17 July 2006

CSV has recently hosted two volunteers from the Global Xchange scheme at their environment programme base in south Bristol.  This is Yawe's story:

My name is Yawe Kenneth. I am 24 years old, from Nigeria. I have been in Bristol for the past 3 months volunteering in a cultural exchange programme between the UK and developing countries, called Global Xchange.

David McCoo is my UK counterpart and together we have been volunteering at CSV Environment in Withywood, Bristol. We have learnt a lot, working with the wonderful and hardworking team here at CSV. Like we always tell the other volunteers on the programme, we have the best work placement!

It was a great experience working with Joe and the Hartwood team in the field. Our work has included building a climbing frame at a local school and constructing ramps for disabled access. We have also worked with local young people, helping them to build bat boxes and learn about the local environment. Looking back at the things we did each day to benefit the community, it makes you feel useful.

Apart from the crucial skills we obtained working in the field we also learnt new IT skills in digital storytelling, which has helped us to tell our story about why we are taking part in the Global Xchange. Our stories were screened at the Community Farewell and we will always be grateful to CSV Environment for such an opportunity. We also learnt some organisational skills, hosting the Challenge Day, where we got other volunteers from the Global Xchange to work alongside CSV Environment to build beds and plant seeds at the local community garden.

Our experience at CSV Environment wouldn’t have been possible and as successful if not for the patience, concern and understanding of the wonderful people who make up CSV Environment. Joe, Sean, Tom and Mike from Hartwood Enterprises, we learnt a lot working with you guys. Ken, Emma, Jude and Kirsty, you guys have been wonderful. And Kate, thanks very much for your patience and understanding and also for guiding us through our digital stories, and for putting in so much of your time and effort to see that our stay at CSV was successful.

Before we came on the programme Dave had a degree in Electrical Engineering and I have a degree in Economics. As a result of our experience at CSV Environment, Dave is now thinking of a new career and I think I have found a new calling in digital storytelling.

CSV Environment has played a very important role in our experience on Global Xchange and for this we will always be grateful.

Yawe & Dave

To follow Yawe and Dave’s journey as they arrive in Nigeria, and to discover more about the Bristol - Calabar Global Xchange, please visit their website http://www.globalxchange.4t.com/.

If you would like to hear more about digital stories or how you can volunteer with CSV Environment email: kate@csvenvironment.org.uk.

Click here for more information about CSV and Global Xchange.