A Diverse Group of Volunteers Train to Serve in Community Development
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In April 2026, the eight of us arrived at Richmond Vale Academy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to begin an experience that is already changing the way we see the world. In just a few months, we will continue our journey to Malawi, where we will volunteer with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP Malawi), working alongside local communities on projects focused on development, education, health, agriculture, and community empowerment.
A Diverse and United Team
Although we come from six different countries — Romania, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Poland, and the UK — we quickly discovered that we share many of the same hopes and motivations. Our team ranges in age from 18 to 62 years old, and that diversity has become one of our greatest strengths. We each bring different experiences, cultures, and perspectives, but we are united by a common desire to take action and contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
Purpose and Motivation
Many of us joined the program because we wanted to do more than simply talk about the challenges facing the world. We wanted to dedicate our time, energy, and abilities to supporting communities facing inequality and hardship. At the same time, we all came here with the understanding that volunteering is also about learning. We knew this experience would challenge us personally and politically, while helping us grow in practical and meaningful ways.
Preparation in the Caribbean
For the first three months of the program, we are living and studying together in the Caribbean as part of our preparation for Malawi. Even though we do not yet know the exact projects we will be joining, this training period has already taught us so much. Every day, we work together to build stronger communication and collaboration skills while sharing responsibility for maintaining the school and community around us. Living together so closely has pushed us to have open and honest conversations about our lives, cultures, and perspectives. Some team members are also improving their English skills, including by creating a “no Spanish” rule at times to encourage practice and immersion.
A major part of our preparation is learning about Malawi’s history, culture, and language. We are studying conversational Chichewa and discussing the historical and global systems that contribute to inequality in countries across the Global South. For many of us, topics like colonialism, exploitation, and global economic inequality were never deeply explored in our education before. Through classes and discussions at Richmond Vale Academy, we are learning to think more critically about the world and better understand the realities communities in Malawi may face. In many ways, this experience is opening our eyes to perspectives we had never considered before.
Beyond academics, we are also gaining practical skills that we hope will help us contribute more effectively in Malawi. We are learning about farming, building, pedagogy, and community organizing. We also participate in service activities in local communities, including fundraising efforts for orphanages and helping local families with home gardens. These experiences are teaching us the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and problem-solving.
Academics and Practical Learning
Of course, this experience is not only about hard work and study. One of the best parts of the program has been the people we have met along the way. We are making friends with local people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines while also meeting students, volunteers, and visitors from around the world at RVA. We participate in local events, celebrations, and cultural activities that help us feel connected to the community. RVA regularly hosts guests working on projects ranging from environmental conservation to education and health initiatives. Recently, for example, marine biologists visited the school to lead a coral restoration workshop, giving us the opportunity to learn about marine ecosystems and climate-related challenges affecting the Caribbean.
Looking Ahead to Malawi
As we continue preparing for Malawi, we are excited for what lies ahead. We know the experience will not always be easy, but we are ready to learn, work hard, and contribute however we can. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program and to work alongside communities striving to create positive change.
Programs like this are made possible in part through the support of Planet Aid, which recruits volunteers and provides financial assistance to qualifying participants as part of its mission to help strengthen communities around the world.
There is still time for others to join the next volunteer experience, which begins in October 2026. Anyone interested in making a difference, learning about the world, and being part of an international volunteer team is encouraged to apply.