Brittany Agbonavbare

Photos

I love to travel, I love to learn, I love to read!

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it resonated with my deep love of reading! I loved the chance to share my love of reading with villages around the world. I didn't feel like I could be more support with other volunteer programs but sharing with kids and parents my love of reading, now that is something I can do!!

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

They took care of everything!! We had a professional coordinator with us and our own cook so really I only had to worry about what souvenirs to purchase. The did extensive training on how to do perform home visits, how and what to teach in our classes and how to remain safe in Africa. It was a really easy experience.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take time to get to know the locals during the home visits. They are soooooo amazing and you will be a better person by spending time to learn from them! The home visits are a great opportunity to see intimately what a different way of life is like, and if you have the attitude of a learner, you will learn so much!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

We wake up to have an amazing breakfast and then drive out of the village where we teach classes and help pain the library. Then after lunch, we head out with the kids as they lead us across dirt paths to their homes. We sit with the families and talk about our love of reading and then we head back to the van and head back to our hotel where we have dinner.

After dinner, we have a team huddle where we talk about what we learned that day and what we can do better tomorrow.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I don't know if I had that many fears; I guess my biggest worry was that the Visa of my husband would allow him to re-enter the US as he is from Nigeria. However, Village Book made sure to check on every detail of this and I felt confident that he would be okay, but it is still something you worry about.

Is there any other advice for prospective travelers?

You need to GO!! These trips are for everyone!! If you love books, then you have something you can uniquely share with these villages!!

I am so glad I went and continue to go on more expeditions!! Also, Village Book recruits from volunteers to become World Coordinators, which is what I have the chance to do now! World Coordinators lead expeditions around the world!