Being a volunteer teacher at VSN is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I thought I would be teaching young students a little conversational English. I think I did that, but I didn’t expect to learn so much myself, about the students and their community or about myself.
The experience was fantastic and it changed my life profoundly. I taught some conversational English through stories about Australian animals, songs and places, then with their local newspapers. But I learnt from them about their culture and extended family life, and how to be resilient, resourceful, patient, hopeful and happy with the simplest things.  I learnt to think on my feet. I also learnt how to simplify my life and my thoughts, and I found peace and contentment even though I kept myself quite busy. That peace and contentment has remained with me to this day.
I recommend anyone who likes a challenge to think about including volunteering after their trek.  If you are open to different ideas and cultural values, enjoy working with people, and are prepared to live a life without frills for a short time you will be amply rewarded with a wonderful experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If you have a trade, art, teaching, TESOL or an allied medical background, or if you can teach through crafts, that would be a bonus.
Helen Zada
Brisbane Australia
Sept 2008