here volunteers tell you about their trip experiences.......
JOHN WILLIAMS, Volunteering since 2018
John Williams has been volunteering with TEECH for over 5 years and recently lost a best friend. John wanted to reflect on his friend Graham and how their friendship led John to TEECH.
The first time I met Graham was about 25 years ago whilst riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle around the streets of Harwich, Essex. With the distinctive sound of the engine, Graham’s head popped over the garden wall followed by his arms, beckoning me to stop. From there began a friendship with a man I quickly began to admire. It was his involvement with the charity Hope and Aid Direct, when I realised just how much he cared about the poor and downtrodden. He invited me to fly with him to Kosovo, to join the team delivering aid to local people, many of whom were suffering the effects of war. We went on two trips together and completed building work also. As a result of our friendship I also became involved with TEECH, where Graham was supporting TEECH with aid.
John has since been volunteering with TEECH as a coach driver and with all round building work on summer projects. John has recently been on the March 2022 trip to Moldova to provide aid to support the Ukrainian refugees, taking clothing which was gathered and box by his partner Linda.
The first time I met Graham was about 25 years ago whilst riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle around the streets of Harwich, Essex. With the distinctive sound of the engine, Graham’s head popped over the garden wall followed by his arms, beckoning me to stop. From there began a friendship with a man I quickly began to admire. It was his involvement with the charity Hope and Aid Direct, when I realised just how much he cared about the poor and downtrodden. He invited me to fly with him to Kosovo, to join the team delivering aid to local people, many of whom were suffering the effects of war. We went on two trips together and completed building work also. As a result of our friendship I also became involved with TEECH, where Graham was supporting TEECH with aid.
John has since been volunteering with TEECH as a coach driver and with all round building work on summer projects. John has recently been on the March 2022 trip to Moldova to provide aid to support the Ukrainian refugees, taking clothing which was gathered and box by his partner Linda.
John (left) swapping one horsepower for another on the Summer 2021 project trip in Moldova.
carita, Sweden 2019, and returned in 2021
Loading the van in Sweden before departure
What were the highlights?
It´s difficult to chose among everything that I experienced. The drive to Moldova from Sweden and through all borders and costume. Meeting up with all the volunteers arriving by coach from England. Meeting all the very kind grateful Moldovan people and kids from the village and orphanage. But most of all, I think I really enjoyed all the hard work we all did together, getting my hands dirty and seeing the result of the project. What were your low points? I felt frustrated and confused during the first days of the project, before I was assigned to a team and got my own group of people to work with. Would you do it again? The feeling you get after all the hard work and all the gratitude you receive, makes it worth everything and more. I will do it again. |
Why did you volunteer:
I have been thinking about getting involved in some kind of charity or help organisation for a long period of time. I'm not to be considered “rich” but in my own eyes, I live a very privileged life. One of my friends got me involved in collecting aid and raising money for “The Swedish TEECH group” a few years ago. She has been on a Christmas trip and has participated in several summer projects and hence been talking a lot about TEECH and all the good work, great (crazy) people and the aid that’s provided. This year I got the question if I wanted to tag along for the summer project 2019. So I did. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? Initially I was asked to help drive to Moldova with aid given from our friends and sponsors in Sweden. Little did I know (or understood) about the actual project, and how it worked on site. I started up with unloading, loading, sorting project material and so on, but finally I ended up in Team Sparky, helping out with the electrical installation. I also had the chance to go out and deliver aid to an orphanage and a hospital. If you would like to sum up your experience in a 'quote' what would it be: Once joined in with the TEECH Family, you can never leave! Quote from Hotel California...... Last thing I remember I was running for the door I had to find the passage back to the place I was before "Relax," said the night man "We are programmed to receive You can check-out any time you like But you can never leave!" |
STACEY, Northallerton 2019
|
Why did you volunteer
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and with some encouragement from friends who have been part of the group for years, I finally decided to come along. I just wanted to be involved in something that does so much good. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? I was in the shop team. Our main roles were giving out aid to the people within the village. This also included delivering food aid parcels and blankets in the village, and other villages from previous trips. What were the highlights? The main highlight was how close we all became during the trip. How everyone was there to pick you up if you were struggling, or just keep your spirits and morale up. Everyone just steps up and helps without question or judgement. What were your low points? After the first aid delivery trip, I found it hard. Seeing the poverty and conditions that people live in was difficult. Especially having 3 children at home, just realising how lucky we are. But Auntie Ann was there with a hot chocolate and sent me off to bed early to watch a movie. |
Would you do it again?
Already booked the childcare! Ill be there with bells on! If you would like to sum up your experience in a 'quote' what would it be: “The most random group of people you’ve ever met with the biggest hearts.” |
lee, south shields 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 projects
In 2017 & 2018 LEE was project manager
Lee's prior year comments have been updated to 2017
Why did I volunteer?
2015: I have a privileged life, granted I don't own a yacht or a fancy car but I am under no illusions that it is a life of luxury. If I can take a little time out of my selfish existence to benefit those less fortunate than myself then I will always jump at the chance. Thank you TEECH for giving me this opportunity.
2017: This was my fifth summer project with TEECH. I believe the work that they do is fantastic and to see the benefit it provided and the gratitude of the local communities first hand is a priceless experience.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
On this occasion I was very privileged to be given the role of project manager. This involved ensuring that each of the project teams were adequately supported and that we had solid communication and cooperation. Most of this was achieved by a daily briefing to highlight progress and challenges and regular verbal updates during each working day. I also had a lot of hands on involvement, mostly with the external drainage work and the flooring, pointing and painting etc.
What were the highlights? It may sound a little silly but putting the onion (septic tank) in the ground manually. We had a load of the team around holding on to cargo straps and planks whilst others walked this huge thing towards a cavernous pit. Nailing the operation bang on first time was awesome and a lot of fun. It is always the little things that I enjoy the most.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely,no doubt.....there is a lot of work to do out there and I need to play my part.
If you would like to sum up your experience in a 'quote' what would it be:
You won't understand the magic until you experience it yourself.
TEECH, the little charity with the biggest heart. Thank you once again for leaving me tired, exhausted, starving and endlessly happy.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
Yes and I do this every day, EVERY DAY.
Lee's sister in law Lorraine joined him for the 2016 trip. Lee's girlfriend Kim joined him for the 2017 trip. Both ladies worked extremely hard on the project.
Why did I volunteer?
2015: I have a privileged life, granted I don't own a yacht or a fancy car but I am under no illusions that it is a life of luxury. If I can take a little time out of my selfish existence to benefit those less fortunate than myself then I will always jump at the chance. Thank you TEECH for giving me this opportunity.
2017: This was my fifth summer project with TEECH. I believe the work that they do is fantastic and to see the benefit it provided and the gratitude of the local communities first hand is a priceless experience.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
On this occasion I was very privileged to be given the role of project manager. This involved ensuring that each of the project teams were adequately supported and that we had solid communication and cooperation. Most of this was achieved by a daily briefing to highlight progress and challenges and regular verbal updates during each working day. I also had a lot of hands on involvement, mostly with the external drainage work and the flooring, pointing and painting etc.
What were the highlights? It may sound a little silly but putting the onion (septic tank) in the ground manually. We had a load of the team around holding on to cargo straps and planks whilst others walked this huge thing towards a cavernous pit. Nailing the operation bang on first time was awesome and a lot of fun. It is always the little things that I enjoy the most.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely,no doubt.....there is a lot of work to do out there and I need to play my part.
If you would like to sum up your experience in a 'quote' what would it be:
You won't understand the magic until you experience it yourself.
TEECH, the little charity with the biggest heart. Thank you once again for leaving me tired, exhausted, starving and endlessly happy.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
Yes and I do this every day, EVERY DAY.
