Lynda Piper-Roche took part in EIL Ireland's Global Awareness Programme, which combines volunteering in Nigeria and South Africa with raising awareness back in Ireland of the issues around HIV and AIDs. Thoughout out her time on the programme she blogged about her experiences and thoughts, here's one of her entries:

While my time working here has been exhausting, challenging, heartbreaking, and incredibly difficult, it has also been amazing. enlightening, mind opening, and incredibly enriching, an experience I am so happy to have had, and I look forward to having similar again. By being here, I am not 'making a difference' (I reaaaally dislike that phrase!), but working WITH people on the ground and seeing the changes that we can make for the better every single day. I cannot imagine not having come here and meeting those incredibly brave and heartwarming children.

One of the things that I read about Africans is that they will always look you in the eye, even just passing them on the street, something that does not really happen in Dublin anymore. Working in the community and living with a host family is a fantastic way to learn about the culture and the way of life here, even in just 9 short weeks. The people that Ciara and I have met here in South Africa have been so warm, welcoming, kind and helpful. And our host family made us feel at home in a few short minutes and have taken great care of us during our stay! Just 2 weeks left now :( I will absolutely continue to help ThembaCare when I get home and for as long as I can. Thanks EIL ;)