Our Volunteer Program

Since early August and late September respectively, two volunteers from Germany have been assisting us with our diverse tasks involving the children. One of the helpers, Fleur Igler, joined us through the "Weltwärts" program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This program is facilitated by ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency). "Weltwärts" covers all costs for the volunteers' stay, primarily including flights, health insurance, monthly pocket money, an introductory and concluding seminar, and intensive on-site support from ADRA staff. Dunia ya Heri is responsible for accommodation and lodging. Our volunteers cover the costs of their residence permits themselves.

The other volunteer, Meike Beer, is completing a three-month internship with us as part of her pedagogy studies at the University of Bamberg. Unfortunately, she will be leaving us before Christmas. Meike found us online while searching for a suitable placement. Among many orphanages, we were her first choice, prompting her to contact us.

Our volunteers live in a small room on the ground floor of the orphanage. Here's their first impression:

"Greetings from Dunia ya Heri! We are Meike and Fleur, the first volunteers to stay at the orphanage for an extended period. I, Meike, am 22 years old and found Dunia ya Heri through a Google search, then made personal contact. I'm here for a total of three months. I work with the children, as I'm also pursuing a career as a primary school teacher in Germany."

"And I, Fleur, am 18 years old and have been here since the end of July. I came through "ADRA," supported by "weltwärts." I finished my A-levels in spring 2017 and decided to spend a total of nine months here for my Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). Currently, I'm responsible for the garden and also work with the children.

As you can see, there are various ways to utilize and contribute your skills. Above all, the landscape and surroundings offer versatility, and you get to know life outside the big city. The flora and fauna display a multifaceted diversity in the most beautiful way, and the nearby beach brings a lot of joy, especially during leisure time.

Overall, we feel like we're in a big family here. Thanks to the hospitality and openness, Dunia ya Heri has become like a new home for us. The children are already like siblings to us, and we get along very well with the mamas and workers. Even though there are sometimes obstacles like homesickness, we are not alone – Thomas and Beate are always there for us and help. We look forward to the time ahead and are excited about everything new."

It takes a good deal of courage to be willing to give up the comfortable life in Europe for a few months and immerse oneself in the reality of Africa – and that of most people in this world. It will certainly be an unforgettable time for our volunteers, and their commitment will also give them an understanding of the real needs and living conditions of other people. We are grateful for their service and want to encourage young people to invest a few months of their lives to get to know a completely different reality in this world.

Further information about the BMZ/ADRA volunteer program can be found at http://www.adra.de/mitarbeit/

Yours

Thomas Küsel

Vice Chair
Dunia ya Heri

Yours

Judith Klier

Chair
Dunia ya Heri

Donations

To help as many children as possible, we rely on donations. Thank you for your help.