Lee's sister in law Lorraine joined him for the 2016 trip. Lee's girlfriend Kim joined him for the 2017 trip. Both ladies worked extremely hard on the project.
michelle, gateshead, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 project
|
Michelle's 2019 comments.
The 2019 TEECH project was my fourth, half way through my first trip, I would have put money on me chalking the whole experience up to a never to be repeated moment of madness, and yet somewhere in the middle of what feels like chaos, you realise in that moment you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, doing anything else, with any other bunch of people. You spend days climbing over people in confined spaces, trying to complete your part of the project, permanently covered in a layer or dust, dirt or paint, sleep deprived and often not used to so much manual effort so every part of your body aches…. and yet most people come back for more! There is no single reason to join a TEECH project, but if you ask everyone that has, I’m pretty sure working with people that you otherwise may never have had the good fortune to cross paths with, is right up there, along with the fact that what TEECH Projects deliver in such a short space of time, is quite unbelievable. Every TEECH project is different, but the one constant to me is that each one is like joining a five ringed circus, built on the very best of intentions, powered by love, laughter and a touch of madness. |
|
Dave, Lincoln, 2016, 2017 & 2018 projects
|
Why did I volunteer?
I volunteered to make a difference. I wanted to be there, get stuck in and do something worthwhile. 2016 was my first trip and I would love to go again. This was and is an opportunity to help those who need it most. It was also an amazing way to see something grow from start to finish. What better way to meet new people and make life long friends. Everyone on the trip had one goal in mind, to get the job done for the children of the school. We were all equal and there to help. I wanted to see and learn about a new culture. I have heard about the hardships the people in Moldova are facing everyday but needed to see it for myself. To make a difference for one persons health, sanity or just way of life would have been great but to have the opportunity to help hundreds was AMAZING! Dave returned in 2017: Family. That’s the best way I can describe my reason. Our TEECH family makes you feel wanted, engaged, worthwhile and at home. What our small group accomplish in such a short time period is inspiring. We all put others first and make a massive difference. Just try and stop me coming again. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? 2016: My role was general dogs body, humper and dumper. I was part of the external dig crew from the start but found myself helping in every area available. I moved a lot of stock from Gym to Shop, shop security :-), painted, sanded, drilled, dug, put up partitions, pumped up footballs, distributed aid on and off site, cleaned, sawed, hammered, unloaded lorries, loaded lorries, made people laugh, toilet buddy, provided some 'banging tunes' for the coach journey and generally helped whoever needed me. 2017: I led the shop. Sounds easy but when you have tonnes of aid to distribute to multiple locations it gets tricky. Luckily I had the BEST team working with me and together we smashed it. We unloaded, separated, sorted, stored and distributed. We set up stores and shop away from main project, ran a free-shop for locals (crowd control was very important), we crossed numerous language barriers and got people what they needed to better themselves and the lives of their families. I attended various trips distributing walking frames, wheelchairs, food and much more to other project sites. It gave me an insight into how people live and what a difference we make. Heart-warming and upsetting at the same time. Very worthwhile job and couldn’t have been accomplished without such an amazing team. What were the highlights? There are too many to list but here are a few... Meeting so many like-minded amazing people was deffo a highlight. Seeing 4 empty shells gradually grow into what I can only describe as professional amazingness, filled us all with pride. Meeting the people and children of Moldova and seeing what a difference we can make. The winery... WOW! It was great to taste the gorgeous wines this tiny country produces but the highlight of the trip was learning about the history and restraints the winerys are under. When Russia ceased trade these miles and miles of underground tunnels filled with beautiful products was left alone. No one to sell too meant manufacture and distribution came to a halt. Great to see how they are starting to overcome this issue and getting back on track. Would I do it again? Yes 100%. Next time I would be even more prepared with more aid and backing. |
Were there any low points?
