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Stay up to date with UCDVO events and projects in our Autumn Newsletter. If you would like to comment or enquire about any items in the newsletter please email zoe.liston@ucd.ie
 
STORIES FROM UCDVO VOLUNTEERS AND 2015 PROJECTS
 
Images from the 2015 UCDVO projects in Morogoro, Tanzania
 
- David Deignan, UCD Arts, volunteered with UCDVO in Morogoro, Tanzania

This past summer I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to travel to Tanzania with UCDVO. I, along with 13 other volunteers, spent 4 weeks working in the beautiful city of Morogoro, which lies under the watchful eye of the Uluguru Mountains.

In the months leading up to the project I was terribly nervous. I had never been so far away from home and I had never done anything similar before. My head swirled with a number of nagging questions – Will I be too far out of my comfort zone? Am I going to be able to stand up and speak in front of a room filled with people? What happens if I make a mistake? All of my fears were, however, unfounded. My fellow volunteers were among the most welcoming group of people I have met and we instantly felt at home working in our respective schools.
 
Morogoro has been welcoming UCD students every summer since the inaugural project in 2009 and this year was no different. Looking to continue the good work done by past volunteers, our group spent the month working in 3 different primary schools - Kiwanja cha Ndege, Bungo and Kigurunyembe - where we ran computer workshops with local teachers in the mornings as well as English lessons and summer camps in the afternoons.

The project was a huge success, with over 60 teachers receiving computer certificates at the end of the month. It was immensely gratifying to watch the teachers in my class go from struggling to comprehend the difference between left-click and right-click on day one to successfully completing PowerPoints and Excel spreadsheets a mere matter of weeks later.

Personal highlights for me were the English classes and summer camps with the young children of standard 4. Their personalities were infectious and it was a joy to get to know them over the course of the 4 weeks. I hope they enjoyed spending time with us as much as we did with them.

It is early days yet but I feel like I learnt a great deal about myself and about the wider world whilst participating on the programme and I hope that it is an experience which will stand to me in the future. I know that my time in Morogoro will live very long in my memory. The people I met, the places I saw and the many incredible experiences I had are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I look forward to my future experiences with UCDVO, whether they will occur at home or abroad.


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 Images from the 2015 UCDVO projects in Haiti
 
- Jamie McLoughlin,  UCD Law, volunteered with UCDVO in Gros Morne, Haiti

I can still feel the blast of warm air as it hit my face when we exited the terminal in Port au Prince Airport. It was like stepping into a sauna. Our travels weren’t over yet as we had the delights of a five hour bus journey awaiting us before we got to our destination, the town of Gros Morne in the north of Haiti. The anticipation and excitement were palpable on the bus as we chatted animatedly about what we were expecting things to be like. As we travelled we took in the stunning mountainous scenery along with a few glimpses of the crystal blue ocean. Yet, the poverty, deprivation and lack of basic infrastructure were plain to see also in the form of make shift homes dotted around the landscape.

  
We soon settled into a daily routine despite the pretty basic conditions in which we lived. I think staying in Grepin gave us at least some small insight into what life is like for the ordinary Haitian person and the challenges they face. A typical day began bright and early as the group headed to the two camps we were running in Bigue and JVT schools. Each morning the kids would arrive wearing their red t-shirts ready for an action packed day of fun. It was very poignant to see how happy the kids were to see us as they greeted us with their big heart-melting smiles.
 
Before the kids were given breakfast we all took part in ‘animation.’ The only word that comes close to capturing the essence of ‘animation’ is chaos. Absolute chaos! Basically, the kids sing and dance and run around and jump all over you for the best part of an hour! It’s an awesome sight to behold when in full swing. Teaching could be quite a challenge at times especially with the language barrier but everyone in the group pulled together and helped each other out. It was an extremely rewarding experience as we forged strong bonds both with the kids and the ‘animateurs’ who helped us with teaching the kids.
 
When camp was finished we went to our next project which was either construction or computer training as people rotated between the two. The construction involved the building of two new classrooms which was done in conjunction with local Haitian builders. It was wonderful to watch its progress and to see it completed. The computer training courses which are run in solar powered computer labs are also a wonderful initiative and a shining example of sustainable development. They involved instructing local teachers in basic IT skills which they will then be able to impart on their students.
 
Our time in Haiti literally flew by. Before we knew it we were bidding farewell to the kids from camp and packing our things in Grepin with heavy hearts but with a collection of unforgettable memories that I’m sure we’ll cherish always. It was without doubt one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. From all the work that was done to all the new friends made, I have memories that will remain with me forever. It was exhilarating and exhausting with each and every day filled with exciting challenges, hard work and a range of emotions.
 
