First EAC Network Volunteer Leaves For Nigeria

An Interview Report by Chris Ezeh - Publisher EuroAfrica-Magazine Online
Jana Andresen, 18 year old High School graduate from Hamburg, left last Wednesday for 6 months voluntary service in Nigeria under the EACN´s newly introduced Volunteer Programme for African Countries. Asked why she wants to join this Project, Jana said “I grew up in Germany, where people enjoy many privileges, I think that I also have enjoyed many privileges. But we cannot take all those privileges for granted. I think, it is my duty as well as my wish to give something back for what I have enjoyed in life so far, to those who do not have the possibility to enjoy the privileges like we do here.”

Explaining further, she added, “Often we forget, that our living standards are not to be taken for granted and that other people in other countries live in much poorer conditions than we do. I have always been very interested in the culture and the traditions in African countries because of the great cultural differences. I hope that through my stay in Nigeria I will be able to participate in the daily life and thus be in a position to see the true live activities as they really are.”

On working areas of interest: She told us “I would very much like to work in social offices or work with children because I think that they are very important for our future. In 2007, I participated in a youth group in a local church programme, where I worked with children. Through games and songs we had lots of fun. My interest is rooted in the opinion and the interests of children and I would like to work with them more often. Education is also an important aspect for me because educated people have more possibilities in life. I am especially interested in languages. I speak currently German, English, French and Spanish.

During my High School Year in the US in 2008, I learned a lot about living in a foreign host family and the responsibilities that are coupled with it. I have also learned a lot about tolerance and openmindedness. I am not afraid to try something new and I am very interested in new cultures.I am also very interested in working with children. Teaching or working in hospitals would be very interesting for me. But also working with handicapped people or with the elderly will equally interest me.”

EACN is a global community of writers, journalists, code programmers, translators, philanthropists, clergy, health workers, community leaders and lots of other professionals with a passion for development in African countries. This global community strives for a peaceful, social, cultural exchange and understanding worldwide.
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We are all working together with a shared goal: to create a fair, more open and democratic arena for the world to better understand Africa and its people. Our Volunteer Exchange Project bridges ethnic barriers, fosters multicultural understanding and contributes immensely to a balanced perception of events and life in African countries. We'd love to have you get involved — where and how could you make the most impact?