Over the past seven weeks, I volunteered in Suriname at the project for blind and visually impaired children in Paramaribo. Looking back on these weeks, I’ve seen, done, and experienced so much! I’ll try to give you a brief overview of my volunteer work there.

I spent two days a week at the Louis Braille School, a primary school for blind and visually impaired children. At the moment, there are twelve students spread over two classes. As a volunteer, I spent these days in the classroom, mainly playing games, singing songs, and explaining small learning tasks to the younger students, while helping the older students with spelling, maths, and language exercises. Besides standard subjects like spelling, both classes also have ADL, library time, and ICT. In ADL (Activities of Daily Living), they learn everyday skills, like the different types of spoons, how to fold a towel, and the differences between glasses, mugs, and cups. In ICT, they watch educational children’s programs on the computer. There is also the opportunity to introduce English, which can be a valuable skill for the children.

What I found particularly special was the teaching approach. Lessons are conducted at a very slow pace, so the children learn relatively little each day. Moreover, the school day is only from 8am-1pm. During the past weeks, it even finished at 12pm because it was so hot in Paramaribo. The teachers have to be very creative in how they present the lessons.

On the other two weekdays, I was assigned to the AOB (Ambulant Educational Support). Unfortunately, this didn’t really get off the ground during my time there. There was often no work for me, and four days per week at the school wasn’t allowed. Thanks to the efforts of Volunteer Worldwide’s contact person in Suriname, I was finally able to help in my last week, but unfortunately, the school was completely closed due to a major strike.

Over the past weeks, I got to know the children at the school, built a bond with them, worked with them, learned with and from them, and also saw them struggle with their disabilities. This often involved a lot of trial and error. It’s great for them to be at a school with “peers who understand,” but they are often lonely and need help with things like finding their way, closing their bag, or learning independently, and that’s where you come in!

I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful and educational experience at a place where volunteers are greatly needed to give the children that extra bit of attention, support, and love.

- Aline