Penny

Canada
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FEB 2022

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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hi. Thank you for reading my profile. I am a Canadian girl who loves to volunteer and lend a hand any way possible. In 2015, I retired from my career and decided to travel and see the world, at the same time volunteering.

It was an honor to be chosen as WorkAwayer of the month in March 2022. Check out the interview here:

https://www.workaway.info/en/stories/kenya-permaculture-homestay-finding-place-in-world-mature-traveller

I'm a very easy going person, simple in the way I live and see the world. I lived in western Kenya for 2 years without running water, electricity or indoor plumbing and to be honest, it's a life that I love very much. Simple and basic. People are my passion and unfortunately get connected very easily which makes it so difficult for me to move on.

Living life with happiness, honesty, integrity and love are what makes me who I am and would love to share what I have with those around me. I feel that the simplest of gestures even such as a smile, goes a very long way in making another person feel good about themselves.

Taking care of our envirnment, whether it be regarding recycling, reusing, reducing; water consumption; electricity conservation; is VERY important to me.

I feel I was put here on this earth to give and share the gift of love and kindness. There is alot to share about myself but everyone sees something different, so I'll let you decide through the conversation I am sure we will have before you accept me as a volunteer.

Thank you,
Penny
Interests
Animals
Blogging
Camping
Carpentry
Culture
Cycling
Farming
Fitness
Gardening
Hiking
Hitchhiking
Nature
Outdoor activities
Photography
Plant care
Sustainability
Van life
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
I am an avid volunteer and have volunteered doing house/pet sitting, construction, farming, permaculture, teaching, childcare, nursing/medical care. Rather than anything specific, I have many skills. During my career, I worked in healthcare/emergency, healthcare administration, nursing, public service, tourism, restaurant management/cook, to name a few. As well, I actually very much love setting up websites for new projects and have done a few. I grew up on a grain/animal farm with four brothers, so I definitely know what hard work is about.
Age
58
What else ...
Traveling and meeting new people is a huge passion of mine. In order for me to do so, I extend my travel time to include volunteering as it is the the absolute best way to give back. I love helping out in any way I can.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No known allergies
- Special dietary requirements

Feedback

15 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

I had no idea how a last minute decision to bring Penny would positively impact our lives. Penny is solid! She could be the poster gal for Workaway. Penny is self-directed. She sees what needs to be done, and does it. She dives in hands and heart repairing and upgrading things.

Penny is respectful and hardworking. There are so many areas she… read more

(Excellent )

14 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Looking for help with bee ...)

Yesterday was a sad day...departure day :(

This placement was the absolute perfect place to end my time in Mexico.

Paige and Daniel were/are the perfect hosts. I spent most of my communication with Paige. She's absolutely hilarious 😂 and so precious. I am so happy that she (they) was part of my Mexican journey. Daniel, as well, is a kind man… read more with so much to do at the ranch that he sometimes runs himself ragged.

My request to volunteer at Paige and Daniel's was quite last minute and wasn't sure if I'd be a fit. Man oh man was I wrong. It was the perfect fit in EVERY single way.
The temperature in the mountains was not too cold and not too hot. PERFECT.
The mid afternoon meal was often prepared by Paige or Daniel and so delicious. Breakfast sometimes was on our (volunteers) own or with Paige and Daniel. Food was always provided and available for the volunteer's kitchen.
They have a very kind Mexican worker that stays on the same level with the volunteers so there's often someone around to visit with when Paige and Daniel are away.
The ranch is beautiful and so peaceful, up in the mountains. It's important that you know that it's away from the city or town so you really have to be comfortable with spending time by yourself. If that's not the case for you, this is NOT the place for you. There are lots of opportunities to walk around/hike, spend time with the animals.
This is a ranch and there's always something to do. I so loved my tasks during my one month stay. The chickens needed nesting boxes and a bit of work done on their chicken coop, so I set out to do that. We had a few unfortunate situations that come with living out in the country but I think things are going smooth now. I was able to find time to update Paige's website which made me quite happy. My chores were feeding/watering the horses and chickens morning and night. There are 9 beautiful horses in total - 1 stallion, 2 geldings, 4 mares, and 2 mini horses. Such gentle beings. I helped the other volunteers paint (a bit only), and I was given the task of weeding the garden, setting up drip irrigation and planting seeds. I'm so looking forward to seeing them germinate (in pictures).
The work is fun and a bit physical but nothing over the top crazy physical. Like on any farm/ranch though, there's always something to do.

