This past spring break, Panther Camp Facilitators Maia Neves and Camila Valle were lucky enough to have been granted a spot on the Alternative Breaks service trip to Suriname. Their service focused on environmental protection and youth development.
Here's what Maia had to say about the trip:
"Throughout the course of seven days, our time was split between our service and learning more about the country’s culture. We had the chance to go on a four hour walking tour of Paramaribo, the nation’s capital. We learned about its unique history, amazing food, and fun music.
The next day we began our volunteer work at an orphanage dedicated to children with disabilities. After going on a tour of the facility, and seeing all of the hard work they do, we were able to help them in a small way: by beginning to repaint their recreational area. They were also kind enough to provide us lunch during our break, which was peanut soup (a Surinamese delicacy).
The next two days were the hardest of them all, but they were also the most rewarding. We worked alongside Professor Naipal, who teaches at Antom de Kom University, with the Mangrove Project. This project is aimed at rebuilding the coast of Suriname in an attempt to stop erosion and to halt the damage of the Parwa Forests, which are beginning to die. From 8-5pm, for two straight days, we planted about 1,000 mangrove trees. All in all, it was a very fun, and interesting way to volunteer and assist in the rebuilding of the coast. Being able to look back at all the saplings we had planted truly showed how much help one person can be for the greater good.
The next day, day four of service, was my absolute favorite day of the five. Partnering up with Global Shapers Suriname, we helped plant trees at a local elementary school. Interacting with the students was a highlight for me, they had such bubbly personalities and wanted to play anything we could come up with. I’ve always known I would love a career working with the youth, so spending the day with the children was a blast! After planting trees for about three hours, we enjoyed recess time with them, and I even got to teach them “Red Light Green Light”.
The next (and last) day of service was back at the Orphanage, this time to paint with a fun, vibrant green. We had a better chance to learn more about the Orphanage, and was even able to interact with some of the children! We ended the trip with a fun, competitive volleyball game against the Global Shapers, which helped end the week on a high note.
Throughout this week I learned a lot about myself, and about how to be a more efficient leader in my own community."
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