I have so many amazing memories from the trip - nearly standing on a Fer-de-lance, a Boa Constrictor in the shower block, watching hummingbirds feed in the flowers around base, the gruelling 15-mile Jag walk along the beach, sitting on the beach watching the incredible sunrise and much more.

A particularly interesting memory was when myself and two volunteers found a lost Green Turtle one morning that had somehow gone the wrong way and ended up some distance from the beach. They are big, heavy animals and there was no way the three of us could physically move it. It was still moving and we managed to turn it in the right direction and try and direct it back towards the beach. Unfortunately, we then disturbed a wasp nest and had to retreat back to base.

Later that day one of the afternoon survey teams found what we can only presume was the same turtle, some half a mile or so away, and still some way from the beach. It was now severely exhausted and de-hydrated. Runners came back to base and me and a few others came out to help. We bought a couple of hammocks and using them as makeshift slings managed to actually lift the turtle. It took four of us to do it and it was quite the effort, particularly with me still having a sore head from an earlier wasp sting! Nevertheless, we pushed on and managed to get the turtle down into the surf and the taste and feel of the cool salt water seemed to revive her one last time and she managed to haul herself into the sea and disappeared under the waves. We did tag and measure her whilst we had the opportunity, partly for the biometric information, and partly because there was a chance that we might find her again one night coming ashore to nest again. The more sentimental of the group named her Suerte (Luck in Spanish), but we never saw her again to be able to confirm that she survived her ordeal. Still, there is always the chance that in coming years, a survey team may come across her, coming to nest again. I hope so.

Among the most meaningful experiences to be treasured in my lifetime, the GVI project in Tsavo encompasses so many aspects of a global interest yet on a local scale, therefore making one’s contribution apparent and significant. The kindness and openness of the local communities in welcoming volunteers from abroad is matched by their determination to push for sustainable lifestyles. I was impressed by GVI’s professional and respectful attitude in regards the needs and desires of the local communities, allowing them to make the choices that will determine their future, yet providing them with the means to achieve their goals. The Tsavo region is a wildlife hotspot that cries out to be protected, yet this can only be achieved if the local communities are allowed to become stakeholders in safeguarding the natural resources for the future generations. GVI, in partnership with the WSPA, does just that, and has allowed us volunteers to perceive the identity of rural Kenya.

Playing football with the Mahandakini school children, building the huts with the enthusiastic Kamba people of Kidong or sharing a community meal with these brave villagers who forsook poaching for the environment  are dear memories that I’ll always thank GVI for. The project brings distant cultures together and, despite the negative perception we have in Europe of Africa in general (because of the media reports and the one-sided view of things in mainstream television), it has proven how much determination and how much hope there can be in this wonderful continent.

A growing number of volunteers are now coming from retired people or those having a career break . These are individuals who have more time, often a number of different experiences in the workplace. They see opportunities through GVI to use these in different ways to help local communities in different countries. My partner Tricia and I, are such a couple. We started off on a GVI building project in Peru, and this year moved to teaching English to Monks and Novices in Laos.  We enjoyed it so much we are returning next year. Why?  Well, quite simply we really enjoyed it and we were inspired by the local project leader and the high level of motivation of the students. Resources were often basic but the whole project was well planned by GVI.  We worked with a great group of other volunteers and the accommodation was good. We both felt that our combined contributions were making a real difference to students’ progress in speaking English. We also learned a lot about Laos culture and cuisine. After taking a cookery course while working in Luang Prabang I have now expanded my range of Asia dishes, but I miss my Beer Laos to go with them!

I am a science teacher and have done various Earthwatch projects and have been a TREC teacher and a Teacher at Sea. I was looking for something a little different as a volunteer experience and was surfing the net and found the GVI Laos trip, which looked very interesting.

Personally, I feel that I am giving back and making a huge difference in some young peoples lives and hopefully helping them break out of a cycle of poverty. Professionally, I think whenever you teach in areas outside your comfort zone it makes you a better teacher and some of the skills learned in Laos I am bringing back to the classroom in the US. I also bring back to my classroom stories of experiences from other countries to give them a perspective of what it is like in other places.

I've recently returned from the Yasawas, in Fiji, where I worked for 4 weeks in the GVI rainwater harvesting system construction project. Collecting fresh water is a priority there and GVI, in partnership with the Yasawa Trust Foundation, is already making a strong impact in people's everyday life. Nevertheless, this project is conceived in a holistic way, reflecting the conviction that development is a complex process and investing in education is always the best asset to preserve all kinds of material achievements. Therefore, I also had the opportunity to work at school and school related activities, as well as on the alternative gardens projects.

This all relates to my previous experience with GVI, in Latin America (Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador and twice in Nicaragua) where I worked for the Phoenix projects teaching at both GVI and state-run schools. Although these are mainly education projects, other activities make up a larger approach to community development , such as food security, intergeneration solidarity or environment sustainability.

All in all, I can say that my resolve to stay with GVI is due to its ability to constitute as a force for change in the world and a means for people to come together and contribute to that very goal.