"I didn't expect to get so attached to the children".
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| Lucas with the boys and girls from the project. |
This summer, Lucas has not visited a big European city, nor has he taken a sun and sand trip to the Caribbean. His plan has been different: he has spent several weeks in Bali helping boys and girls in their education. And the contact with minors has been so close that it is already considering repeating.
How was your day to day in the Bali NGO?
We got up early and at 8:30 h. we had breakfast He then had the morning free to sightsee or help out at the center. At 12 noon We ate and the boys and girls began to come. So, It was time for classes! They lasted until 4:00 p.m. Dinner was at 6:00 p.m. and, after that hour, we had free time to play.
What are the boys and girls in the project like?
They are between 6 and 17 years old and the vast majority are very interested in learning. They are very easy to learn English, and with the interest they showed, it is not uncommon to find an 8 or 9-year-old boy having a conversation with you. Besides, what they like the most is playing games! They are all very affectionate… one day they even gave me some bracelets!
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| Volunteers and young people from the project in the natural environment of Bali |
What struck you the most about their stories?
That some boys and girls have health problems that in Spain would be solved with a not very complicated intervention. There, instead, have to live with them for life since I suppose that health care or medicines are not free.
How did you get along with them?
My relationship with the boys and girls was very good, both with the little ones and with the older ones. I didn't expect to get so attached to them! To the point that I'm considering going back next year and also financially support two girls with their studies. The little ones gave me gifts and always called me wherever I went, and that made me feel loved.
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| Very attentive young people in one of the classes in the project. |
Any anecdote or moment that you remember fondly?
one of the older boys he invited me one day to a hindu ceremony, and I spent the day with him and his family visiting temples to pray and make offerings. They also took me another day to see waterfalls. The people there, especially the boys and girls, are what I liked the most about my trip.
How was your relationship with the rest of the volunteers?
There has been everything. The first fortnight Borja was there and with him everything was phenomenalWe went to everything together! In the second fortnight, I spent more time with Nicole and Shendy, the project coordinators. Nicole is super good!
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| Cultural exchange is one of the most rewarding experiences. |
Is there anything you would improve in the project?
From my point of view, volunteering for a period of 15 days seems like a short time to get to know the boys and girls and the people of the project.
Any advice that you would give to people who are going to travel?
They have to be aware that the project it's in the middle of the jungle and that there are all kinds of bugs. If they leave aware and knowing what they are going to do, they will have a good time!
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| Games is the favorite activity of young people. |