gvi case studies - kerin eaton

8/8/2019 GVI Case Studies - Kerin Eaton

1/3

GVI Volunteer Case Study

Name: Kerin Eaton

Age: 20

Gender: Female

Country of Residence: U.S.A

Start Date: August 1st 2010

Volunteer Program: South Africa Sports Program

Read on to find out more about Kerin's experience...!

GVI - What were your initial reactions when arriving on the project?

Kerin - On our training day before the first day on actual project, the new

volunteers were given the opportunity to preview what life was like everyday at

the site. After seeing other volunteers work and interact with the kids, I could notwait to start my first day. At first I was unsure of how the kids would respond to

the sports program, but soon found they could not have been more enthusiastic.

All of the children were so excited to get out of the classroom and play a variety

of sports with the volunteers. Overall, I was so impressed with the participation

and zeal of both the volunteers and the kids.

GVI - What was the best thing about your trip?

Kerin - The best thing about my trip was being a member of the sports program.

I could not have chosen a better project to be a part of and truly had the

experience of a lifetime. All of the projects at our Gordons Bay site were

remarkable in their own ways, but I think the kids enjoyed the sports program

the most. Before GVI arrived at the ACJ school in the Nomzamo township, the

children had no physical education incorporated into their schedules whatsoever.

All of the kids were so athletic and had so much energy that working with them

was an absolute pleasure. Seeing the children smile and have fun was such an

incredible reward within itself and made me feel so thankful to have the

opportunity to work with them.


2/3

GVI - What do you feel you gained from going away with GVI?

Kerin - Volunteering with GVI in South Africa helped me gain perspective and

come to terms with what is important to me and what I want to do with my life.

Although I donated my time to work and assist the children at the ACJ school,

they gave so much more back to me in return. Their overwhelmingly positive

attitudes despite all they are lacking in life made me realize how important it is

to live everyday to its fullest and not sweat the small things. Quality of life is so

much more important to me than a large paycheck, and I want to find a career

that will allow me to help those in need thrive and flourish.

GVI - Is there a particular memory or interesting story you can tell us?

Kerin - My favourite memory of my time in South Africa was simply walking into

the school every morning. The students and teachers were so welcoming and

friendly to all the volunteers. Every morning as the kids headed into their

classrooms, they would run over to high-five or hug myself and the other

volunteers. It was such an incredible feeling to feel appreciated and welcome in

entirely different culture than my own, and made me realize how fortunate I wasto be a part of such an extraordinary experience.

GVI - Has going away with GVI changed your life in any particular way? (eg: did

you find love, decide to change your career? etc)

Kerin - Before travelling with GVI I was unsure of what career I wanted to pursue

in the future. I was interested in the field of education, but was never quite sure

it would be the right fit for me. After my experience working with the kids at the

ACJ school in South Africa I have made the decision to definitely follow in the

path of education. Although I only had two weeks with the kids, it was by far the

most rewarding experience of my life. I would like to continue feeling that I am

giving back to others in the future, and my experience with GVI made this clear

to me.

GVI Why would you recommend GVI to your friends?


3/3

Kerin - I would recommend GVI to friends because I personally had such a

positive experience on my trip. It was the perfect way to experience a different

culture but also assist in a great cause and help those in need. The people I met

were amazing, both GVI volunteers and locals. I formed incredible bonds and

made great friends after only two weeks. When my time volunteering with GVIwas up, I was so sad to leave and wanted nothing more than to stay. I think it

would be impossible to not enjoy your time on a GVI trip. Assisting others is such

a worthwhile experience within itself, but being able to do so abroad is truly

indescribable.

About Global Vision International (GVI)

GVI is an internationally based volunteer abroad organisation which offers

volunteer programs in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Formed in 1998, GVI provides support and services to international charities,

non-profits and governmental agencies through volunteering opportunities and

direct funding, filling a critical void in the fields of environmental research,

conservation, education and community development. Various types of overseas

volunteer work are offered including volunteer holidays, gap year volunteering,

short term volunteering, long term volunteering, volunteer internships, intern

abroad programs, student volunteer abroad programs and employee

volunteering trips abroad. Available subjects include marine biology,environmental research, teaching and scuba diving courses in various locations

around the world.

For more information on volunteering abroad, please visit http://www.gviusa.com

or http://www.gvi.co.uk.
http://www.gviusa.com/http://www.gvi.co.uk/http://www.gvi.co.uk/http://www.gviusa.com/

gvi case studies - kerin eaton

Documents