Chiara Cucci as an ESC volunteer from Italy at VC
Uganda between June and September 2023,
successfully contributed to VC’s objective of increasing her visibility by preparing social media materials into blogs, videos, photos for social media platforms on Facebook, LinkedIn, Tiktok and YouTube. She also participated in mentoring partners on social media content creation; partner field visits, intercultural events all of which facilitated learning in the process.
As an international volunteer, Chiara had a very unique experience interacting in a totally new context with new people of diverse cultures that impacted her life as an individual. The experience influenced her self-esteem positively; developed social skills such as giving feedback, communication, resolving conflicts etc.; taught her valuable skills such as making & editing videos, clothes hand-washing, learnt a new language Luganda, cultural dances & practices such as the clan system in Buganda kingdom etc.; brought fun into her life making her happy, made new friends and felt a sense of community, and gave her a new meaning of life by exploring the context in the global south -Uganda.
However, the challenges of cultural differences where she had to balance cultures for a more neutral ground; language barrier especially from the non-English speaking groups in addition to having a short period of engagement would not go unnoticed.
On the other hand, Project mentor support and appropriate advice and guidance played a big role in making the whole experience interesting while facilitating inter-cultural learning.
Comments