Philippines

Living outside your comfort zone, in a new country with a different culture from yours, sharing rooms and sleeping in bunk beds, having cold showers (which by the way I will miss) makes you look at life differently and appreciate the simple things.
I can’t put into words how rewarding it was working with the children. Teaching was a challenge but the feeling of contributing for their education and just being part of their everyday life, either in the classroom or just laying outside, is more than fulfilling. Energy that never runs out, eagerness to learn (and teach me), cheeky curiosity and genuine happiness. Pure happiness. Those are the words that would describe them.
My experience in Tigman, taught me how to be more present. Enjoy every single moment and dedicate my time to people. People who became friends just in a few days.
I will always remember the sunsets on the beach, eating the best banana fritters, the long talks in Tiki hut, dancing around the bonfire with a full moon, singing my heart out on Karaoke nights but most importantly, all the people I’ve met and were part of each moment. Kind hearts with open minds that went to make a difference. I leave Tigman with a full heart, ready to come back.
Salamat po, Tigman!
A big kiss and thanks to all members of The management here in the Philippines.

Mafalda

Projects Abroad was extremely accommodating and easy to work with. Volunteering in the Philippines was with no question the best decision I have made in my life to date. Living with a host family and working with local tradesman was life changing in the best way. I have been given a new perspective on how I believe life should be experienced and have the Projects Abroad staff, families and volunteers to thank.

GVN were knowledgeable and efficient when we dealt with them. Their communications were timely and helpful. My wife and I were pleased to have used them for our month in the Philippines with the local agency CERV.

Very well organized and reliable. I felt safe and confident going into a situation far from home and in a very different culture.

The volunteer program of WLS International in Cebu in the Philippines is an amazing program and a great way to help the local children and to get to know the local culture. The program helps and supports poor children and dumpsite children in a very meaningful and useful manner which really makes a difference in the lives of these children. Some of these children depend on these projects to get education and proper meals. The support of WLS International was just perfect with great support from the coordinator. I would highly recommend to join this volunteering program with WLS International in Cebu.

This is the first time I volunteer internationally and it was quite challenging for me.

Overall the journey is good and I found myself really making the right decision.

I broaden my mind and getting know other country culture and living style which is really exciting.

The GVN partners and the homestay are all quite warming and kind. They all ready to help me in any conditions. I miss the time we together there.

The condition of the Romblon is really rural area with few facilities. But I really admire the inhabitants there as they always living happily though some of them are very poor. The environment of Romblon is really nice with natural flora and fauna.

The children at childcare is really cute and sometimes quite naughty as we know it is the natural character of kids. I really miss them and the teacher also very kind and patient to his teaching.

The CERV staff brought me to the new library which was not yet officially open by the time I visited there. It is an awesome project and congratulations for CERV and GVN for bringing it to this Romblon!

There is something I need to mention are the facilities of the school and the CERV homestay. The school is really lack of stationaries and other reading materials such as books for daily learning.

CERV homestay is really in bad condition by the time I visit there as there was flood weeks before I visit there. CERV staffs are planning to move to another new place which is better in location and avoid flood in future. This is a good idea.

In summary, this is really a great opportunity for me to take part in this programme and I really hope my contribution can bring some good impact to the community!