The wider role of the volunteer

Map where Filipino VSO volunteers are

In my batch, Filipino volunteers were sent to India, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, Vanuatu, Burkina Faso, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.  Some of them have been assigned in Malawi, and Tanzania, and are re-volunteering.  There were special needs teachers, medical practitioners, agriculturists, IT specialists, corporate people, like me.

vsobahaginan.org.ph

new logo

Once a volunteer gets confirmation that a placement is available at the preferred dates and location, the next phase is a training called the Wider Role of the Volunteer.  The facilitators are mostly former or returning volunteers.  The emphasis of the training is managing the volunteer's expectations from the job.  Should the volunteer act as a boss, a know-it-all person?  Should you force through your ways as the best ways?  What if the local colleagues just disregard you, as if you don't exist?

My favorite spot at the training venue

What if they expect you to do miracles, dole-out favors, give an occasional dinner bash?  What if you are harassed or physically assaulted?  What if you feel frustrated, can't adjust,  and want to give up?  These and many more are the uncertainties that the WRV training aims to answer.  I created an eGroup and at the start everybody was posting - about the weather, food, people, language, work. I wonder how they are doing now as I am getting a few posts lately.

WRV, Lake Island Resort, Angono, Rizal

I am certain though that they are safe because VSO does not put volunteers in conflict areas.  When the going gets rough, I always remind myself what our trainer used to say............................... You have to make it work.