Kimberley Purdy, Volunteer in Ghana

Kimberly Purdy, 20, Volunteer in 2011

This trip was set up unlike anything I had ever done. As an independent volunteer living with a host family I really felt accepted by the community, making my time in the schools that much more meaningful.

What was most challenging about your Quest experience?  

Working in an education system that was not respected. I was a first level kindergarten teacher in the village of Biakpa, working with children ages 6-7. Although being in school was my favorite time of the day, it became increasingly disheartening when I realized how little respect the community had for education. Not only does this village have all the educational resources they need to succeed but they have volunteers coming in to lend a hand.

Tell us how you feel overall about your experience.

I just returned from one of the most challenging and rewarding five weeks of my life volunteering as a kindergarden teacher. United Planet gave me the opportunity to live in Biakpa, Ghana, working with some of the most amazing individuals in a community that thrives on tradition and culture.