Volunteers Speak

Our  volounteers always have something to say about their volunteering experience with Ona Network. Here are some of their views

Helen (Australia) EyeCamp2005 I was so excited when I heard about an opportunity to volunteer with an organization who's aim was to restore functional vision to 1000 Tanzanians during their Eyecamp 2005. I immediately applied, with the full encouragement of my family and shortly was accepted. Soon enough, it was time, and I arrived in Tanzania with little more Swahili than 'jambo' (hello) and 'asante' (thankyou).   The first 24 hours were spent wide eyed, and with the rest of my senses on alert, as I took in the culture around me. I will never forget my drive from the airport to our accommodation the day I arrived; heat, boys selling every item imaginable on the road as cars stopped, from biscuits to CD's, cripples begging for money, rubbish, traffic and horns blaring.   Then the camp began. Working in a team, my role was to assist in measuring patient's vision, crowd control and dispensing spectacles. Each job came with its own challenges and encouragements. Nevertheless, it was such a privilege to be a part of a group committed to helping, albeit in our little way; offering a simple pair of glasses or tube of medicine to alleviate one of the many difficulties these people face was such an amazing experience. In the end we saw and helped over 2700 patients, well exceeding our goal!   I must admit, as my time volunteering came to an end, I was sad to say goodbye to Tanzania and all that Eyecamp had been. What will definitely stay in my mind the most is the people; the team members who I learned to love working and laughing and being with. But also the Tanzanian people we went to share our lives with; so joyful, welcoming and generous despite such need. Eyecamp 2005 was an amazing opportunity to step out of the comfort zone of suburban middle class Australia and see what life is like in a place so different to home.

Wiebke (Germany) - EyeCamp2004   Do you think your expectation was met voluntering with Ona Network? Oh, it was definitely exceeded! I was actually a bit worried to end up with an anonymous and commercial aid organization (because of the contribution). But we were really hands on, we saw the need and we saw the results. I think the mixture and the size of the group was excellent. Everybody felt needed and I think that nobody was pushed beyond his limits. Last but not least the leisure parts contributed much to the well being of everyone.   What was the response of your family when you told them that you were thinking of going to Africa for an eye camp? My mother came with me. I think that people were very positive about it.   Was the registration process easy and friendly? It worked even from remote Benin, which means something.   Would you like to be contacted by future volunteers if they would like to discuss your experience? Of course, yes! Do you feel happy to recommend ONA Network's eye camps to friends? Yes. Please give us constructive criticism or positive feedback for the following areas; Transport Transport was very adequate. Eating out Something everybody did really enjoy. Leisure There was everything: board games, walks, the Mikumi National Park, the Museums in Dar, eating out; this made us become one.

Dr. Shayo (Tanzania) CataractCamp2007 What was the most exciting thing? Working with Ona Network Inc. staff plus Dodoma regional Hospital and Mvumi staff

Copyright ONA Network Inc. 2008 Last modified: May 11, 2008.