Volunteer Voices

I recently participated in CZEINEX2.3-01, a workcamp based in the town of Veltrusy, in the Czech Republic. It was an excellent experience. I found the camp was well organized and our time was well spent. The people I met provided me witha new view of the world, exposing me to the ideas and opinions of people my age who have grown up in cultures both similar and very different than my own. Ultimately, by spending time with these people I realized that there was not all thatmuchdifference between us. Moreover, I found volunteering a very rewarding experience. I discovered that as a tourist, by nature, youspend time exploring a place you have no realright to be. As a volunteer I was consumed by a sense of purpose.As I walked down the street I felt as though, for two short weeks, I was a real member of the community. This sense of belonging was unlike any I have felt. Thank you VFP for providingthe opportunity for me to have this very special experience."

David DeFranza ~ Czech Republic 2001