Name: Alex Bennett
Programme: Sports Volunteer Malawi
Dates: 7 Nov-7 Dec

How did Real Gap assist you with your expectations? Real gap was the only organisation which did not seem to be purely sales driven. In other words, I did not feel pushed into the project. The first hand experience of the sales advisors really helped. What was the accommodation like? Accommodation was great! Location, which has got to be one of the main attributes, was stunning. The house keeper/cook was more than helpful and assisted with any needs required.

How was your experience in the destination(s) that you travelled to with Real Gap? The experience was tough at times but when you look back it was quite amazing, and all worth it. It is sometimes a cultural struggle being in a third world climate, however, you know that if you can cope with that, you can deal with anything!!!

What did you think of the programme? A country is never how you imagine it and Africa was just the same. They call Malawi the warm heart of Africa (the name Malawi itself means flame) and this was really reflected by the manner of the people, they were lovely. The children have next to nothing yet they are happy with life and love projects being run as it adds extra to their lives. I have different memories of some of the children there. One of the boys was really cheeky all the time, so I used to put him in goal until he learnt! One of the other children there, a boy called Love, had so much fun playing football that I gave him an old pair of trainers I had. It wasn't much for me to give, but meant the world to him.

How have you benefited from your experience? I don't think you change personally, but you definitely look at things differently. The gulf in wealth is incomparable and you really realise all the material goods in western life don't really matter, happiness and health does. What advice could you offer to someone considering this project? No matter how hard things may seem, you'll always look back and think it was great. Sometimes the best bits of the trip are the times you when you struggle the most. Were you pleased you went with Real Gap? Would you recommend Real Gap to a friend? Yes and Yes!

Further information on the Malawi Sports Volunteer Programme
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