Volunteering in Sport and Development: “an eye-opening experience”
- 13 January 2010 |
- Chris Middleton
Line Kyllingstad, a volunteer from Norway, having fun with the children of Dysselsdorp.
Everyday around the globe, youth decide to volunteer for a specific cause or to pursue a passion. The field of Sport and Development is no exception, with volunteers often providing crucial skills, knowledge or experience for local organisations.
We talked to Line Kyllingstad who takes a look at what it’s like to be a volunteer in the exciting field of Sport and Development. Line has been a SCORE volunteer for 6 months in the community of Dysselsdorp (Western Cape).
What made you join SCORE?
"Several factors encouraged me to apply: first of all, I really wanted to gain experience abroad and to learn more about a new culture. I also wanted to use my skills (I’m studying physical education) in a good way."
What was your most rewarding moment during the last six months?
"It’s an award in itself to live and be part of my community. When I look back, I realise our team organised many sport for all activities. Hundreds of children from 2 to 20 years old took part in these events – this was really exciting but it was also quite challenging to coordinate these activities!
Furthermore, it made me feel good to see these children simply having fun. This gave me the impression we’d accomplished something for the community."
Were there any challenges during your assignment?
"Obviously, there are cultural differences between Norway and South Africa. I was surprised at how important a role religion plays in my community. I was aware of this prior to my departure but I hadn’t suspected it would be so visible and take so much of people’s time.
Also, the daily rhythm is very different from home. Things take a lot longer here, and this is definitely an area where I needed to adapt.
I would say the language was another issue: in Dysselsdorp, people mainly speak Afrikaans. I’ve been trying to learn Afrikaans and I can now follow a straightforward discussion if people speak slowly. Actually, sport helped me get in touch with other people and facilitated communication. Sharing common interests is a great way to initiate discussions with other people."
Has this experience triggered further interest in the field of Sport and Development?
"I would definitely like to remain in this field, but maybe not focus exclusively on sport. I want to continue studying, and I would be interested in focusing on sport but also on development.
Looking back, I believe this was an eye-opening experience: I think many people back home believe they have a good understanding of the challenges in South Africa. I think it’s a whole different matter to experience these challenges. That’s why I would encourage other people to volunteer, provided they are open-minded, flexible, and can improvise to find solutions!"
Volunteering opportunities
Visit the Platform’s Career Centre and take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities if you would like to volunteer in the field of Sport and Development.
We talked to Line Kyllingstad who takes a look at what it’s like to be a volunteer in the exciting field of Sport and Development. Line has been a SCORE volunteer for 6 months in the community of Dysselsdorp (Western Cape).
What made you join SCORE?
"Several factors encouraged me to apply: first of all, I really wanted to gain experience abroad and to learn more about a new culture. I also wanted to use my skills (I’m studying physical education) in a good way."
What was your most rewarding moment during the last six months?
"It’s an award in itself to live and be part of my community. When I look back, I realise our team organised many sport for all activities. Hundreds of children from 2 to 20 years old took part in these events – this was really exciting but it was also quite challenging to coordinate these activities!
Furthermore, it made me feel good to see these children simply having fun. This gave me the impression we’d accomplished something for the community."
Were there any challenges during your assignment?
"Obviously, there are cultural differences between Norway and South Africa. I was surprised at how important a role religion plays in my community. I was aware of this prior to my departure but I hadn’t suspected it would be so visible and take so much of people’s time.
Also, the daily rhythm is very different from home. Things take a lot longer here, and this is definitely an area where I needed to adapt.
I would say the language was another issue: in Dysselsdorp, people mainly speak Afrikaans. I’ve been trying to learn Afrikaans and I can now follow a straightforward discussion if people speak slowly. Actually, sport helped me get in touch with other people and facilitated communication. Sharing common interests is a great way to initiate discussions with other people."
Has this experience triggered further interest in the field of Sport and Development?
"I would definitely like to remain in this field, but maybe not focus exclusively on sport. I want to continue studying, and I would be interested in focusing on sport but also on development.
Looking back, I believe this was an eye-opening experience: I think many people back home believe they have a good understanding of the challenges in South Africa. I think it’s a whole different matter to experience these challenges. That’s why I would encourage other people to volunteer, provided they are open-minded, flexible, and can improvise to find solutions!"
Volunteering opportunities
Visit the Platform’s Career Centre and take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities if you would like to volunteer in the field of Sport and Development.
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