Along with myself and 16 other Child and Youth Worker students from the St. Lawrence College had the opportunity of a live time. We all fundraiser and worked extremely hard to be able to even partake in this trip, we raised over $60,000 just to go to Africa and have enough supplies and things like that while we were down there. We stayed at a place right on the Indian Ocean (Beatrices House) in a community called Watamu, This was one of the most amazing places I have ever been too, it had made me take into consideration a lot of things in my life, and how lucky we actually all are to be able to get this opportunity. Throughout the mission there were many communication barriers and struggles along the way, but nothing that couldn't be handled or reconsidered in the future. Rustic Travel did a great job the best that they could do with what they had, also room for improvement in every organization and Rustic is one of them.But nothing matter to the students and staff of the trip, i didnt care what I was doing a everyday basis, and nor did I care as long as I got to be helping people and interacting with the community. We worked at the Gede Clinic in Watamu, we also visited 3 different orphanages throughout Watamu as well, which was the overall greatest experiences of my life. Another amazing thing I get to say I did in Africa was DELIVER A BABYYY, which was absolutely amazing in itself and something i will never forget. Throughout the trip is was an overall amazing time and for sure would encourage anyone else to take advantage of such an opportunity when it is available. This trip is something I think about everyday, and reflect on and something I for sure want to keep a part of my life for years and years to come. Cheers!
Rustic Volunteer and Travel
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What's this?
8.6 / 10
after 34 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.rustic-volunteer-travel.com/
I recently went to Kenya with my school program and I must say that this experience has truly affected my life. Having a representative from Rustic Volunteer with us to me provided additional support and insight into what it meant to be a volunteer in Kenya. Our rustic representative helped us to make connections with the local people, allow us exposure to the life of a Kenyan, thier resiliance and beauty. In the future I would feel comfortable not going with a representative as I was able to make my own connections with local professionals and those who gave us a place to stay for the duration of our time there. I do think though, that for first time visitors it is highly reccomended to have someone from an organization, like Rustic to help guide you through your experiences in whatever country you choose!
All and all this was an experience I will never forget and feel fortunate to have had the opportuntiy to share so much with the wonderful people of Kenya!
Program:
Location:
Posted: April 12, 2012
Overall:
7
Support:
9
Value:
10
By: TaraRob
Age:
24
A group of 15 students and 2 faculty members arranged a seventeen day trip to Kenya. This trip was a life changing experience. The staff who worked at the house were amazingly sweet and fun characters to be around. We were located right by the ocean, in a very secluded atmosphere, which contributed to the serenity of the place.
Our guide was very flexible with regards to allowing us to experience new activities and positions within the Watamu community. He effectively listened to our desires and goals, implementing change where needed.
We were able to successfully lay the foundation and walls of a maternity clinic in Gede (a local village), as well as work in a variety of different orphanages.
This was a very successful and thoroughly rewarding trip. I would suggest this program to others looking to volunteer at a reasonable price.
Kenya is a great place to visit. The people are so full of love and their values are now those that I strive for within my own life. I hope to go back within the next year.
Program:
Location:
Posted: April 2, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: Erin Grace
Age:
25
+++ WARNING - FAKE REVIEW +++ THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN DEEMED A FAKE AND RATINGS MOVED TO ZERO. PLEASE SEE COMMENTS BY ABROAD REVIEWS ADMIN BELOW +++ I had a great experience volunteering in Guatemala. I loved my host family and every one very friendly. I enjoyed learning about the culture and bettering my Spanish skill. I enjoyed the orphanage and the kids were amazing, I just wished there was much more we could have done to help them. Overall my experience was an amazing, I thank for rustic team giving this opportunity to help destitute children of this world. I definitely recommend rustic volunteers and travel to all who is planning to volunteer in Guatemala.
Program:
Location:
Posted: February 1, 2012
Overall:
0 (worst)
Support:
0
Value:
0
By: Katie
Age:
23
Comments
- By: Abroad
- Age: 35
- Experienced User
- Posted: Feb 1, 2012
+++ THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN DEEMED A "FAKE REVIEW" BY THE ABROAD REVIEWS TEAM. THE REVIEW WAS SUBMITTED FROM AN IP ADDRESS IN THE SAME BLOCK AS THE RUSTIC VOLUNTEER OFFICES. THE USER (A 23 YEAR OLD FEMALE) DID NOT REPLY TO ANY EMAILS ASKING HER TO VERIFY HER IDENTITY. THE USER HAS NO FACEBOOK PROFILE AFFILIATED TO HER EMAIL. IF THE REVIEW IS GENUINE, THE USER CAN CONTACT THE ABROAD REVIEWS TEAM AND ON PROVING HER IDENTITY THESE NOTES WILL BE REMOVED. +++
The Rustic volunteer program has exactly fit my needs in every way. The program supervisor, Deo Peter was available for our various needs,including assignments to programs and , transportation to the projects.
My experience here for 8 weeks has been incredible, the kids at Upendo orphanage were so nice and lovely, i had a 3 hour safari to the Arusha national park it was very nice though it was short time, but there are other places you could go for safari like Manyara national park, Tarangire national park, Ngorongoro and serengeti national park as well.you can arrange this with Deo for more help.
One thing that didn't make me happy is that the younger volunteers at the house were so demanding towards Deo, asking him to do things which wasn't his Job such as calling him to take them places and he's not a taxi driver, i think that was the only thing that bugged me..Eva the house mother was so great, she makes good meals for us every day, she keeps the house clean as well. also Saby who is Deo's friend was so good to us too.
All in all my experience is something that i will never forget, I got to learn a lot from the Tanzanian culture which i think all volunteers should learn when here in Tanzania. the way they respect the elders and how friendly the people of Tanzania are. it was a great experience for me.I recommend Rustic volunteers for your traveling and volunteering. God bless you all
Program:
Location:
Posted: January 22, 2012
Overall:
9
Support:
8
Value:
8
Age:
74
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