Interview with volunteer Rukiye.
Let’s begin with a hard one: Who are you?
I’m Rukiye, 26 years old, and I’m originally from Turkey, although I’ve been living in Denmark for some time. I’m almost done with my studies, and soon I’ll be able to say that I’m a graduate care worker. I already work in nursery schools where my focus is on early childhood development. Additionally, I hold two other positions: analyst and volunteer at Denmaoo.
Why did you decide to come to volunteer in Tanzania?
I have always wanted to come to Africa because, since I was a child, I have been dreaming of having an orphanage on this continent. I spent a long time searching the internet and visited many websites of different organisations. I noticed that AIT was the most cost-effective option, which also influenced my decision. A couple of months ago, I finally decided that February would be a good time to go. After that, I wrote to a Facebook group and asked if someone would be willing to come with me, as I was too afraid to go alone. Luckily, I got a girl to come with me, and now we have spent almost a month here. When I went to the country, I didn’t have a preference, but I couldn’t be happier that I chose Tanzania.
What kind of volunteer work have you been doing here?
Before coming here, I arranged a fundraiser through Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. My family and friends helped me share the message, and I was thrilled about how much I managed to collect, along with the money I put into it. With this money, I purchased a large number of toys from Denmark and brought them here, intending to donate them to the schools and nurseries. Playing is learning, and it especially improves children’s motor skills. That is why I wanted to bring toys here. It took from 1 to 2 weeks to visit different places, play with the children and give them the toys and games.
After that, we have been visiting more schools and orphanages, observing them and asking what kind of things they would need. Then I have been buying more things, such as backpacks, pens, books, and other school supplies, as well as toys, diapers, and food. I learnt that you need to be careful when doing this because, unfortunately, some people only want the money and don’t think about the children’s needs. I have, with the help of others, also arranged a day out with the children of Amani Orphanage, and we together cleaned and painted the walls of a nearby school. I have also been speaking with the leader of the orphanage about what it takes to establish an orphanage here, including how she started.
Has something surprised you here?
I did not expect Africa to be like this. The media gives us only one side of the continent: hunger, poverty, insecurity… Those things exist here, but still, it is so much more than that. I didn’t expect it to be this green, and many places remind me of other countries, even in Europe. In addition, the people, especially children, have surprised me because they get so happy with so little: just by seeing you. I must say that it feels like home here, and I feel at ease and safe. Before I came here, I was nervous and scared that something bad would happen to me, but here I haven’t felt fear at all. Despite that, it is essential always to be careful.
What has been the best thing here?
People. I’m shy when I don’t feel safe, and before this trip, I was scared that I wouldn’t find any friends. However, I’ve made many new friends, and I can converse with anyone here. It feels like I have a new family because I usually get homesick very quickly, but here I haven’t felt that at all.
What has not been that great?
The toilets… Hygiene is not very good here, and the dry toilets were initially unappealing; it took us two weeks to get used to them. However, that’s just a minor thing, and you learn to live with it.
What have you learnt during this trip, and what can you bring with you to Denmark?
When we were arranging the day out with the kids, it was the first time in my life when I had to be the leader, and people were asking me about everything. I had to step out of my comfort zone and do it because it was part of my plan. Now I feel that I can be responsible for these kinds of events and so many people. But especially here, I think you need locals to help you and people you can rely on. I’m glad that the team leaders helped me in so many ways.
This trip has been, in many ways, an eye-opening journey. I have learnt that I can’t do anything alone and that loyalty is essential. I have acquired many new contacts who could help me when I begin working towards my dream: establishing my orphanage. But the most important thing I got from here is friends.
Tessa
