EXPERIENCE/ (Back to Experiences)

Voluntary work in an Orphanage
The Lotjeshuis
Last September, I chose Suriname as my holiday destination together with a friend of mine. She was going on an internship. Since I had finished my studies, I decided to stay longer and do some volunteer work. In my opinion, this would be much more meaningful and, at the same time, a great opportunity to discover the country, its inhabitants and the culture. By doing this, your vision will be broadened in a different way then when you are visiting as a tourist.

BLUE FROG TRAVEL gave me the opportunity to work in the Lotjeshuis for three weeks. This is an orphanage where children ages 0-5 are being taken care of, because they have been neglected, undernourished or left behind by their own parents.

After the age of 5, they leave the Lotjeshuis to go to another orphanage or foster family or back to their own parents. After the introduction the first day, together with another Dutch volunteer, I could assist in bathing, dressing and feeding the children. The other activities consisted of watching over the children, putting things in order and creative activities, such as singing and playing children's games. On day two the children named us mama, something I had to get used to, but of course understandable from the children's point of view. They did not have a family life, the word parent does not mean a lot to them. Since children have the desire for a family life, they just call the nurses mama.

Since the summer holiday in Suriname is in September, most of the children were present: no time to be bored! To give the children this 'holiday-feeling', we went swimming every Friday. Once, we went to White Beach, a beach which lies along the Suriname River with huts, half an hour from Paramaribo. That day we had lots of fun!

The way children are being raised in Suriname is very different than in the Netherlands, but that means that both parties can learn from each other. Not all attendants had the chance to follow a study, so especially with a pedagogical background, you can do a lot for the orphanage as a bakra (Dutch person). Even if you do not have that particular background, like me, your presence and help can be very meaningful. Since the orphanage is mainly dependent on gifts, every type of aid is welcomed and appreciated!

What makes Suriname unique is the mixture of many different cultures, which the children's home reflects: Hindustani, Javanese, Creole, Amerindian, Chinese, etc. An additional advantage is that one speaks Dutch. The children's songs are in Dutch, but are sometimes adapted and you will learn some songs in Sranan Tongo.

Every now and then, circumstances get difficult because of the lack of money. Suddenly, there is a power failure or there is no water anymore from the tap. In these situations, you have to think of creative solutions. Furthermore, it is great to work with the children: they always say what they think. Whether they are handicapped or have been in worse situations: if you give them attention and love, they will return it tenfold and give you the feeling that you did a rewarding job! Although 3 weeks is not very long, you will get to know the children very well. You get attached to the children very easily, which makes it hard to say goodbye.

In addition to the volunteer work, there is enough time to undertake fun things, to explore Paramaribo, take salsa lessons or make a trip to the overwhelming interior in the weekends. Time has flown by during my three weeks in the children's home! Obviously, if you combine volunteer work and tours to the beautiful interior, you are guaranteed to have a great time. I am convinced that you will visit Suriname again after this experience!
^ Top