By Edson Eduardo, Volunteer for Change team in April 2024
Hello!
My name is Edson Eduardo, I’m from Brazil, and I decided to write you and tell you a little bit about my amazing journey as a volunteer with CICD.
In January 2024, I joined CICD as a Gaia student, where I had the opportunity to raise a scholarship for my program. It was a great experience, working together with people from all over the world, sharing community life, and driving our effort to reach our goal together.
The first small steps to big changes
After the Gaia period, during our 3-month preparation for the projects in Africa, we were challenged in many different aspects, aiming to develop skills that would be used during our project period. 3 immersive months of studies, discussions, common meetings, knowledge exchange, decisions – choosing wisely our project, and finally getting ready to go!
Sounds interesting? Trust me, it is much more than you think!
6 months in Malawi with Humana People to People
I had chosen DAPP TTC Dowa, Malawi as my project. DAPP TTC is a Teacher Training College based in Dowa, where students are trained to become primary school teachers in the rural areas of Malawi.
The importance of this project is due to the fact that nowadays there is a huge need for teachers in Malawi, mostly in rural areas where there are many remote villages. As a development instructor, I had the opportunity to be part of the change in many ways, supporting teachers and students, taking leadership in activities and tasks, and sharing knowledge through workshops, presentations, and lessons.
I had to be resourceful, learning and teaching how to use available local resources, such as recycling for example. I was working shoulder by shoulder with the teachers and students in the Building Weekends, motivating, encouraging and empowering people, not only with words, but with practical actions.
The power of the community
Being in Malawi for six months was a great opportunity to learn and see the power of the community. People gathering their effort and strength to make things happen, to promote changes and a better life for each other.
Invitation for you!
After the project period in Malawi, I have been in Madrid and Budapest with my team mates for our Bringing it to the Public period. For two weeks, we shared our experiences through an exhibition showing pictures, local clothes, and many local materials from Malawian artists. It was such a pleasure to take Malawi with us to Europe and inspire people with our message!
That is how I could contribute for six months, and that is how you also can be part of this. Maybe in farming, education, and health projects, wherever you are, you can be helpful and fruitful. If you are looking for an opportunity to travel with purpose, get connected with people, and make changes, I do encourage you not to do this alone; join us! Let’s do it together!
I wish you a new year full of transformation, wise decisions, and inspiration to get start a new journey with us at CICD.
What do you think about this? I look forward to hear from you – contact me to schedule a call or just get some more information! Email:
