Pod Volunteer - Cheltenham

Mareike H.

My time in beautiful Ghana in West Africa was a very intense, amazing and also challenging experience. I'm turning 30 this year and wanted some time off, away from work, from the computer and my smartphone, seeing and doing something completly different. With the Film and Photography Project offered by "POD volunteer" and hosted by "Village by Village" in Abenta I found a great way to spent my nine weeks off with things I love to do: taking pictures and producing film footage of ongoing charity activities for the loveliest community. Abenta is a remote African village without running water and a regular downtime of electricity. The people in the village are the most welcoming and friendly neighbors that a volunteer could wish for. Kids are very respectful and always keen to integrate volunteers in their spare time activities or asking for help with homework.
The staff at site is highly motivated to make the changes they can make in their everyday life. I felt very welcome to the team and safe and cared for at all times.
The charity's mission is to reduce the needless suffering and deaths of children in remote rural African villages. All projects of "Village by Village" are designed to exactly meet this goal. So is the "Clean Hands Save Lives" workshop one part of teaching kids at school how to properly wash their hands after using the toilet and before they eat. Either helping with carrying out the workshop or recording kids' surprised faces when they find out, that hands become even cleaner by using soap was a memorable experience for me.
The beauty of the country and its people is a paradise for a photographer. Since social media activities nowadays can be an important and influential tool to present milestones of ongoing projects, I can highly recommend bringing your film and photography skills to the astonishing landscape of Ghana, to contribute to the development of a great community in the middle of nowhere by capturing and sharing what you experience. Your support will be appreciated very much!
Thank you, Village by Village for having me and keep up the great work! Thank you, POD volunteer for the travel guidelines and the great support while preparing for my stay.

Rob P.

Booked the elephant care project in Thailand leaving tomorrow but the process has been amazing the communication help from Alex has been superb and he has helped all the queries extremely well in quick time too.

Helen S.

I have recently returned from an English teaching placement in Bangkok. The experience was fantastic from beginning to end. Pod Volunteer has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with. The information provided about the placement, advice on booking flights, travel insurance and general preparation for travel was thorough, concise and accurate. Pod proved exemplary in keeping in contact throughout the month long placement and actively sought feedback post experience. Quite simply, Pod Volunteer delivers exactly what it says it will. I have no hesitation in recommending this organisation to others.

Meg T. (.

My experience with pod was the best experience I could of hoped for!! They handled me so well as it was my first time going abroad and I had chosen to do the child care project in India. No question was too small or stupid for them. The people who they recommend to book your flights through were also amazing. My piece of advice for anyone thinking about using pod is do not hesitate and go for it, you will not regret it!

David M.

A truly great experience. Although only 2 weeks for me, everyday was packed full of adventure. I signed up for construction and worked on 2 projects during my time in Ghana. One was a creche and the second was a health center. I met a great group pf people, not only the superb local staff but also a great bunch of other volunteers.
We certainly worked hard mixing concrete during the day - building the foundations of future hope and success. The afternoons were spent either playing with the children (after school club), or simply chilling. There were cultural lessons put on by project and local teaching staff, authentic local cuisine tasted at "Aikins Mums House" as well as visits to local markets and even a evening excursion to the pub! I feel that although my visit was only 2 weeks, I achieved and experience so much.
David Moore. Aged 53 - yes even older people can enjoy volunteering!!

Shannon I.

I had an incredible experience volunteering at the Elephant Research and Care project in South Africa for four weeks. POD was exceptional with their support from the information provided and the quick and constant communication both before and after the project. I am very impressed with this organization and recommend for anyone and everyone to book through POD!

Sophie B.

Pod Volunteer were absolutely amazing in helping me organise and travel to their U18 Elephant and Wildlife care project in Thailand! Becky and Erin in particular were so helpful and caring, answering every question I had and helping me through every step of the trip and I have absolutely no complaints.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Thailand and would 100% return with Pod Volunteer if I get the opportunity to go again.

Thank you Pod Volunteer for the adventure of a lifetime!

Max L.

I did this program for two weeks and it was an absolutely amazing experience! Starting with wonderful coordination by Pod Volunteer upon arrival everything went smoothly. Great people, delicious food, and beautiful living accommodations on the relaxing and small Tom Owens Island. I went down not knowing how to scuba dive and am very glad I chose to learn during my first week there on the amazing Belize Barrier Reef! Would highly recommend this program!