milena kiser

28 Years Old, From Switzerland

Milena volunteered with FMA for 4 weeks in February and March 2016.

What was your role with FMA?

I was working at the school in Barrio Fundadores. Adam and I took over the younger class and also sports lessons for both classes.

What did you most enjoy about working with FMA?

I guess I've got to say the kids. Even though they're sometimes going a bit 'loco' and are hard to control at times, they really show you that it matters if you show up. They come running and give you some of the biggest hugs you will have

Milena

had in a long time.It's a challenge with the accent and the language barrier, but you can always make it work somehow.

How would you describe FMA to potential volunteers?

It's a bit chaotic, so try to go there with an open mind and the flexibility to work with what you'll find rather than expecting to always get it done how you know it from back home. Embrace the challenge and enjoy where it takes you.

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

I stayed at 'El Habitante' via AirBnB, which was good because of having my own space (big room & bathroom), to rest after school and have some quiet time, BUT staying in Santa Marta like that makes it harder to meet people (besides the other volunteers). Since for many tourists/travellers Santa Marta is only a kick-off point to take trips to the places around (Tayrona, Minca, La Guajira, Taganga, Palomino..).

So both housing options have their pros and cons.

Why did you choose FMA over similar organisations?

I wanted to work on a small organization that was set up locally. A small organization because I felt this will make it easier to really contribute something during my stay and feel like my presence makes a difference, rather than feeling like it would be pretty indifferent if I was here or not. Set up locally because I think the proximity makes it easier to see the problems from where they evolve and maybe try to solve it with local solutions rather than trying to put a foreign solution into action.