lisa notman

23 Years Old, From the USA

Lisa worked with FMA for 4 weeks in April and May of 2015.

What was your role with FMA?

I helped in the pre-school class, mostly as an assistant but I planned a few lessons.

What did you most enjoy about working with FMA?

Working with the other volunteers was great. A lot of the work is run directly by volunteers and being so close to the planning and structuring of the organization was really interesting. The kids were also a lot of fun. They don’t have the same hesitance that adults have with new people and you feel

Lisa

included and accepted almost immediately. Like any pre-school aged class, they will definitely drive you crazy at some point, but when they come back the next morning and they hug you and are excited to see you it makes it easier.

How would you describe FMA to potential volunteers?

FMA is still a very small organization at this point but there is a lot of potential for growth and there are a lot of dedicated people working to make big changes. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for someone who is looking to work closely with an organization and not just come up with ideas for improvement but start putting them into motion within a few days. There is a lot of freedom to come up with your own lesson plans, class projects, and fundraising ideas and be really hands on with what you’re doing.

Where did you live whilst in Santa Marta? How would you describe the living experience to potential volunteers?

I stayed at a hostel in the center of Santa Marta called Masaya. I liked it because as far as hostels go, it was fairly quiet and easy to maintain my privacy (although that combination can get a little boring after a while). If I had been staying longer than a month I might recommend getting an apartment, it seems like that might be a good option for volunteers who are spending more time in Santa Marta.

Why did you choose FMA over similar organizations?

I knew that I wanted to stay in the Caribbean region of Colombia for a period of time and so I started looking for volunteer opportunities along the coast. What stood out to me about FMA was that it seems to be a very genuine organization. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities that seem to run more as a tourism business, charging volunteers a lot of money for their “experience.” FMA on the other hand is a small, very poor school, in a very poor neighborhood. Your “experience” there is just helping kids in a classroom who have little to no other educational opportunities, which is a pretty special thing.

erik olsen

19 Years Old, From Norway

Erik worked with FMA for 1 month in February 2015.

What was your role with FMA?

Teacher in mathematics, gymnastics, Spanish, English and music.

What did you most enjoy about working with FMA?

Seeing the joy of the kids whilst being at school, considering the background they have.

How would you describe FMA to potential volunteers?

Erik

Very professional, and helps you with everything you need. Also, working voluntarily with these kids will open up your horizons, and you will definite grow as a person working there.

Where did you live whilst in Santa Marta? How would you describe the living experience to potential volunteers?

Lived 30 minutes from the city in an apartment my two other friends and I found on our own. But the two other volunteers who worked with us, stayed with host-families that FMA arranged.

Why did you choose FMA over similar organizations?

We wanted to work on the coast of Colombia, and applied to both Shakira’s «Fundación Pies Descalzos» and FMA. In the end, we chose FMA because they showed more interest in us, and by working at such a small school that FMA is, you will get closer to the students and the environment around them.

Dan cailes

25 Years Old, From England

Dan

Dan volunteered with FMA for 4 weeks in March and April 2015.

What was your role with FMA?

Teaching Assistant

What did you most enjoy about working with FMA?

Working with the kids was great fun and they seem to really appreciate your being there.

How would you describe FMA to potential volunteers?

A very crucial foundation which provides an education to children who otherwise wouldn't receive it.

Where did you live whilst in Santa Marta? How would you describe the living experience to potential volunteers?

I stayed with a host family which was organised through FMA. The family were great, so welcoming and helpful. It helped my Spanish speaking loads too.

Why did you choose FMA over similar organizations?

It seemed more genuine than a lot of other organisations, a grass-roots foundation where you could instantly see the effects of your work upon the school. The location is great too!