Volunteering at Global Support Link - Natàlia’s Story

5 May

“I got to know Global Support Link and their project manager, John, through my previous job. John and I worked in the same company, just different places - he was living in the UK and I was living in Denmark. He had just received some funds from the Foundation of the company and was looking for people willing to help in a cooperation project in Cameroon.

The project was about building a pig farm including a biogas plant which would help the community have some income and make their own business. It was done in cooperation with Beruda - the local NGO. We were two people going to Belo, Cameroon for some weeks.

We started scheduling the activities we had to do there in the area. Initially we visited several biogas farms to understand how well they worked and the challenges they had experienced - so we could try to improve the system. After gaining this background knowledge we got some prices from local companies that could build such a biogas unit. At the same time, we started planning the construction of the pig farm as well as the purchase of piglets. The objective of our stay was to visit the area, identify and understand the needs and challenges, as well as make a business plan for the phases to come: construction phase, implementation and operations. It was an incredible experience which gives great personal value in all senses. We also had the chance to visit Beruda's local offices and meet the people working there. At the same time, it was very interesting to see other projects going on in different areas with different communities.

After our return home we still were in contact with Beruda to follow-up on the economics and construction phases until the business started running. It was very satisfying to achieve such a goal that could help an entire community.

I would like to just say THANKS to Global Support Link for giving me the chance of being part of such a wonderful experience.”

If you would like to have a similar experience to Natalia’s, please look at the Volunteer section of our website.