People - Fiona's Journey of Self-discovery Through Africa
Hello! I'm Fiona, a British woman who has been living in Africa for the past year. I recently celebrated my 60th birthday in Kenya. I don’t have formal qualifications for the volunteer work that has completely captured my heart, but I do have a lifetime of experiences – and I believe the "University of Life" is a worthy credential! I think of my life in two parts: "Before Africa" and "After Africa." Africa has changed me in profound ways. It's not just a place I’ve visited; it has become a part of who I am.
Before Africa
I was an office manager in the hospitality industry, with a tedious commute in heavy traffic and caught up in office politics. My children had grown up and were busy living their own lives, as they should. I had long dreamt of taking an extended adventure, and once the house grew quiet, I knew the time had come.
Arriving in Africa
My first months here were spent volunteering in different places across several countries: an orphanage in Kenya, an animal sanctuary and health clinic in Namibia, another animal sanctuary in Zimbabwe, and an orphanage in Zambia. But it was in Rwanda that my connection to Africa became deeply personal.
You may remember Rwanda’s painful history in the 1990s, marked by genocide and a massive humanitarian crisis. I was curious about how this tragic past had affected the country’s most vulnerable, especially the children.
One day, my driver suggested I visit the Aspire Academy, a charity founded by Jordan, a young American woman who first came to Rwanda for a 10-day trip that changed her life forever. She fell in love with the country, its people, and a Rwandan man named Ivan, who is now her husband. Together, they created a charity focused on uplifting the community, breaking the cycle of poverty, and offering a brighter future to the children of Gitatgata village in Bugesera District.
Life in Rwanda
Gitagata and other villages like it around Rwanda face challenges, stemming from the Genocide in 1994, when over 1 million Tutsis were killed. There's no healthcare and very little outside support. Families are large because parents hope their children will care for them as they age, but that same sense of responsibility makes it difficult for children who grow up to escape the cycle of poverty.
So here I am, in late 2024, teaching at a community school built by Aspire Academy. I work with small groups of 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds, helping them learn to read, speak English, do math, and create art. The children are fluent in Kinyarwanda. Some know a little bit of French, but it's English -one of Rwanda’s official languages - that will help them secure better job opportunities in future.
I live in a house provided by the charity, right in the village, and walk the dusty road to school each day. I try to contribute in small ways, like lending a hand wherever I can, and I show genuine interest in their culture; respecting how they go about doing things, even though I might presume that a different way may be more efficient.
Despite their daily struggles, the people of this village are filling a void in me, giving me back my sense of purpose. They have an amazing resilience, and even the youngest are incredibly strong, with hearts as big as their smiles. They are proud and generous, often sharing what little they have with those in need, which has taught me to truly appreciate life’s greatest gifts: health, love, and belonging.
The Realities of Life Here
In the West, we often see ourselves as more privileged, but here, people work incredibly hard - often harder than most of us back home - and they still struggle to make ends meet. Access to basic needs, like clean water, remains a daily challenge. Women and children walk several kilometers each day to collect water that must then be boiled to make it ‘drinkable’. Despite these hardships, the children arrive at school with bright smiles and big dreams; ready to scoff down the nutritious breakfast and lunch the school provides, which is often their only substantial meal of the day.
For me, the most rewarding part of what I’m doing is seeing the children's joy and zest for life. They greet me every day as if I’m an old friend, with big hugs and much laughter. The experience has touched my heart in ways I never imagined.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
If I could change one thing, it would be how corruption continues to hold African nations back. While the continent is rich in natural resources, so many people live are left in poverty. Government deals often prioritize infrastructure projects that benefit the elite, while access to basic services eludes those who need them.
A Story That Stands Out
Among all the people I’ve met, there's one boy I’ll never forget. He’s 11 years old and lives in Namibia. He lost his mother at eight, and has lived on the streets ever since. Despite his struggles, he has the kindest heart, a contagious laugh, and a smile that brightens even the darkest day. He helps at a nursery, even though he has no real home. He’s incredibly resourceful, surviving on his wits. His story is heartbreaking, but sadly, not unique.
In Summary
Living in Africa has been an eye-opening, life-changing experience. I hope my story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and see the world in a different light.
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
Be Open to Local Cuisine: If it's on your plate, it’s not on theirs.
Respect Their Way of Life: There's usually a good reason for why things are done a certain way.
Avoid Flashing Cash: Throwing money at problems is a short-term fix. Support local initiatives directly instead.
Avoid Plastic Toys: Pollution is a serious issue. Donate practical items like seeds, clothes, food, toothbrushes, or soap instead.
