Entries by Serve

Volunteering and the SDP (South Africa)

July 17, 2014 in , /by

By Siobhan Hughes (SERVE Development Programme Officer) We have been in South Africa for the past week documenting our partners who are receiving funding as part of Irish Aid’s 2012 – 2015 programme (SERVE’s Development Programme (SDP)). SERVE works in partnership with two local organisations in Rustenburg in the North West province of South Africa. […]

Week 2 – Morning Star

July 15, 2014 in /by

By Darren Hennelly Days go by swiftly at Morning Star, racing along with predictable similarities. Yet they are filled with dynamic moments which set them apart and leave lasting memories. Evidence to validate this contradiction is ubiquitous from the smiles on the faces of those who know little expression, to the endless handshakes and greetings […]

Week 2 – Sumanahalli

July 15, 2014 in /by

By Hannah Kielty Another great week was had out at Sumanahalli. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time is flying by! It was straight back into work on Monday after our leisurely weekend at NSK. Each morning from 9am – 11am Emily, Sam and I help out at the leprosy clinic in Ave Maria. […]

South Africa – Week 1 Blog

July 14, 2014 in /by

By Claire Murphy 6th July 2014 I woke to a stunning sunrise through the window of the airplane with not long to land, feeling very excited about the weeks ahead. The group have gelled really well in the last twenty-odd hours of travelling.  We landed in Johannesburg and were met by Michael, Simon and Charles.  Michael […]

Week 1 of volunteering in South Africa

July 14, 2014 in /by

‘Intensity!’ A word to describe coming to South Africa and volunteering – Intensity. South Africa exists in an almost paradoxical position for a modern nation. Things are so much better than they used to be, yet could be so much better still. It’s a complex country with complex problems and we here as SERVE volunteers […]

Week 1 – Bangalore

July 8, 2014 in /by

By Anne McGuiggan My overriding feeling when arriving in India was one of relief. Relief to have gotten here safely, relief to find that the heat wasn’t too overwhelming, and relief that I was finally here, that all the planning, fundraising and anticipation was going to become a reality. Since being here, I have found […]

Week 2 – Bangalore

July 8, 2014 in /by

By Sarah McConville After a long day and a half of travelling we finally arrived in Bangalore. The first thing I noticed was despite it being 32 degrees outside people where dressed in long skirts and trousers. I thought this would certainly not be the case a sunny day in Belfast and could already see […]

A day in the Nano Nagle Learning Centre, Badjao Tribe

July 8, 2014 in /by

By Heather Agnew We’re two weeks in and the heat is still hard to adjust to. It is pretty constant, and unless you fuel up on liquids it will take its toll on you – even at 6am in the morning! We are up at 6am every morning for breakfast with our family. They make […]

Badjao sports day at Holy Family Retreat House

July 3, 2014 in /by

By Eimear O’ Kane Today was an early start, travelling from our host families to Holy Family Retreat House for 9 am. Although getting up at 7.30 am as opposed to the usual 6.30 am rise is considered a lie-in! Getting to live with a host family is a very unique experience that we are […]

My second week with the Badjao Community in Cebu

July 3, 2014 in /by

By Laura Stack It’s our second week working with the Badjao Tribe. Between working on site and in school you learn so much. The Nano Nagle Learning Centre’s students have a simple uniform of navy skirts or pants and white top. The school day starts at 9am which commences session one. Session one is in […]