Volunteers returning after their successful time away

It's been a busy week with numerous volunteers coming back to the UK after their Changing Worlds placements. The feedback is most encouraging. These are just a few reports we gained this week:

From Alice who has just got back from Ghana writes:
'Hi David, Just a quick email to say thankyou so much for the opportunity you gave me to go too Ghana. I had a amazing time and its something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The school was fantastic, the kids were incredible and Francis (although he takes ghana maybe time to a whole new level!) was brilliant when ever you needed him he was there. (eventually! ) I defintely want to go travelling again and no doubt you will be hearing from me hopefuly this time next year once I have some money again! Many Thanks once again. Alice'

From Jess who has just returned from India. Jess writes:
'Hi,Just wanted to let you know I have arrived home safe and sound and to say a big thank you for everything, especially with organising my flight back etc. I also wanted to find out when the next India volunteers prep w/e was and to see if I could come along to help as someone with 'experience' because talking about India for two days solid would be a dream come true and I found talking to Sophie so useful before we went so wanted to repay the favour. Many thanks, speak soon,Jess

..and Amy from Kenya writes:
'Dear David and Shirley, I returned from Kenya about a week and half ago - I am sorry I have not got in touch with you sooner, there seems to be a lot to organise when you arrive back after 4 months! Anyway I wanted to write and thank you so much for the best 4 months of my life in Kenya. I have sent off my questionarre recently which i hope will help in your inquiries and also convey this sentiment as well. Everything about my time in Kenya was amazing - from working with the children, to everyday life in Nakuru and the varied and incredible travelling we did. About 8 of us travelled around a lot of the country such as Nanyuki, Naivasha (Hell's Gate National Park), Mombasa and Lamu, Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, Kisumu by Lake Victoria and Ambroseli national Park by Mount Kilamanjaro.

Everywhere we went we had an amazing time and the whole country is so beautiful there was always another sight to take our breath away! I am sending some pictures of the kids at Kiamaina and at Pistis and one of us by Lake Baringo. If you would like me to send any more then I would be happy to - also if you need anyone to come in and talk to new volunteers about to go out I would love to tell them what an amazing time they are about to have! So thank you again and hope to talk soon, Amy'

and Rebecca's mum Jane reinforces the point:
'Dear David,
Thank you so much for enabling Rebecca to have such a wonderful experience in Kenya. As you know she arrived back in England early Monday morning full of all sorts of exciting tales and 10,000 photos!!!!
It was extremely reassuring to know that she had your backing and Karanja in Nakuru if she needed anything at all, nothing was too much trouble. In fact I think Rebecca has become firm friends with Karanja and his lovely family. Her own host family were more than accommodating and it showed that you really have done the ground work so that the volunteers could make the most of their stay in Kenya. We as parents were able to relax knowing there was help just around the corner if necessary.
All the advise and meetings you gave before departure helped tremendously too, I would thoroughly recommend Changing Worlds for a brilliant gap year experience.
Rebecca can't wait to return and I'm sure she would be happy to support you in any way she can.
Thank you so much from two very happy parents.
Kind Regards,
Jane Siddall'

More updates to follow...

Holly and Ciorstan dress it up in China

Ciorstan and Holly, presently on their teaching placement to Nanshun in China, thought they would get fully immersed in to the local culture over the weekend and this was the result.

Holly writes:
'Hello,
No, oddly enough It was just a normal saturday! but theres lots of shops which will do photoshoots of you traditional chinese costume for very little - I think 20 photos in an album plus the hair and costume and everything was about 20pounds. I would reccomend anyone to do it - They do mens army robes with the swords and everything.
Even without the dressing up its a fascinating day to just to see old traditional costume and to understand what the poor chinese women had to go through every day in ancient times just to get dressed. I had 4 blocks of wood on my head and about half a box of christmas tree decorations to create that hair! Weirdly enough, it was the less elaborate of my three hairstyles!
Keep in Touch,
Holly

Wow...what an amazing experience!

Phil Holden - Dad to Becky says 'Thanks'

Phil Holden writes:

To all at 'Changing world's'.

We have recently returned from a 2 week holiday to Kenya to meet our daughter, Rebecca. She is half way through a 6 month placement in Nakuru.
Whilst wholly in favour of the concept of a gap year, we were obviously concerned that our daughter should go with a reputable company with support in Kenya , should the need arise.
Having spoken to our daughter regularly since she arrive in Kenya , and now having met her again, and with the local people, we have been very pleased with the preparation before the placement, and with the help and support given to the students to help them settle into a completely new way of life. We have been particluarly pleased with the host, Karanja Kibunja, and his family and friends, who have gone out of their way to help and provide for the volunteers. We have noticed many changes in our daughter, such as increased confidence and self esteem, and have been delighted with the comments we received from the people that Rebecca lives or works with. This has clearly been a very good placement for her and the other volunteers that we spoke to.
Please pass on our thanks to the team, especially Karanja and his family.
PS. Someone have a word with Karanja about his taste in footbal!!!
Best wishes
Phil Holden