To wrap it up, this is one of the best volunteer placements that I've been at. Every single thing was perfect. I 100% recommend the ranch, and Paige and Daniel as hosts and beautiful people in general.
Paige and Daniel, thank you again for absolutley everything that you did for me during my stay. All the best.

(Excellent )

3 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny stayed with me for about 10 days and it was very good for me to know someone was at the house and with my pets while I was working. She was very helpful keeping the house tidy and taking care of the plants, even though it was quite tedious work because in the dry season everything is so dusty here.
Due to the heat, I felt that doing the dog… read more

(Very good )

11 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Helping hands for gardening, ...)

Thank you Andrea for your confidence and trust in my caring for your dogs while you were at work. They are precious.

Andrea's house is huge with 3 levels, 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 2 terraces, and a beautiful garden. She really has a stunning Mexican home and in a beautiful area away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet still close… read more

(Excellent )

22 Jan 2023

Left by host (Help us with rainforest ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Toda la familia está muy agradecida con Penny por su estadía aquí, fue muy productiva y pudimos aprender muchas cosas, Lazarin estuvo muy conectado con Penny en la práctica del idioma inglés. Penny es una persona muy activa con muchas ideas y perspectivas que nos ayudan a ser mejores cada día. Nos hubiera encantado tenerte por aquí más tiempo,… read more

(Excellent )

16 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help us with rainforest ...)

First and foremost, thank you Larazo and Adela for your hospitality.

They are such kind and beautiful people and I felt honored to be part of their family for the week that I was there. Their two children, Atela and Lazarine, were my translators, haha. They both learn a bit of English in school so it was nice for them to have an English speaking… read more person to talk with and for me, Spanish speakers to translate for me.

Things to know:
1. Lazaro is an excellent motorbike driver (to get to the reforestation project, you'll ride on the bike with Lazaro for 6 km mostly on trails)
2. Know Spanish, it makes things a lot easier for having fluent conversations
3. There is a never ending list of things to do. Lazaro has multiple projects at his ranch and I can see that it would be difficult to keep up. I commend him for his efforts.

I honestly do not know how Lazaro and family keep up with everything they have to do. They have two school age children (for those who have children, you know that they require extra time), a very large community garden and tree nursery. It's so beautiful. It was so great to participate in a community work day to clean up the area. It was nice to see everyone come together for a common cause.
Lazaro's water catchment set up is quite spectacular. There isn't any running water at the gardens or anywhere at his property. All the water that they have is rain water and water catchment, set up through pipes and irrigation. They are working towards raising money for a 300 meter deep well to provide the community with water.
On top of that, they also run a campground and have cabanas for rent through AirBnB, Booking.com, etc. The cabins are simple but that is all you need when being out in the wilderness.
It's a lovely 36 hectare piece of property most of it being forest. Lazaro should be commended for his love of the forest and reforestation project. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to create what he is creating.
If you love nature, environmental action, and forestry, this is the place to volunteer. You would be doing the environment and Lazaro a huge service to particiate.

Muchos gracias por todos, Adela and Lazarine. Thank you Adela for all the delicous meals, Lazarine for the card games, and Atela for being the lovely young lady that you are, and of course to Lazaro for your patience with my being so slow.
All the best going forward :)

(Excellent )

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Friends

Photos

Ranch life in Jalisco, Mexico Feb/Mar 2023

Splitting logs at Heart West Haven

Planting trees at the Riverhurst Wetland

Collecting mulch for community. Riverhurst Wetland project

Dog sitting La Malbaie, Quebec

Cuddles while volunteering at Heriter Farms in Ontario

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With Eric at Human Dreams Children Village - home for disabled orphans.