Thinking about it there was a low point for me. Well, I guess you could call it a low point. We went on a trip to see a local hospital for men, women and children who suffered with depression and schizophrenia. This place was supposed to be a haven for them, somewhere they could get better and get the help they needed. The problem was it was heart breaking for me to see. We only got to see 1 ward which housed 72 men but only had 52 beds. The people showing us round explained how things had got better since Teech were last there. They were using our beds, covers and mattresses but I was still shocked at the conditions. It was there it hit home that even though we were putting in 100% and bring a lorry full of aid and help, it was only scratching the surface of the real problem. I was down and upset that I couldn't do more, that our civilisation couldn't do more. Its like the majority of us have blinkers on. Until you actually see it, you don't believe it or want to believe it. Good news is I got over my slump with a bit of time out and a great chat from one of our 'elder statesmen' Cookie. He let me know we are doing good and we should be proud of our achievements. 290 children will have toilets, clean hands and privacy which they have never had before. Every little nut, bolt, toilet, smile or idea of how to improve lives is worthwhile. I really appreciated his view which makes this low point into a fantastic experience. |
matty, suffolk 2010, 2016 & 2018 projects
|
Why did I volunteer?
I went in 2010 and loved it. Someone in the office said TEECH needed a driver and I thought why not. It was a life changing trip. I often describe it as a cross between Big Brother, Top Gear and DIY SOS. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? 'Stores'. I am not a tradesman by any stretch of the imagination so my role was running and organising the tool stores to start with. Then I was really involved in the 'Free Shop' both stocking and running it on the 3 occasions it was open. I also was in the team that made up all the aid parcels for the local villages. Team moral was another role :) also an older member of the team for the younger ones to ask questions of or share any worries or issues with. What were the highlights? I have met some incredible people. By nature groups are formed of like minded people and the little 'gang' we made will be friends for life. Other highlights were seeing the project come to fruition, and the team working to get it finished early. The people of Moldova were very friendly and the event they put on for us for wonderful. Would I do it again? Yes I would. Met great people first time and again this time. I enjoyed this one more because I went with friends and made more. |
Were there any low points?
There wasn't really any apart from saying goodbye to the people I had got close to at Chelmsford. The coach journey is LONG but you need it to bond on the way out. The toilets take some getting used to! |
rab, scotland, 2016 project....and retured in 2019
Claire, Northern Ireland 2016 Project
What were the highlights?
Seeing the faces of the kids and parents when I handed over the school bags to the individual kids from the class lists. So many of the kids were crying and it was out of complete gratitude. Another highlight was meeting so many new people both from UK and Europe and I've made so many friends who I'll keep in contact with. Were there any low points? I found it really hard visiting the hospital and seeing the sick people in the conditions we're certainly not used to that we take for granted as part of NHS. It just made me appreciate home a lot more. |
Claire joined the team again in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Here are her 2016 reflections: Why did I volunteer? Volunteered for the first time to step outside my comfort zone and really wanted the opportunity to make a difference to people less fortunate than us but actually see the work being put into practice and get involved. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? I honestly felt a bit lost at the start because everyone had an allocated role/trade and it took a while for me to proactively get involved with the tradesmen/manual graft but I'll know for next time to just get stuck in and offer my help with anyone on any task. One of the guys who took me under their wing for one of the days which I enjoyed because I got to climb ladders, drill holes and dig etc. I spent time in 'shop', helping unpack all the aid boxes for village deliveries (donating clothing to the families) plus I got stuck into some painting. Would I do it again? 100% YES. I feel that if I didn’t go next year i'd be really missing out on something so great. |
rebecca, based in moldova with us peace corp 2015-2017
|
There is an obvious major impact TEECH’s summer project has on infrastructure: Schools get an indoor bathroom, hospitals get important modern resources, community institutions have aid to help distribute. Since the team is working hard in Great Britain most of the time and donors are observing from afar, I worry sometimes they may miss the smaller-seeming, daily impact they’re having.
