trip in the Thailand program working in a Wildlife Rescue Centre with 8 of the most beautiful Elephants!!  The Elephants have been rescued from a life of slavery and now reside at the centre where they are able to live out the remainder of their lives in peace.  All of the animals at the centre are rescued and most arrive at the sanctuary malnourished, wounded and traumatized.  The abused animals are a result of Thailand's illegal animal trade, in which wild animals are caught and sold as pets, exploited by the tourism industry, or killed for their fur, meat and medicinal purposes. Many simply end up as trophies.  It was really sad to see some of the Elephants in this state, but I was also able to see the big improvement that the rescue centre makes everyday to these animals!  It was just amazing to watch these animals regain their health and their dignity.



My daily routine included bringing 3 of the elephants back from the jungle, feeding, bathing, cleaning up their enclosures and then returning the 3 back to the jungle at the end of the day.  Every few days we would go to local farms with the mahouts (Thai Elephant keeper) to harvest food for the elephants.  This was hard work but we managed to make our own fun!      

I found working at the reserve with the Elephants really was that ‘once in a life time opportunity’ which I will remember forever.  They are incredibly amazing animals.  The more time I spent with them, the more I realize just how intelligent they are and how the quote ‘an elephant never forgets’ is so true!   

After I finished my placement in Thailand I headed off to Kenya to participate in another one of GVN’s placements and to visit a friend.  My first thought arriving in Kenya was, ‘it’s really cold!’  It just so happens that I went during the time of year where it was coming into summer, so the weather wasn’t bad – but after being in a 30 degree, humid heat in Thailand, it was a big shock to my system! 

I spent two weeks in a baby orphanage in Nairobi.  The orphanage I worked in was really well run, had a team of very dedicated staff and of course, the children were adorable!  This made a huge impact on my placement as I felt comfortable straight away and I was excited to go to work everyday. 
 

The orphanage was home for about 50 kids but I worked with 14 babies aged from 6 months to about 15 months old.  Most of my time was spent helping feed the babies, and playing with kids.  I miss the way when I walked in the room, their faces lit up!!  They were so excited to have someone there to spend time with, hold them and play with them. 

During my time in Kenya was I lucky enough to see 4 of the babies at the orphanage get adopted!  I was so happy to see that these children finally had their own loving parents, but at the same time it was sad to see them go. 

I also had a chance to do a bit of sight seeing while in Kenya, so I became a whizz at working the markets, went out to the Maasai Mara on safari and spent four days relaxing on the coast, on a little Island called Lamu!  Africa has gotten under my skin and I can’t wait to go back!

This trip was life changing for me and has ignited a passion within me!  I can’t wait for my next adventure!