Occasionally we host international volunteers who find us through the Workaway platform – Julia was one such enthusiastic volunteer who wrote us about her experience.

“On the trip I started in February this year, I was searching for volunteering opportunities that were about sustainability to help me narrow down my interests. I met Hanneke through Workaway – a platform that allows hosts and volunteers from all over the world to connect and help each other out.  It was never my plan to go to South Africa, but somehow it all suddenly happened. As I arrived at Nosh and got settled in, I learned this project wasn’t just about sustainability and helping the unfortunate. What struck me the most was the teamwork I felt between Nosh and everyone I met while I was there.

 

I had done other Workaways before and had never felt so involved. Hanneke took me everywhere and really let me experience all the sides there were to Nosh.

Victoria Yards and the Nosh beneficiary The People’s Pantry became my favourite place. I got to meet a lot of people there that were all on a mission to do good and it was incredible. I noticed that everyone was connected to each other: sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, inviting each other to events and so on. The energy, not just from Hanneke herself but everyone involved was fantastic. There was this excitement about their achievements and the goals they were going to reach, I loved it.

By the time I had to leave, I had helped cook a huge meal in a soup kitchen, collected groceries from supermarkets and fruit and veggies from the fresh produce market. I had hosted an Odd Plate Dinner with Shivani, Kenneth and Hanneke for about 15 people, I had gone all the way to Botswana for a Disco Soup event at which we introduced the Nosh concept to a team of volunteers in Ramotswa, I had helped at the recycling swap shop and had a look into an upcycling shop.

My whole experience at Nosh was unforgettable and eye opening. I got to learn a lot about how flawed the system on food security is and how difficult it is to work around that and be able to help those in need. I am so grateful to have had that opportunity and that Hanneke let me be a part of Nosh for the time I was there. Thanks for everything!”