Building a base for our new water tank, Tawi Initiative, Kisumu, Kenya.

Preparing maize for grinding to make ugali. Mvimwa Benedictine Abbey, Tanzania. March 2018.

One of the signs that I worked so diligently at. Camp Kacheera, Uganda. 2018

Visiting rural school during volunteer time at Mvimwa Benedictine Monastery, Tanzania

Building stairs

Traditional dancing at Kit Makaye, Kenya.

Sweet little Sabrina...stole my heart the moment I saw her. Tumaini Miles of Smiles Orphanage, Kakamega, Kenya.

Feedback

15 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

(Excellent )

14 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Looking for help with bee ...)

(Excellent )

3 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

(Very good )

11 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Helping hands for gardening, ...)

(Excellent )

22 Jan 2023

Left by host (Help us with rainforest ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

(Excellent )

16 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help us with rainforest ...)

(Excellent )

29 Oct 2022

Left by host (Enjoy the outdoors and help ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Hi Penny, not sure if my review made it into your profile 🤷‍♀️. So here we go again:
It was a pleasure to host you. It was refreshing to have someone excited about sewing. An unexpected talent to have someone that loves sewing, and building websites. Thanks for all your help, enthusiasm and integrating with my other helpers. It was a nice blend of… read more

(Excellent )

28 Oct 2022

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Enjoy the outdoors and help ...)

Thank you Heidi for the fun three weeks.

Heidi's farm is surrounded by forest atop a hill that overlooks the valleys and trees with the mountains in the distance. It's quite lovely. Since I'm from the Canadian prairies, this is a beautiful change.

I had the pleasure of staying in the cabin (also sitting upon another hill on her farm) for the… read more

(Excellent )

6 Oct 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny!!!!! Thank you so very much for choosing to come to our little piece of paradise. You show the true spirit of a volunteer.

Penny was so open minded and willing to help with whatever tasks were asked of her. She's very self directed, so when she sees something that needs to be done, she does it.

As always with this place, there are many… read more

(Excellent )

6 Oct 2020

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Wetland development, youth ...)

Oh what a wonderful experience from this project, Village of Riverhurst, the community, and so on.

First I want to say that I was a bit hesitant to go to so such a small community....like what was I going to do, see, where was I going to sleep, etc? Ya, totally out to lunch with those thoughts. This community, and the many volunteers, make this… read more stop one of the best experiences ever. If you've never been to Riverhurst before, please add this project to your list!!!

The Riverhurst Wetland project is a huge undertaking and one that the community should be proud of. Riverhurst and area is beautiful.

During my short time in Riverhurst, we worked tirelessly to get caught up for the winter. At the same time, there was lots of down time for fishing, hiking, cycling, visiting, etc.

I helped pull weeds and replace the flax straw (used for mulch on the flower bed) with fresh wood chips; pulled weeds around the trees, weed whipped and cut down the grass low to the ground (because next year, they are wanting to extend the mulch for the trees); pulled flowers from the 23 planters along Main Street and the Village Square; ensured all the tree seedlings were stakes for easier identification through the winter and in the spring. I even helped with the future plan of the project and so look forward to seeing it grow.

In 2021, there are 400+ tree seedlings to be planted, trails and bridges to be built, an water overflow system to put in place, and so much more. I truly wish to be available to help with such. This project becomes a part of you, after seeing how much pride and love goes into it. Reclaiming a wetland and planting trees is a huge investment to the ecosystem.

And the accommodations were the most natural, simple, and freeing. Penny lives and works in the neighboring Palliser Regional Park during the summer. She has an older style truck camper painted really cool and two full sized tents with very comfortable beds (at least my bed was comfortable). The campsite is tiny and cozy. I loved it so much. Everything I needed was available to me. There was an option to cycle to Riverhurst (only 8km) or drive.

The area is SPECTACULAR!!!!! The project is TRULY one to be proud to be part of, and Penny (my namesake, haha) was WONDERFUL.

Riverhurst is off the usual path of travelers passing through Saskatchewan. I'm so very happy that I chose the road less traveled. I hope you also take this road to the many wonders this village and project has to offer.

