Include in ICS blog navigation: 
1
Include in DW blog navigation: 
0

My Progressio ICS journey

It all started with the expectation of securing a job where I would be able to develop, particularly my skills and capacities. Before I embarked on Progressio ICS’ volunteering programme, I did not know what volunteering meant, nor could I have imagined the ways that I could help other less fortunate people. One day a friend spoke to me about it and explained it to me, but in a way that I did not understand very well the context. He explained it like it was a job where occasionally we would have to do construction work.

Blog: 

The impact of Progressio ICS on my life

Progressio ICS (International Citizen Service) is a development programme for UK young adults and those from developing countries, who volunteer communities that are in the most need of change. 

I wanted to take part in the programme and join a team of volunteers to help the community to bring about some change, and I was selected to take part.

To be honest, I never imagined that Progressio could bring about so many changes in each of the communities it worked with.

Blog: 

Nicaragua: Hasta luego Parcila!

Our time in Parcila has come to an end and it has been an interesting and quick three months. We’ve now grown accustomed to the quirky rituals of life in this village, from the cockerels call at 4am (I will murder that animal before I leave) and saying hello to every member of the community.

I’d like to say the project has been a success, having completed the construction of the 17 eco-stoves, two eco-ovens, 20 water filters, continuing to raise awareness on gender equality and climate change and engaging with the community.

Blog: 

Nicaragua: Looking back and thinking forward

We’re now in our last week in El Bramadero, the end of the project is approaching and it’s beginning to sink in that soon we’re going to be leaving this beautiful place. We’re preparing ourselves to say tearful goodbyes to the national volunteers and host families who have taken us in and made us truly welcome in their community (cue the water-works). We’ve started to reflect on everything we’ve learnt and experienced in Nicaragua and begun to think of what the dreaded reality of life post-ICS (commonly known as ‘real life’) may hold for us…

Blog: 

Nicaragua: A tense week

Due to a water shortage, on Thursday evening I was ‘forced’ to bathe in the river by my host home just as the sun was setting. Swimming in a clear river, with fireflies providing a low yet scenic light, watching a perfect sunset was really the antidote to what has been a tense week.

When I refer to a tense week, I’m not talking about how busy it has been but how the living situation, how close we are to the end, the weekly conversations with loved ones back home and  the work out here is starting to show on everybody’s faces.

Blog: 

Nicaragua: The countdown begins

As this week comes to an end, the following phrases have now been reiterated by both Nicas and Brits:

Brits: “Where has the time gone?!”, “I don’t want to leave”, “How are we going to cope?”, “Can we take the Nicas and our host families with us?” and “Do you reckon we’ll have any alcohol tolerance after three months dry?”

Nicas: “Are you going to miss us? We will miss you!”, “I’ll cry when you leave” and “Can you take me with you to London?” 

Blog: 

Nicaragua: Rob wants to write a blog

It’s week eight out of 10 in El Bramadero - 51 days in - and for the 50th time I’ve been drawn out of my sleep by the dawn chorus created by the weird and wonderful creatures around my home. Sounds romantic right? Wrong. The cockerels and chickens usually get things going pretty early on - normally around 4 o’ clock - but if they’re in a particularly sprightly mood they might get the ball rolling at 2. 

Blog: 

Happy International Volunteer Day: Why you should volunteer

Choosing to volunteer abroad was probably one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life. It’s a bold statement for the first sentence of a blog, however, I can fully back it up and explain why volunteering was good for me and how it can be good for anyone and everyone out there (even you).

Blog: 

Pages