Shana Ferreira as an ESC volunteer from Portugal at BMCTI between November 2023 and February 2024, she has been able
contributed to VC’s objective of improving access to human rights by the elderly group through a number of activities such as advocacy, training, day gatherings, kitchen gardening for elderly, home visits, and networking etc. She also participated in intercultural events such as local food preparations, kitchen gardening, interacting with children and visiting some local key places in the area.
As an international volunteer, Shana has had a unique experience interacting with local people with different context in all aspects including cultural diversity. This gave her an opportunity to look at the world from a different perspective i.e. there are many people out there facing challenges but remain positive which motivated her to remain positive regardless of challenges she might face in life.
This experience enabled her to learn some skills such as communication, kitchen gardening; responding to needs of others like when she bought a radio and a blood sugar test machine for two elderly people; interacting with local people and other international volunteers & workers; learning how to prepare local foods and learning local language-Rutooro; and visiting some local social places.
Although she has had an impact on her life in a positive way, she faced some challenges such as cultural shock as the two cultures are totally different; difficulties in getting used to local foods; feeling lonely as she was on individual volunteering despite working alongside local staff and language barriers despite people being receptive and welcoming.
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