Thank you endlessly for absolutely everything during my stay. You are a blessing to this world and I'm forever grateful to have taken part in your project.

(Excellent )

29 Mar 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

It was such a delight to have Penny with us for the whole February month!!
Penny is a very friendly, gentle, and calm person. She helped us in many ways during her stay and we were confident to let our kids with her as she truly loves to be around kids. Leïa and Owen liked her very much!
She helped a lot around the house, by organising the… read more

(Excellent )

1 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Join our young family in the ...)

Thomas, Sarah and the children are such a beautiful family. They are so kind and thoughtful, and I’m so thankful to have spent one month helping around the house and with the children. There is much to say (as always with me, haha) so I’m going to start with the basics.

The location is away from downtown and takes about 30 minutes to get there… read more via walk, bus and metro. It’s a nice area with a grocery store nearby. Even though it’s a bit of a commute to downtown, it’s a really nice area that has easy access to anywhere in the city.

Whether you are coming to Montreal strictly to volunteer or are here for other reasons, the room that is provided is so very private. You have your own bathroom, living room and a very large bedroom with a big window looking out on the ground floor. It’s super lovely.

As noted in the bio, Owen is your main childcare focus. He is a sweet little 2 year old and just as he is sweet and adorable, he can definitely show the ‘terrible 2 stage’. We had some challenges with the language barrier but we figured them out. Eventually, he was at the stage where he understood that I really didn’t have a clue what he was saying, haha. My french isn’t really all that great. He taught me a few words though and when I didn’t understand, he found someone who did or continued on doing his own thing. One day, when I was putting his boots on at school, he said to me, ‘Boots en Anglais’. Super cute!!!

Leah, 9 years old, is a lovely young lady. She pretty much does her own thing and is quite active with activities after school, and friends. Because of this, I didn’t really spend a lot of time with her, though when we did hang out, it was fun. She gave me french lessons and now understands what it’s like to be a teacher with a bad student, haha. We played a few games, just hung out and visited a bit too.

At the end of the day, I believe that I earned the respect of these two little minions and that is what counts for me.

My routine started around 8:30am to eat and then clean up the dishes, unload the dishwasher, vacuum, clean up the children’s rooms, and prep for supper. That was pretty much my daily routine and then included washing clothes 2x/week and washing the floor once a week. Besides that, I found different tasks to keep me busy like cleaning the fridge, organizing the cupboards and drawers, minimizing the children’s clothings and organizing their dresser drawers, shoveled the sidewalk, made beeswax wraps. That’s pretty much my morning and then from 11:00 til around 4:00, my day was free to do whatever. At 4:00, I’d make supper which I would say was my biggest challenge, then went to get Owen from daycare (5 minute walk), come home and give him a bath (sometimes this little routine took longer than others), and then finishing with supper and clean up. I was usually done by 7pm. The routine worked good for me.

There really is a lot of freedom during your stay. The only set schedule was to pick up Owen from daycare and then home to give him a bath. The rest of the tasks are yours to decide when to do.

Thomas and Sarah are busy parents and moreso when Sarah is traveling. They have it figured out though. They are very down to earth people, calm, kind, and gentle. Each of them take time to be involved in different personal activities which I found to be quite admirable when having young children. Communication was quick at all times when I had a question. If I needed help with Owen when picking up at daycare, there was always an immediate response to my text. They are simply very very kind people and so easy to talk with and be around.

My time with Tom, Sarah, Leah, and Owen was so precious and I will savor the time that I spent with them, for sure. Thank you for your kindness during my stay and I wish you a relaxing March break to kind of just ‘breathe’ for a bit. Again, all the best and thank you again.

(Excellent )

22 Jan 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

It's was a complete success to deal with Penny during our vacations :) She was responsible to dogsit our 4 pets and they loved it!! Our request was to take care of our pets by walking with them outside each day, to feed them, to cuddle and to make them feel good evenknow we were not there! Penny his a very responsible woman that respect all our… read more

(Excellent )

8 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (For animal lovers in a ...)

