The Alarm Monitoring Co

Taking a volunteer role with AFiD changed my life for good, I was looking for a possibility to help others with my accounting and finance background and we made it happened. Now I am happily working in Kenya sharing my experience with young professionals of a social enterprise that is improving the lives of families living off-grid in rural areas.

In these three years with AFiD's partners, what I have received in return as appreciation, friendship and recognition to my work is much more than my initial fears to move to the development and charity sector.

The opportunities given to me by AfID to work in a part of the world that I might otherwise not have visited were truly life enhancing. AfID were extremely caring and thoughtful throughout the process of selecting a placement that suited my skills, preparing me for it and supporting me through it.

Went to South Africa for a year working for a teenage HIV clinic. Had such a fantastic time that then spent 3 more years away working for four other charities in Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda and Ghana. Wonderful experiences. AFID were always very supportive and organised.

Great workshop that helped build my confidence that this was the right thing for me. Then I spent 8weeks with a charity in Cambodia. Made friends, delivered the desired finance projects and am still in regular contact. Afid did a good job setting it up and ensuring I was supported throughout the placement.

Going on assignment with AfID was a fantastic experience, both personally and professionally. I spent one month in Uganda working with a charity for kids with disabilities and I loved every minute of it. The work was rewarding and interesting, and I managed to fit in some amazing trips including a safari, seeing gorillas, and hiking in a remote mountain range. AfID were friendly and professional, and supported me all the way. Can't wait to do another assignment!

I have done 2 assignments in developing countries via AFID and look forward to doing more. AFID makes the effort to get to know the sort of assignment I am looking for, and then finds me options to choose from. AFID does the due diligence on the organisation I go out to work with, so I can be confident that the job is real and that the organisation I am going to be volunteering with will make best use of my skills and time.

My placement was everything I hoped it would be and more. AfID listened to my priorities and found me the placement of my dreams. I am looking forward to going back for phase 2 and to future placements in other organisations knowing that the support of AfID is there to help me fulfill more dreams.

This was an invaluable adventure and I would recommend anyone who is interested in he development sector, enjoys volunteering or just looking to do something different from their normal 9-5. Right from the start AFID provide support to help you through your placement. They put you in touch with previous volunteers and also hold workshops to prepare you for your trip.

It put me at ease before I travelled. You can choose the duration you like I did 3 week placement in Kenya but volunteers can do more or less. It's definitely worth the adventure. If you are not sure get in touch anyway. I was swayed once I contacted AFID and found out more.

Afid listened to what I was looking for and were able to find a very suitable position for me in Myanmar. They offered support where required, but did not push it on to you. They offered training for those who required it about accounting in overseas situations They act on a voluntary basis and do not charge the client so I wasn't put off by having to pay them a fee. Avery positive experience. I would recommend Afid

I spent 3 weeks working in Kitgum, Northern Uganda, for an organisation set up to support child mothers who had returned after being abducted during the civil war. It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience. I worked with their finance manager to review systems, controls and processes and improve accountability to funders. It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and I met some incredible people whilst there who were living in extremely challenging circumstances.

Northern Uganda is also an incredibly beautiful country. I was anxious at the start but came back feeling that I'd achieved something on both a very personal and professional level.