As a volunteer living full-time in Moldova since June 2015, I can attest to how the work TEECH does changes daily life for the better in the communities they work with. Students and teachers are healthier, happier, safer, and have a new source of pride in their community. Students are best able to focus on learning when they’re in this environment, when they’re healthy more often. Girls are better able to attend school after starting puberty - having fuller access to their right to education - because of the privacy and resources the new bathrooms provide. The TEECH team works alongside community members to achieve their projects, helping build both competence in project work as well as confidence that positive change is possible. Community members have a well-deserved sense of ownership in the results because they are so involved in the process. By being a part of a life-changing solution, people who work with TEECH are able to say “yes, I can do this! This can be better!” when they identify other issues they’d like to address in the community. The importance of this self-confidence is immeasurable – it empowers communities to continue improving on their own terms and by their own doing. |
From my perspective, TEECH is doing some of the best, most sustainable aid work I see happening in the country. I’m a US Peace Corps Volunteer and our emphasis is on sustainable development while doing cultural exchange. I was lucky to meet TEECH team members during their aid trip in winter 2015/16. Learning about how they worked from other Volunteers, I quickly recognized that this organization is quietly doing great work with communities. I was honored to volunteer with the group for several days during the summer 2016 project in Ivancea – it was truly the highlight of my summer – and reconnect during their most recent winter trip. Through the network of TEECH volunteers, students I work with are now participating in a pen-friend exchange with a school in Sunderland. I am excitedly looking forward to volunteering with this summer’s project in Sturzeni!
I greatly appreciate TEECH for the life-changing work they do with communities here and for being a model of effective development work. I am grateful to all who make it possible! |
liam, swansea 2015 & 2016 project
|
Why did I volunteer?
I began my apprenticeship with BT Openreach in September 2014 and was introduced to the TEECH charity after an e-mail was forwarded to me. After looking into the e-mail and finding the TEECH website I quickly realised that the project was something I would like to get involved in. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? During my time on the project I worked doing basic labour and gave a helping hand whenever needed. The project introduced me to number of new skills and I learnt a lot of things I never thought I would even do for example putting lino on floors, tiling, and one day I was lucky enough to deliver aid to a number of hospitals. What were the highlights? Meeting a great bunch of people from different backgrounds all coming together to complete a worthwhile project. |
Were there any low points? Seeing some of the conditions in parts of the country including the mental hospital we visited in Balti and the original toilets which were used by the children at the school but knowing we were there helping to improve these conditions did prove that our time there is very worthwhile. Would I do it again? Yes without a doubt. I felt very welcome from the minute I got onto the bus! I would definitely recommend the project to anyone who was thinking about getting involved. |
jonathan, warrington 2014 & now living back in sweden 2015, 2016, 2017.....returned in 2019
|
Now back living in Sweden the first overland trip from Sweden was in August 2017 to bring aid to Moldova and also work on the project.
Why did I volunteer? I was looking for a worthwhile project where I could contribute with my driving skills and came across the TEECH website which appealed to me instantly. What was your role in the project and what did it involve? Plumbing - mainly involved being the assistant of one of the more experienced plumbers. I really enjoyed doing this and learned a great deal from Kev and Cookie. What were the highlights? Driving on the Romanian mountain roads.Interacting with the locals. Completing the project. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Would I recommend the charity to a friend? Yes, already have If you would like to sum up your experience in a 'quote' what would it be: Volunteering for TEECH was one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences of my life. |
|
hannah, london 2013 project
Why did I volunteer?
To try something new, give something back, meet new people, make a difference.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
It varied - painting, plumbing, laying lino, digging....anything I wanted to try.
What were the highlights?
I liked that I had the opportunity to get involved in different things, and felt I directly contributed to the project. It was also great meeting different people of different ages from all walks of life.
Were there any low points?
The long coach journey.
Would I do it again?