So thank you to UCDVO for the opportunity, thank you to each of my fellow volunteers and friends and thank you to the people of Haiti for welcoming us into their community and for affording us a life changing experience.


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 Images from the 2015 UCDVO projects in Nicaragua
 
- Orla McManamly,  Actuary and Finance, volunteered with UCDVO in Nicaragua

Almost a year ago now, in the Freshers’ Tent, a friend suggested I come along to the information evening for VO. Like so many overzealous students starting back to a new college semester I had made the mistake time and again of subscribing to societies concerned with all manner of sporting, recreational and musical pursuits which I had neither flare nor skill enough to participate in. For so many reasons however, VO piqued my interest in a much less transient way. I attended the information evening, completed the application and before I knew it I was discussing the invitation to travel to Nicaragua with my family and attempting to reassure those around me that this adventure was most definitely an opportunity not to be missed.
  
And so it began……the VO community extended its welcome and the training days afforded me the opportunity to learn more not only about Nicaragua, Somoto, INPHRU and the experience of intercultural exchange but about building a team from a group of individuals, and embracing open-mindedness in approaching unfamiliar territory. The pre-departure training was both insightful and informative and alongside the formalities of each meeting there was a social dimension gaining momentum - a rapport developing as the group got acquainted, becoming friends and eventually forming our team for Nicaragua ‘15.

The project itself is an experience I don’t think I can wholly account for in words. Intercultural exchange was undoubtedly more significant than I had envisioned. Speaking with the Nicaraguan students attending English classes in Somoto revealed not only a great deal about the Nicaraguan way of life, but also gave considerable insight into the locals’ views on the difficulties their communities faced. The inequality attributable to ‘machismo’ mentality, the manner in which personal and intellectual development is underserved by the current education system and the complications associated with living in communities affected by gang presence were among the insights shared by those taught passionately by Ramon. Their positive reaction to our presence was most reassuring…..as was their tolerance for my lack of Spanish fluency!
Working alongside Gregorio and his team on the building site was a prospect which I initially felt a little apprehensive about. Scudding, digging, cement making, painting, compacting, rebarring – amongst other activities, these undertakings led to the construction of an extension to an existing dormitory which will accommodate students in the CEAR (a rural educational facility).

A short distance from the building site there were daily lessons in Los Quinchos, prepared, presented and planned by a number of our volunteers. They sought to not only educate but more importantly support the young attendees, many of whom came from difficult backgrounds. Spending a day in this educational facility demonstrated the real affection the children had for the VO student teachers and the enjoyment they took from their presence.

One of the most memorable aspects of the project was the opportunity to go to the Development Education Day facilitated by Trócaire. Attended by local organisations and members of the local communities, the day demonstrated the real difficulties faced by vulnerable groups in the Nicaraguan society.

Educational murals impressively painted by creative members of the team on school walls, physio visitations, summer camp exchanges with the children of our host community Las Palmiras, culinary experiences (all of which included rice!), a lengthy insect inventory and countless card games are also drops in the sea of memories which form my recollection of the VO experience. In so many ways this account falls short of capturing the true intricacies of the time both pre-departure and in Nicaragua and yet I could continue to share without every truly accounting for just how meaningful and truly unforgettable the experience itself was.

Almost a year ago now, in the Freshers’ tent, a friend suggested I come along to the information evening for VO……I am so incredibly glad I acted on their suggestion. 

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QUOTES AND COMMENTS FROM PROJECTS OVERSEAS 2015
 
 Images from 2015 projects in Kisiizi Uganda, Mikumi Tanzania, Care and Share South India, Assam North East India and Shillong North East India.  
 
“While in Tanzania we really got to know the teachers and students in our schools and felt welcomed into their community. Our team turned into a little family and shared an unbelievable experience that we’ll never forget.”
- Rachel O’Connor, studying Science and volunteered in Mikumi, Tanzania
  
“It was a pleasure to get to know and work with the other students. We each got involved in different research projects and also helped renovate the playground of the rehabilitation centre. One of the highlights of the trip for me was getting to know the staff in the hospital. By the end of the four weeks we all had made so many local friends. It was really interesting to acknowledge the similarities and differences between Kisiizi hospital and our hospitals at home.”
- Aine Durkin, studying Nursing and volunteered in Kisiizi Hospital, Uganda.