Like....really? I don't know where to start!!! Right from day one, I knew this exchange was going to be absolutely amazing. Okay, perhaps my French is still very rusty but I did learn a bit more especially in regards to talking with the dogs, haha.

Sebastien and Adam connected with me quite some time before I actually arrived. The communication… read more over those couple of months was continuous which I am very thankful for. And with them living in the far east part of Quebec, it was a relief to be able to communicate in English. La Malbaie though, is very French. Some of the residents do speak English. It's important to know a little bit of French though.

I spent a week in La Malbaie getting to know the place before being let loose on my own. Sebastien introduced me to some English speaking friends which was so very helpful. It is very true, they live in beautiful part of the world. Even though it was winter, it truly is a beautiful area with some real history. Very cool and interesting how this area was formed.

Now, I have to mention the pets because they were the main reason for this exchange. Wow....oh my gosh, they are just so adorable!!!!! Stella, omg...she is so adorable with her fluffy white 'star' paws and her longing gaze. Omg.....like OMG!!!! These animals all have the own very distinct personalities. Whitney, oh Whitney. She is 100% the baby of the family but not a baby. She's a big, strong dog but such a softy. If you like cuddling with a dog, you'll love Whitney, haha. TRULY!!! haha. Oh Champ, sweet little Champ. This dog is so quiet and gentle. She loves to cuddle too but always asks first. Yes, she asks, haha. She'll sit at your feet and look up at you in a longing way. OMG, just so sweet. And of course there's Billie, if/when she comes out of hiding. This one...she's sneaky though often hiding away from the hustle and bustle of the household. She and Champ have an interesting relationship. You'll see when you spend a bit of time with them. Cats tend to take care of themselves. The dogs and I (and my daughter) went for daily walks. Sometimes short walks, sometimes a bit longer depending on the weather or how I felt. Of course though, they love going for walks (I think because they know they'll get a treat afterwards, haha).

All in all, my stay here (along with my daughter) was absolutely one of the best exchanges that I've experienced. Sebastien and Adam are so friendly and welcome...truly wonderful people. The house is beautiful, relaxed and comfortable to stay in. The pets were absolutely 100% so wonderful to be around. Of course, as always, it was difficult to leave. The show must go on though, and continue on to the next stop.

Seb and Adam, thank you so very much for your kindness and allowing me into your home. It's been such a wonderful experience. Merci beaucoup :)

(Excellent )

7 Dec 2019

Left by host (Need a bit of help with our ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

OMG how am I going to manage without this magnificent woman? Penny arrived after I had just moved, and somehow she created calm organization from the chaotic mess...anything I needed doing she was ready to tackle.. plastering and paining-check, sewing curtains-check, mending-check, throw diner on, no problem...Penny is amazing! And very fun to… read more

(Excellent )

7 Dec 2019

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Need a bit of help with our ...)

What can I say about Catherine, her family, hospitality, friends, experience, and everything without saying thank you for everything!!!!

Catherine accepted me (and my daughter) rather last minute and at a very busy time for her and I'm so thankful that she did. I had such a great time hanging out and helping around the house. It was a wonderful… read more

(Excellent )

16 Nov 2019

Left by host (Seeking fresh energy to help ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny was a dream come true for us. She loved organizing and would jump right in cleaning and moving things around, and got the house whipped into shape and kept it tidy. The dishes were always done, kitchen always clean, and she even helped rearrange the furniture as requested.

She cooked beautiful meals and was conscious of the vegetarians in… read more

(Excellent )

10 Nov 2019

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Seeking fresh energy to help ...)

Patrick and Valencia make it so easy to choose 5 stars. In fact, if there was an option to give an infinite number of stars, I would. Thank you so much for accepting my very short notice request and thank you so much for understanding.

