Volunteering With Children Changes Lives

by Guest Author | Sep 9, 2024 | Global Health, Volunteers

Volunteering with World Hope International’s Enable the Children (ETC) program in Sierra Leone proves that people can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

We (Lilian and Genda) worked alongside children with disabilities for a full year, from September 2023 to August 2024.

Lilian working with ETC child

A Year of Growing, Learning

We both have degrees in early childhood care and education, so we knew we had much to give. The ETC physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pastoral social work teams, however, taught us far beyond what we had learned in classrooms. We gained real experience.

We attended child protection training, chaired case conferences, represented the organization at events, and participated in online courses, such as leadership and child development through Physiopedia. Each experience sharpened our skills and prepared us to be better service providers.

Building Skills

Working directly with children living with disabilities changed our lives. We learned new approaches to support children living with disabilities. Whether facilitating playgroups for children younger than 7, entering data or writing feedback reports, every task deepened our understanding of the challenges and joys of working with children.

We helped run disability and teacher training, assisted with child sponsorship updates, spoke on a radio show and enjoyed ETC Beach Day with the children and staff.

Genda mentoring an ETC child

Lilian and Genda with ETC staff on Beach Day

A Changed Perspective on Disability

Our ETC experience changed us. In Sierra Leone, our culture has perpetuated negative perceptions about people living with disabilities. But because of our time as ETC volunteers, now we see every child’s strengths, potential and abilities. As educators, we are committed to creating inclusive, equal spaces in early childhood centers and communities. ETC strengthened our advocacy skills and grew our compassion for all children, regardless of their abilities.

We thank World Hope International Sierra Leone and ETC for the support, love and guidance they showed us. Our volunteer experience shapes how we serve and care for others. We are honored to have been part of a mission that changes children’s lives and those of volunteers and caregivers, too.