"Nansana, where we were based, is a small town, essentially a suburb of Uganda’s capital Kampala. We were working in collaboration with an Irish/Ugandan charity called Nurture Africa. Their primary focus is children, though they’ve expanded over the years, and run a healthcare centre focusing on Paediatric GP and HIV services. We were working on a range of programmes, depending on our discipline.”
- Cian Leahy, studying Medicine and volunteered in Nansana, Uganda

“At first, the language barrier and lack of teaching experience seemed to hinder our progress but after the first couple of days we grew in confidence and settled into our new environment, thus helping us to do our best with the kids. After a long day of school, the kids would rush home in their school uniforms and re-emerge in their sports gear, full of energy again and ready to play!”
- Conor Mullen studying Sport and Exercise Management, volunteered in Care and Share, South India.

“We split our time between the physiotherapy department in the school and visiting the surrounding villages. The people we assessed and treated were of all ages: from a 7-month-old baby who was not reaching his developmental milestones to an elderly man who had suffered a stroke. We worked closely with a local orthotist to provide splints, wheelchairs and other assistive devices to help improve their function and quality of life. One of the most worthwhile aspects of the project was our recommendation for certain patients to attend a specialist.  This will enable them to get a diagnosis and receive more effective treatment for their conditions.”
- Jessica Concannon, studying Physiotherapy, volunteered in the Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre in North East India.

“We spent our time working in two rural villages, Ural and Kachari Basti and worked alongside 12 Indian students. We had three main focuses while we were there; doing up Anganwadis (child health centres), teaching English in the two local primary schools and holding workshops for the locals. English was taught to the kids every morning along with some games and before long every evening kids would gather at the school in Kachari Lower Primary School in the hopes of playing with us. For me, the time we spent here while waiting to return to the convent were where some of my favourite memories from the trip were made: stumbling as I tried to learn the local Bihu dance from the teenage girls who would laugh kindly at my mistakes and playing games with the younger children that I learned despite the language barrier.”
- Áine O’Dwyer, studying Medicine, volunteered in Assam with Assam Don Bosco University in North East India.


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STAY INVOLVED!
 

There are many ways to stay involved with the UCDVO community and to further explore issues around global justice and human rights. You can sign up to one of our Courses, attend our November Conference, be part of the UCDVO Book Club or attend the Film Series. We’ll be sharing details on all of the above on Facebook and our website so be sure to like our Facebook page and stay tuned.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

BE THE CHANGE
 
 
'Be the Change'  is a 6-week introductory skills-based course, aimed at those interested in activism and awareness raising in Ireland. This course is being run by UCDVO in partnership with Comhlámh and combines inputs from experts and experienced activists with a focus on participants’ own interests. This course is open to all UCD students, staff and alumni and is designed for those with an interest in developing a deeper understanding of global justice issues and the causes of inequality. No prior experience in international volunteering or activism is required. 

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SKILLS IN DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
 

Skills in Development Education is a participatory course comprises of eight evening modules and a one-day practical workshop that aim to equip participants with the skills and methodologies to work effectively with groups on global development and social justice issues in a friendly, informal environment. At the end of the course, participants will be prepared to facilitate at training days and development education workshops.This course is aimed at returned volunteers (from any organisation) who are students, staff or graduates of UCD. Participants should have some level of knowledge of global issues or experience of living, working or volunteering in the Global South but facilitation experience is not required.  Online applications for the course will open in December 2015 and the course will begin in January 2016.

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SAVE THE DATE!
UCDVO 2015 CONFERENCE

 

Following the success of last year’s conference 'Making a Difference? Perspectives on International Volunteering in Higher Education'. This year’s conference 'Making a Difference? Volunteering for Sustainable Development' promises to stimulate the senses and engage the mind with storytelling, workshops and creative exchange. Save the date and follow our Facebook page for upcoming details and how to register. Remember, remember the 28th of November!

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NEWS

TANZANIAN PARTNERSHIP AND STUDY VISIT
 
Top left: Angela Maina and Bernard Pierce, Bottom Left: Ita Corboy, Bottom Right: Aileen Crowley, Robert Lyakurwa and Jamie Flannery
 
- Bernard Pierce Board Member UCDVO

Angela Maina, a teacher in Kigurunyembe Demonstration Primary School in Morogoro, Tanzania, will visit Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater, Co. Wexford on a two-week study visit commencing on September 26th. The purpose of the visit is to share information, approaches and methodologies in the area of primary school education, with particular focus on children with Special Education Needs, for the benefit of both school communities. During her two weeks in Blackwater, Angela will meet with teachers and pupils at Scoil Naomh Bríde. She will engage in discussions to exchange ideas on various aspects of education and will have access to a wide range of teaching resources.
  