Where will I start......
Firstly, I'll start with the hosts...Patrick and Valencia. They truly are the cats… read more meow. So friendly and welcoming. Patrick spends most of the day outside with the animals, so if you are spending your volunteer hours in/around the house, you mostly only see him at suppertime. He's full of knowledge, hard working and great to have a conversation with.
Valencia is so funny...she made me laugh. She's SUPER organized with to do lists all over the place, labels on everything, even the tea ☺ I mean, it's super super cute. I loved it because I'm super organized too. Valencia is so knowledgeable with the organic aspect of the farm, the gardening, trees, like honestly, she knows a lot about stuff around the farm. She's so busy running here and there, organizing this and that. It's truly been a pleasure to be around her funny self.
This farm is a well oiled machine meaning that they each have their roles and do them well. I appreciated the time I spent with them.
Secondly, the volunteering. Oh wow, what can I say except for I LOVED IT!!!! If you are coming to a farm for the experience of being on a farm, this place truly is a wonderful place to experience everything. Expect to work because there are many things to do. If you like cleaning, hey, there's room for you in the house to do such. If you love to cook, oh, I'm very sure that Valencia would welcome you to the task with open arms. If you like organizing, you and Valencia would get along so good. If you like gardening, Valencia has great ideas and plans for her gardening. If you like working outside, there are cats, dogs, ducks, chickens, pigs, and cows that all need tending to on a daily basis. And if you like doing farm work and building, there is plenty of opportunity to do that, as well.
Of course, one can not forget about the 5 dogs that are both indoor and outdoor dogs. There's Jack - the jack russel terrier, Ellie - the golden lab, and the three border collies - Gorgie, Misty and Kailee (not sure of the spelling). Oh lord they love attention and it's easy to give because they are so adorable.
I spent my time doing multiple tasks in the house organizing, cleaning, and cooking. I had a chance to run into town for a few groceries and to Kingston (with the other volunteers) which was nice to be trusted enough with the truck to be allowed to do so. And I spent just as much time outside helping build a new fence for the yard, helped with a cattle run which was super cool.
And how can I forget the other volunteers at the farm. It was a big family atmosphere with myself, Patrick and Valencia (and Valencia's son), and three other German volunteers.
It truly was an amazing time, with great people and conversations. I infinitely recommend this WorkAway experience.
Patrick and Valencia, I wish you all the best with your present and future endeavors.

(Excellent )

4 Nov 2019

Left by host (Share our home and our ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Hi Penny. Apologies for the late rating.

Folks, Penny is the cats pajamas to have had in our home. She was very conciencous (SP) and worked hard to complete those tasks given to here. There were times I had to beg her to stop as she was well past what we consider a days work. It was unfortunate that she let so soon as I both miss her and the… read more

(Very good )

28 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Share our home and our ...)

Thank you Gavin, for the opportunity to spend a week helping around your place in Napanee.

My plan changed a bit and I ended up only staying at Gavin's place for one week. During my week, I raked, raked and raked more leaves, haha. It seems that the yard filled up with leaves as fast as I raked them. It's that time of the year, I guess. Very… read more

(Very good )

14 Apr 2019

Left by host (Helping special needs ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Thank you very much Penny for spending time with our children! Penny was so much patient in interacting with our children and promoting their individual skills even though they cannot walk or talk. During her stay her main concern was how to put a smile on our children's faces and how to show them love and dedication. Especially our Kelvin would… read more

(Excellent )

28 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Helping special needs ...)

Thank you Nicole for welcoming me to your home and project. My time here will forever be etched in my mind as one of the most rewarding experiences so far.

To other volunteers looking for a meaningful opportunity, coming to this place would be one of the highlights in your life.

The project sits on the outskirts far from the city lights of Dar… read more es Salaam. Even so, it's very easy to get to and from the city and beautiful beaches, on your time off.

Nicole, the founder, is a selfless individual who is open to all suggestions and observations for the children. She very much values input and 100% understands the importance of volunteers. I'm truly amazed at her kindness, as well as her dedication to helping these children who have been shunned by the African society (and Indian, as she also has a home for disabled children in Delhi, India).

She is easily accessible, as her office/room is in the volunteer house (which, by the way, is very modern). There are 4 rooms, 2 bathrooms, and an open air common room. It's quite lovely with African pictures painted on the walls.

The children are well taken care of and get much special attention in regards to physio, speech and massage therapy.

