Name: Caroline

Hometown: London

Destination: Zambia

Project type: Peer Educator - HIV

Organisation: Students Partnership Worldwide

What were your impressions of your destination?

Zambia was an amazing place to be for 9 months. The area I was in for the majority of the time was very rural and basic and not that 'beautiful' but the people were truly beautiful and I appreciated and worked so much harder because of it. I got to travel around and see some amazing places such as South Luangwa National Park and the Victoria Falls which were incredible and I will carry the memories with me for ever!

Was the work interesting and challenging?

Extremely interesting and challenging - I learnt so much about the situation, HIV, the local culture (although still probably only saw the tip of the iceberg). I was challenged everyday by being in such a different culture to my own. We spent our time teaching in 2 local schools, running extra-curricular clubs and organising community and school events. I also head-coordinated a youth week for 100 young people from across Zambia teaching them how to be peer educators and live responsibly.

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

It was extremely basic but lovely. We spent sometime on training - usually college digs that were fun because we were altogether, in placement we lived with our headmaster for 4 months and the family were very welcoming, often letting us share their food and socialise with them. With two 2year olds in the house there was always fun and laughter. They were scared of me at first but by the end wouldn't leave me alone! We then moved to our own little house down the road from the school. It was very peaceful and quiet and we had space. We made friends with families around us and were welcomed and well looked after.

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

Yes, they were very supportive giving us 4 weeks training and a further 1 week top up training, placement visits and field visits whilst in our community and very adaptable and understanding.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

Yes - all the support and training I got was so intensive and I know that it cost more to have me there then I had paid. Divided over the number of months I was out there it worked out less per month than my rent in London is now!

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes