Working and traveling together as a group is a great way to forge new friendships and create lasting memories. In March 2011, 18 students from Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, spent 2 weeks in Ecuador. Matt Rakhit, 16, has this to say about the trip.
What made you want to take part in the Appleby College service trip to Ecuador?
I am really involved in community service at home in Canada, but had never done an international service trip. I had travelled to Europe as a tourist, but had never been to South America. Going with the group from my school seemed like a great way to do something meaningful as well as learn about another culture.
What kind of work did your group do?
We participated in 2 different volunteer experiences. In the Cloud Forest in Santa Lucia we worked on carving out a walking path and did reforestation work. One day we went into the forest, found saplings and took them to the lodge to put them in bags with good soil. On our last day in the Cloud Forest we collected sugar cane, squeezed the juice and actually made sugar—all by hand with no electronics involved.
In Quito we worked with children in an orphanage. We played with the children and also visited the homes of parents who send their children to the orphanage for care.
Tell us about some of the experiences that were memorable for you?
My favorite part of being in the Cloud Forest was waking up in the morning and looking out, as our window looked out at the whole cloud forest. One day we got up at 4 am and took a 3-hour hike to see the “Cock of the Rock”. We saw the cotinga bird, which is bright red. It was mating season and we saw hundreds of them.
The most memorable experience in Quito was playing with the children and seeing how happy they are. I spent a lot of time with Josh, a 2-year old whose mother left him there when he was just a few months old. When I arrived he wasn’t walking, but by the time I left I was helping him walk around. It felt good to be able to help with that.
What surprised you about your visit?
The weather in Ecuador was the first surprise. I was expecting it to be warmer, and it rained every day.
It was very meaningful to visit the homes of the parents in Quito. It is amazing to see how happy these people are even though they have so little.
What was the biggest challenge?
Several members of our group struggled having no electricity and being without the electronics we have become so used to.
What have done since your return?
Everyone in the group has been telling our friends about all the fun things we did and the experiences we had. We gave a formal presentation to the school.
The group really didn’t know each other that well before we left. When you spend a lot of time together on an international trip, you become close very quickly. We are keeping in touch, and having a group reunion on a weekend.
What advice do you have for others who are thinking of doing a volunteer trip?
Go in there to help as much as you can and don’t complain. Have fun with it!
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