The End is the Beginning
on It began in Africa (Kenya), 09/May/2012 07:58, 34 days ago
This blog is turning into a terrible death scene in one of those Old Westerns, we've been shot, its all over but we'll cough and splutter right up until the end.I have recently finished being a VSO volunteer, I still have reports and an exit interview to complete. And I am not ending triumphantly, there is still lots to do which I can no longer take part in, I am thinking I could have done more, I could have done things differently, I worry that what little I have achieved may not last beyond the time I get on a plane.But I have to remind myself, I'm not the hero of this story. VSO does a fine job in its recruitment making it all about the volunteer, telling people about the changes that volunteers make all over the world and they do make that change but they don't do it alone. VSO's motto for years has been "sharing skills, changing lives" and that always involves at least two people. So, the volunteer has to be the right person in the right place at the right time and they have to work with the right people in their right place in their right time. Its no wonder it doesn't work out all the time.That's not to say I'm unhappy with the work that I have done, but I didn't feel like I got out of first gear very often and the frustration still stings (I'd be worried if it didn't). The work I have done, I am proud of: starting with RAFODE, where the immediacy of the work and the tangible impact was fantastic, and all credit to Ricky for making that happen to be honest.Having the opportunity to chair the VSO Committee at a challenging time definitely made use of my softer skills. It was fantastic being able to bring in and work with all these highly skilled and enthusiastic VSO volunteers.And here at KAIH, there have been ups and downs and staff changes but our Training of Trainers went so much better than expected. Going into the field and seeing people use their new skills was definitely a highlight of my placement.Before I go, both Allys and I will spend a few days working at Il Ngwesi, which we are really looking forward to, you may have heard us mention their eco lodge once or twice. It'll be a nice way to say good bye to Kenya.After that, we go home. Older, definitely. Wiser, maybe. And a new adventure begins...