Tell us about yourself?
My name is Abe Collier. I’m in a ‘gap year’ in between work and a master’s degree, and wanted to help out a little in the world. I am so grateful that SB OverSeas could give me that opportunity.
How did you get involved/find out about SB
Through word of mouth: from a friend who was volunteering, who found out about it through her friend who was volunteering, who found out about it from who knows where.
Favourite memory with SB
On my last day I sang a few songs for my morning class, and it was amazing to see them sit quiet for ten minutes, transfixed by the music. We had developed a bond, however small, and though they were rarely quiet on other days, I felt in that moment that we had grown to respect each other.
What do you find challenging?
I would recommend that older volunteers consider looking for housing outside of the volunteer housing. Living with 6 to 9 other volunteers, many of which are university-age, can be a bit surprising. Still, loved those kids.
Advice for a future volunteer?
I think volunteers (in Saida) should be prepared to teach very young children as we have very few children above 10 years old, and several classes of 4 and 5 year olds! This was a challenging experience, but I learned so much.
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Abe volunteered with SB OverSeas in Saida, Lebanon. Interested in volunteering with us? Click here to find out more.
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