What I Experienced Living Locally
While volunteering in Cebu, Sarah expected to lend a hand—but what she found was something far
"... an issue of justice.."
Áine Levis writes a blog after completing the 2023 Volunteer Programme in Mazabuka, Zambia. Áine’s points out that her reflection will leave a lasting impact on her life.
As I travel home from Zambia, I find myself reflecting on my experience over the past month. Although it was an amazing experience which I’m so grateful to have been a part of, it has made me realize that it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen and definitely not the end.
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.
Through experiencing the development work that SERVE is carrying out with the Assumption Parish Community and its partners which include St. Bakhita’s (Good Samaritan) House, the Youth Centre, Luyobolola Primary school, Flamboyant school, St. Patrick’s Secondary school and the Lukavilla Arts Centre, it has made me more aware of the importance of offering support in a way that helps local communities like Mazabuka to become more self-sustainable.
This ethos has completely changed my perspective on what my role currently is and the potential for what my role could be. It has also made me more aware of the impact that my everyday decisions have on the world around me.
I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
These include the choices I make in terms of where I choose to spend and donate my money, who and what I choose to vote for and/or advocate for, how I choose to act, what I choose to say, how I choose to spend my time and the new perspectives that I choose to open my mind to. Each decision has an impact and it is our responsibility as to what kind of impact that will be.
This sense of awareness and autonomy is so important as there is still so much work to be done in order to achieve equal opportunities for communities like Mazabuka. I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
… it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen…
I would once again like to thank everyone that donated and supported me. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me surpass my fundraising goal in order to help support Assumption Parish and its partners.
I would also like to thank SERVE, my team leaders and my fellow volunteers as well as our partners in Mazabuka who welcomed us into their community with open arms. Thank you all so much!
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.
Latest Posts
Rethinking What it Means to Help
Louis reflects on how his understanding of development work changed during his time in the field.
Why I Chose to Volunteer: It Was Never About Wanderlust
When Tess decided to volunteer in Mozambique and India with SERVE, it wasn’t about travel or
You may also like
What I Experienced Living Locally
While volunteering in Cebu, Sarah expected to lend a hand—but what she found was something far deeper. Immersed in the traditions of the Badjao community, she discovered a culture of deep respect, shared responsibility, and quiet generosity. In this reflection, Sarah explores how her time in the Philippines reshaped her understanding of community, wealth, and what it truly means to belong.
Rethinking What it Means to Help
Louis reflects on how his understanding of development work changed during his time in the field. What began as a focus on helping and completing tasks became a deeper lesson in listening, partnership, and supporting local efforts. This blog explores the shift from doing for communities to working with them — and the value found in small, shared moments along the way.
Why I Chose to Volunteer: It Was Never About Wanderlust
When Tess decided to volunteer in Mozambique and India with SERVE, it wasn’t about travel or ticking boxes—it was about solidarity, education, and real human connection. In this powerful reflection, she shares how volunteering shaped her identity as an educator and global citizen, and why SERVE’s community-led approach made all the difference.
Join our Newsletter
Subscribe today for free and stay up to date with our latest news and events.