I would definitely consider coming on another TEECH trip, however the long coach journey may mean I would choose another volunteer project where I feel I'm spending my time adding more value.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
Yes - A great experience, great people, a big challenge
To try something new, give something back, meet new people, make a difference.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
It varied - painting, plumbing, laying lino, digging....anything I wanted to try.
What were the highlights?
I liked that I had the opportunity to get involved in different things, and felt I directly contributed to the project. It was also great meeting different people of different ages from all walks of life.
Were there any low points?
The long coach journey.
Would I do it again?
I would definitely consider coming on another TEECH trip, however the long coach journey may mean I would choose another volunteer project where I feel I'm spending my time adding more value.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
Yes - A great experience, great people, a big challenge
tony, hull . Each trip from 2013 to 2019 (plus Christmas trips)
Why did I volunteer?
I am always looking for new challenges and enjoy driving lorries.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
Primary role was driver. On site I spent most of the time with the joiners. Helping to :- Make good the floor with wood and concrete, Create new doorway for boys toilet/ shower room, install stud walls, install toilet partitions, lay lino. Additional role (in the Royal Navy I was taught never to volunteer, I had clearly forgotten, but it was a long time ago) I ensured that those disgusting toilets (the ones the children of the school experience everyday outside) were cleaned each morning.
What were the highlights?
The Sunday evening concert and dance. Those going around in a circle dances are more complicated than they looked and I never did fully understand that one where you had to pick up a hanky and get a kiss.
Mayor Damian saying 'What have you done to my village, 'Everyone is so happy'.
It was brilliant how quickly we all became like one big happy family and all looked after each other. On the last night, with a number of others, had worked through until about 05.15 am finishing various tasks and helping with the final loading of the 18 tonner so pleased that against what had seemed a day earlier an impossible deadline all was complete.
After everyone had got on the coach and we were about to leave, I decided to go and have one last look at what we had done.
Everything looked so perfect but I think it was the surprise sight of the little final touches of shower gel in the shower rooms and the colourful sponges behind each of the sinks that caused me to shed a tear or two. An unforgettable moment.
Were there any low points?
On the Monday night, I finished work at around midnight (the 3rd time that I had worked really late) and went to bed thinking that we had no chance of getting even close to completing the project before we would have to leave. It was so disappointing.
Would I do it again?
Yes, definitely.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
I regularly do.
I am always looking for new challenges and enjoy driving lorries.
What was your role in the project and what did it involve?
Primary role was driver. On site I spent most of the time with the joiners. Helping to :- Make good the floor with wood and concrete, Create new doorway for boys toilet/ shower room, install stud walls, install toilet partitions, lay lino. Additional role (in the Royal Navy I was taught never to volunteer, I had clearly forgotten, but it was a long time ago) I ensured that those disgusting toilets (the ones the children of the school experience everyday outside) were cleaned each morning.
What were the highlights?
The Sunday evening concert and dance. Those going around in a circle dances are more complicated than they looked and I never did fully understand that one where you had to pick up a hanky and get a kiss.
Mayor Damian saying 'What have you done to my village, 'Everyone is so happy'.
It was brilliant how quickly we all became like one big happy family and all looked after each other. On the last night, with a number of others, had worked through until about 05.15 am finishing various tasks and helping with the final loading of the 18 tonner so pleased that against what had seemed a day earlier an impossible deadline all was complete.
After everyone had got on the coach and we were about to leave, I decided to go and have one last look at what we had done.
Everything looked so perfect but I think it was the surprise sight of the little final touches of shower gel in the shower rooms and the colourful sponges behind each of the sinks that caused me to shed a tear or two. An unforgettable moment.
Were there any low points?
On the Monday night, I finished work at around midnight (the 3rd time that I had worked really late) and went to bed thinking that we had no chance of getting even close to completing the project before we would have to leave. It was so disappointing.
Would I do it again?
Yes, definitely.
Would I recommend the charity to a friend?
I regularly do.
