The easiest way to sum up my time at the Livingstone Sports and Community Development project is that there simply wasn’t enough of it. This project really challenged the way I viewed community outreach programs and just how effective they can be. I was skeptical about doing a community project as you don’t always hear good things about them, but this project in Livingston truly is inspirational in its scope and just how much positive work it has achieved in the community.
I was lucky enough to be there to see their quarterly review presentation and the stats they showed us proved definitively what a positive impact every single community outreach program there was having. And that’s one of the best parts of this program, they keep track of all the volunteer hours and goals and outcomes achieved from them and you’re able to see the bigger picture that you and the other volunteers are contributing too. Not only that, but you get the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of those projects. I thought I was going just to run sports programs, but I got to do so much more than just that and I’m so grateful for that opportunity to do so.
Not only was the work I got to do there inspiring, the people I met there and amazing scenery made it even more unforgettable. The staff at the projects are all amazing human beings and you bond so quickly with the other volunteers because you’re all there to make a difference and that really helps bond you. The local community is also so appreciative of what we do and getting to see the children’s faces light up every day when they see you just makes you feel so happy that you can have that kind of impact on them.
I would go back in a heartbeat and certainly will the next chance I get. I will be recommending this project to everyone I know back home. It’s not just for your regular volunteering, do good people, anyone can do this project and anyone can come here and make a difference. I met so many different volunteers from different countries and every single one of them loved it at the projects and I hope to see them all there again one day.
