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Name: Rebecca Jones
Programme: Ukrainian orphanage programme
Dates: 17th Jan- 13th Feb
How did you feel before you joined the programme?
Before joining the programme I felt a little nervous and excited all at the same time. But Daniela, the programme director, made it all very easy and worry free for me. It was quite a last minute decision for me to actually go ahead and book it and I was worried I'd left it too late but Daniela was really organised and sorted it all out really efficiently.
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What was the accommodation like?
I stayed with a lovely lady called Katerina who was just so welcoming and kind to me. When I first arrived in Cherkasy it was late and dark and we pulled up outside this tower block that looked quite intimidating and run down in the dark and I have to admit I thought to myself “why am I doing this?”
But then the second I walked into the apartment I totally forgot those thoughts and was surprised at how modern and cosy the place was. |
Even though Katerina didn't speak much English we became really good friends and quickly found different ways to communicate with each other. She's also an excellent cook and I'm sure I've come home a couple of pounds heavier!
What did you think of the programme?
The Ukraine was everything that I had expected and more. I had so many memorable experiences and met so many wonderful people I don't know where to start.
During my four weeks I not only visited the orphanages everyday but was invited to speak at the local women's centre, the local English club and I was a guest at one of the universities English class. I was invited to birthday parties and meals at people's houses and was even taught how to make some traditional Ukrainian dishes, which are delicious!
The Ukrainian people were so welcoming and friendly I was overwhelmed by their generosity and hospitality. They were so enthusiastic and wanted to know everything about me and where I was from. There was one afternoon when I was in a taxi and the driver, who didn't speak any English, handed me his mobile phone and told me to speak! It turned out it was his daughter who was learning English in school and he wanted me to say hello to her! |
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One memory that I will treasure is when the Shoeboxes arrived at the orphanage. As a primary school teacher my class participates every year in the filling of shoe boxes that are sent to disadvantaged children all over the world so it was lovely to be able to see where the boxes actually end up and to see the children's faces as they opened them. One little girl in particular stays in my mind. Her name was Christina and she was three years old. Inside her box was a toothbrush that flashed when you pressed a button and two pairs of gloves that had snowflakes on them. She put on both pairs of gloves and then went around the room laughing and smiling and babbling in Ukrainian showing everyone her flashing toothbrush and her pretty new gloves. It brought tears to my eyes.
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How have you benefited from your experience?
Although I'm a primary school teacher I was really nervous about teaching English in the orphanages especially as many of the children were teenagers. But I soon found out that I had nothing to worry about, as the children were really friendly and eager to learn.
I feel I have definitely grown in confidence and have more confidence in my own abilities. |
What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
I would advise anyone to just go ahead and do it. As long as you're adaptable, patient, willing to learn and have buckets of love to share then this is definitely a project and a country that you should consider.
 Further information on the Ukraine Orphanage Programme
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