By Randy Perillo | Experienced AYUDA Volunteer
~Something new for an Experienced Volunteer~
Having been involved with AYUDA since 2009, I have been fortunate to participate in Campo Amigo in Ecuador, Ganémosle in the Dominican Republic, and most recently in the Haiti Pilot Program. Each program has been challenging, unique, impactful and rewarding.
When I talk with people about international volunteerism, I find that while most are extremely interested, they are often reserved about whether they can actually make a difference. This is a fair question, and particularly because the work we do at AYUDA is not first-responder type emergency work. Our work is about long-term results that can only be observed over time. It isn’t easy, but few worthy endeavors are.
AYUDA’s expertise was on full display in the pilot program of Haiti, which was a figurative and literal new frontier for the organization. In many ways it mirrored some of AYUDA’s classic traits: an intense focus on understanding the local context, a round-the-clock care approach to working with campers, and the can-do mentality to providing an incredible life experience to everyone involved.
Working with our partner FHADIMAC in this capacity for the first time meant giving up control of some of the planning, and trusting our partner to fill the gaps. As with any pilot program, there is a lot to learn. The great news is that the program was a success; FHADIMAC is extremely pleased with our work and the campers were thrilled!. It can’t be said enough how important it is to have a strong local partner in country. Without FHADIMAC we would be unable to do our work, which is what makes AYUDA’s team building expertise so important.
Working with over 60 young people, the majority of whom spoke mainly or only Creole, was a challenge. We will work on how to manage the language barrier moving forward, but it didn’t stop us from teaching and learning from the campers. Haiti, with all its beauty, amazing food, kind people and warm climate, was a wonderful host country. I couldn’t have left more impressed with this nation that is far more compelling than the media might portray.
I am extremely proud to have been a part of this program and am energetic about engaging other volunteers to participate in the future. There is a great need for the work we do with AYUDA in Haiti. Through the work of the organization and Merith Basey in particular, the stage is now set for a long and prosperous camp program for next year and beyond.
Written by Randy Perillo (Campo Amigo Ecuador 2009, Ganémosle 2013, Haiti 2014).
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