Sharon Murray’s Volunteer Reflection

19/07/2016

In June 2016, eight NUIG students travelled to Twapia, Zambia to build homes and hope alongside two local families. Here Habitat for Humanity volunteer Sharon Murray shares her experience.

“Where to begin! I had the most amazing two weeks in Zambia. Words can’t begin to describe how welcome this community made me feel from the very first day with their song and dance at every possible occasion!

Two weeks extremely well spent being part of a team of 8 from NUIG! We helped build two houses alongside two families who were in much need of shelter. The two families, who received the houses, were both widowed women in their 60’s, who were the caretakers of their grandchildren, one of which was as young as 10 months old!

Habitat for Humanity is an extremely unique organisation. They involve future homeowners and their families in the building phase, through what they call ‘sweat equity‘. This meant that the homeowner had to be on site at all times while the house was being built. To me, this made it all the more rewarding. We got to work alongside both women, the future homeowners, on a daily basis. We got to talk to them, and got to know them on such a personal level. We weren’t just building houses alongside two families we had never met. We were building alongside people we had developed a unique bond with.

On the second last day of the trip we had the handing over of the keys ceremony outside one of the finished houses. For me, this was an extremely heart warming moment of the trip. A large number of the community members had gathered around to join in the celebrations of these two ladies, on such an emotional day for them.

However, it is important to recognise that an experience like this is not all a bed of roses. I would be lying to say it wasn’t hard. We were up at half 6 every morning (well most of the time with Niamh’s help), and building all day in very hot temperatures. We finished on site daily at 4 o’clock very dirty and very tired. Although I found bits of this very tough, I think it is so important to push your boundaries at times and live outside your comfort zone, if not just for once in your life. 

For me, one occasion in particular stands out, and that’s the Law in Action Will Writing Workshop we held one morning for Habitat homeowners of Twapia. I was truly blown away by the Habitat homeowners’ reactions towards the presentation and their desire to learn more. It was magical that we could facilitate this in some way for them, with the help of Paul, Joyce and Pasteur Charles. The community’s hunger to learn about matters such as how to prevent property grabbing in the event of a homeowner’s death was something that could only be described as infectious. 

None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for every single person who supported me in my fundraising. Without all of the generous donations, I could not have done this. I will never forget the time I spent in Zambia and I really hope I can return there someday. I really want to thank everyone who supported me, Habitat for Humanity, my fellow team members and most importantly the people of Zambia. It truly was an experience I will remember and cherish forever.”

Thank you Sharon and the rest of the NUIG team for all your hard work and determination in building homes and hope alongside families in Twapia, Zambia! 

See more here: http://www.habitatireland.ie/2016/07/sharon-murrays-volunteer-reflection-experience-will-cherish-forever/