Children are such innocent little beings that make loving them so easy:heart: Oh my gosh, these little ones are vulnerable and so open for your love. Many are severely disabled and require so much attention. You will leave a piece of your heart here, for sure. Even though your main task is to feed and play with the children, don't take it lightly because it requires much patience and love.

Volunteers are assigned to specific children, usually those that are easier to feed/communicate with. The house I was in had 6 children, a house mom and an assistant care giver (which is pretty much the same for each of the four houses). My little one (well not so little) was Kevin. If you get the opportunity to take part in his day.... enjoy his, haha, bursts of energy. Just the thought of them, as I write this reference, makes me laugh (and cry because he has taken a piece of my heart). Even though he can not talk, he understands and you will easily see when he does. He loves the dogs, 'dancing' and rockin' to the music, 'playing' (meaning watching them play) with the children of the workers, and is so smart and learns very quickly when you take the time to teach him something new. Oh, he LOVES having his back scratched!!!! All the children in my house are beautiful :grinning::grinning:....sweet little Petro, Eric (haha.... what can I say about Eric other than a ball of happy energy), beautiful Baracka who seems to live in his own imaginary world (you'll understand if you are in the same house as I was), oh my gosh.... adorable little Conso (I giggle just thinking about her rolling from one place to another and her happy being), and Queen....quiet little Queen.

Each and every child has something unique and special to share with you. I hope you take the opportunity to embrace them and their world. I feel that you'll appreciate every moment.

Thank you again, Nicole, for your selfless act of humanity, for such a rewarding experience, giving me rides here and there, going to the beach, letting me be a part of your birthday celebration, and anything else that I've forgotten to say thank you for.

I look forward to maybe seeing you in Namibia, India or Tanzania again.

(Excellent )

16 Apr 2018

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help us to build an ...)

Thank you Josh for the beautiful WorkAway experience.
There are so many positive comments about Josh's project that I'm not sure where to start. As a host, Josh welcomed me into his home and made me feel like I was family. His mom, sister and brothers were so kind and friendly.
I felt so proud to sleep in one of the traditional bandas. They're… read more

(Excellent )

15 Apr 2018

Left by host (Help us to build an ...) for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny is a such lovely and very hardworking woman! She is always willing to do every kind of work with no stop
She took part in helping me with all works i had at my place. cooking
House keeping, garden, construction, eco project and help with tourists! It was short time with her at my place but was the best experience.

Hope to see you a gain… read more

(Excellent )

22 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help monks in Tanzania with ...)

Asante sana to Brother Toke, Abbot Pambo, and the community of brotherhood at the Abbey.
Words can not express how thankful I am to have been welcomed into their lives. I was very unsure what to expect when volunteering/visiting a Monestary. What I experienced very quickly were open arms welcoming me into their family.
The Abbey very quickly… read more

(Excellent )

29 Jan 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny has hugely boosted our project! She worked hard in the heat, in the morning, afternoon and evening. She doggedly worked at her signs (which are now up also courtesy of her hard work) even when resources were limited she found a way to finish her project. She has had such an impact on our project and has set us up nicely for future expansion… read more

(Excellent )

26 Jan 2018

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help on the land and get an ...)

What a lovely time I had with Iddy and her family at the canp
The project is in the beginning stages, so there are many projects to get involved with. My task was making signs, building a website and helping another WorkAwayer build an obstacle course.
The location is VERY remote so didn't get much opportunity to mix much with the locals other… read more

(Excellent )

18 Apr 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny)

Penny you have been really asurpotive person in our swimming lessons programs,gardening,cleaning the compound, helping with our dad who is sick , nice time with our project orphans,painting, Making steps and cooking.
You have strengthened our mission in environment conservation by the Jack fruit tree you planted we shall always miss you and… read more

(Good )

31 Mar 2017

Left by Workawayer (Penny) for host (Help at an Eco Village and ...)

My time with Katto, Josh, mom, dad, and the community has been a super positive time.

Initially, my plan was to stay for just two weeks. Now...it might extend to two months.

The project is in a beautiful location in the middle of Lake Bunyonyi. There are many things to do from construction, meeting children in the schools, swimming lessons… read more

(Excellent )

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