Volunteer, Breyden Stanton, shares her experience as a volunteer the past couple of months at Develop Africa.

I have worked with Develop Arica for two months as part of my Summer of Service as a Bonner Scholar. Through my Summer of Service experience, I have learned a lot about nonprofit organizations and the amazing people who run them. Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in establishing healthy communities and the relationships needed to maintain them. They provide critical services that contribute to both social and economic stability. Nonprofit organizations are the voice of the people they serve and promote awareness and incentives for change. Develop Africa truly embodies these criteria. Develop Africa strategically empowers lives in Africa by providing educational opportunities and resources. Millions in Africa are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Education is a viable means to alleviate poverty and bring about permanent change. With the help of Develop Africa and its supporters, access to education and other life-changing opportunities are provided for the future leaders of Africa. Working with Develop Africa has rekindled my love of service. What inspires me to be active in service is to be a part of something greater than myself. During my time at Develop Africa, having a first-hand view and relationship with the wonderful people who operate the organization, I felt a part of something important, something that will change people's lives forever and hopefully inspire them to make a change as well. 
 

Even though Develop Africa did not specifically align with my current academics and future career of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner,  it involved my love of children and helping them in any way I can. Growing up involved with children made me choose a career where I could work with children every day. Even though I am a nursing major, I still want to explore my interest in education, and I feel like I have started to accomplish that by working with Develop Africa. I have learned about Africa's educational system and the much-needed school supplies and support for children to participate and succeed. Many children and their families overcome challenges in their lives even to survive, let alone be educated. After reading and learning what these children have to go through to get a basic education is heartbreaking. Develop Africa helps these families and provides a sense of insurance. Insurance that their children will get the education they deserve and have the resources to do so.

The realities of COVID-19 were a challenge that I experienced while working with Develop Africa, which caused my Summer of Service to be strictly online, maintaining CDC guidelines and following social distancing. This caused a feeling of not being as much of a help as I wanted to be. Being in an online setting, there was a limitation of what I could do and provide for Develop Africa. I constantly felt as if I wasn't doing all I could. If I were able to work with Develop Africa in person, I believe I would have accomplished much more. Despite this challenge, I hope that I was as much of a help as Develop Africa was to me. Gratefully, at the end of the summer, I was able to meet the team at Develop Africa in person on my last day. They showed me around the office and took me out for lunch. Having spent the day with them reminded me how much I enjoy and miss working with people in person.  I can't wait for the pandemic to come to an end so that we can enjoy the little things in life, like seeing people's smiles in person rather than through a computer screen.

The people that make Develop Africa possible were what I enjoyed most about my Summer of Service. Getting to meet and work with such intelligent and caring people was what made my summer. The team at Develop Africa takes the initiative in changing lives, demonstrating integrity and honesty, working for others rather than themselves. They are innovators who overcome obstacles and expectations in order to solve the world’s societal and ecological problems. They are inspiring people who help provide education for children who would otherwise lack the opportunity to obtain it. 

Develop Africa exceeded my expectations. The exceptional team who are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and make you laugh. The interesting process of collecting school supplies, shipping them to Africa, and distributing them to Sierra Leone schools. I certainly recommend Develop Africa to other Bonner Scholar students in need of a Summer of Service and to everyone who loves listening to hilarious stories while helping make a change. I believe Develop Africa is perfect for those who have an interest in education and business. Because Develop Africa is a smaller nonprofit, it is easier to take the time to learn about the organization and the people who run it. I loved working with Develop Africa this summer, and I know others will too. I hope to work with them again in the future. 

The photo was taken at Cranberries in Johnson City with L-R Develop Africa Staff Emmanuel, Cris, & Sylvester and volunteer, Breyden, on the far right.