My name is Egbe Philip. Just like other goal oriented and determined volunteers, I made my way into Voice of Nature (VoNat) with a series of goals and a number of expectations. My desire was to get hands-on experience in environmental education, project identification and development in the domain of biodiversity and conservation, and to expand my network.
When VoNat made the call for volunteers, I searched and I found the Organization’s mission, focus areas and strategies very interesting, and applied to be part. Over two months after, I am elated at how much experience I have acquired. Taking part in street-to-street sensitization campaign, carrying out conservation education in schools in the Mount Cameroon Area, and planting trees in Government Primary School, Ndongo-Buea have been some of the key activities that have made my volunteering experience remarkable.
Beside these, the organization has also empowered us with skills on article writing, and reporting. This has been accompanied by continuous mentorship on event planning and management, and others.
Also, with an academic background in teaching, interacting and engaging with volunteers and others is not very much of a problem. That is why during these months, working as part of a team during outdoor activities and events, and individually carrying out weekly tasked assigned by the Executive Director and writing a report at the end of that week has not been quite challenging.
My experience with VoNat, which begun in May 2021, was supposed to in July but I found it difficult to quit. This is because I think I still have a lot to learn from the organization and to contribute to its growth and mission.