The visit was arranged as a further expansion of the partnership between Kigurunyembe Demonstration Primary School and Scoil Naomh Bríde, which commenced in 2013 as part of the UCDVO-TanzED projects in Tanzania. The partnership has already been successful in promoting interaction and sharing of knowledge and information through correspondence between teachers and pupils in the two schools. Tremendous credit is due to the Deputy Principal at Scoil Naomh Bríde, Ita Corboy, for her outstanding work in promoting the school partnership, her general support for UCDVO, and particularly for initiating and facilitating the study visit. The support of Kigurunyembe Head Teacher Mr. Mkola Kambanga, Scoil Naomh Bríde Principal Ms. Kathlyn O’Brien, Boards of Management in both schools and an anonymous donor is also acknowledged. As for all aspects of UCDVO-TanzED projects, TanzED Coordinator Robert Lyakurwa has played a major role in arranging the visit.

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APPLY TO UCDVO FOR A GENERAL VOLUNTEER ROLE OR A LEADERSHIP POSITION
 
Applications are open from the 21st September – 5th of October.

Apply here for a general volunteer position
Apply here for a physiotherapy Clinical Tutor position
Apply here for a leadership position - Student Leader or Team Leader

If you are interested in a Team Leader role, attend our Info Evening on the 28th September in the Global Lounge 6-7pm. 


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2015 PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS
 

This year we saw some fantastic project achievements in India, Haiti, Nicaragua, Tanzania and Uganda including a new partnership with Nurture Africa in Kisiizi, Uganda.  Thanks to the great work done by our partners and local communities that we work with overseas and of course to our UCDVO volunteers. You can read a summary of just some of those achievements here.
  

Summary of project achievements 2015
  • Construction of 2 classrooms in Jesus and Mary School, Haiti
  • Set up of solar powered computer lab in Bigue Community School, Haiti
  • Provision of basic computer education courses and refresher courses for teachers, Haiti
  • Two summer camps for 600 children in Gros Morne for one-month, Haiti
  • Construction of dormitories at an agricultural training centre, Nicaragua
  • Educational support for children at Los Quinchos, Nicaragua
  • Repair and refurbishment works at Los Quinchos, Nicaragua
  • Repair works at La Escuelita del Mercado, Nicaragua
  • Provision of educational resources for the school in Las Palmiras, Nicaragua
  • Computer training courses for teachers in Morogoro and Mikumi, Tanzania
  • Summer camps and English language classes for children and teachers, Tanzania
  • Library development, South India and Tanzania
  • Awareness rally on environmental issues, South India
  • Educational workshops on mental health, sex education, child protection, health and safety, South India
  • Provision of care packs for adolescent girls, South India
  • Physiotherapy support, India and Uganda
  • Set up on counselling rooms and relaxation spaces, South India
  • Physiotherapy camps for children with cerebral palsy and families, Uganda
  • Health education workshops, murals, resource production, Uganda
  • Renovation of pre-school centres, Assam
  • Youth groups and women’s groups, Assam
  • Street play and awareness rally on alcoholism and domestic violence, Assam
  • Talent shows and sports days, India
  • Provision of solar panels, South India
  • Provision of science lab equipment, South India
  • Renovation of toddler’s playroom, South India
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RONAN O'GARA'S VISIT TO GROS MORNE
 
Ronan O'Gara and Team Leader Caoimhin O'Madagain
 
"As my time in Haiti began to draw to a close I was delighted we were able to find the time to make it up the mountains to Gros Morne. Here we met with two volunteers from the UCD Volunteers Organization who were working in the community with two inspirational nuns from the States – Sr. Pat and Sr. Jackie." READ MORE about Ronan O'Gara's visit with Haven to Gros Morne and a UCD Volunteers Overseas Project. 

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UCDVO and LinkedIn

Employers in all sectors look at potential employees' volunteer experience on their LinkedIn profile for qualities like leadership, initiative, communication skills and adaptability. If you've volunteered with UCD Volunteers Overseas or any other voluntary organisation, list it on your LinkedIn profile! Click 'Edit Profile', scroll down to 'Volunteer', and type 'UCD Volunteers Overseas' under 'Organisation' to add your volunteer experience to your profile. Remember to follow UCD Volunteers Overseas on LinkedIn for regular updates.



DONATE TO UCDVO

If you would like to donate to UCDVO you can visit our mycharity page. On account of tax relief for charity donations, if you donate €22 euro a month for 12 months this is worth over €430 to UCDVO! Over the coming months you will see MyChairty.ie evolving into everydayhero – as it becomes the brand new version of MyCharity.ie

 

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Our mailing address is:
UCDVO
Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre
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