By Maria Gonzalez, Volunteer from Spain
January 2025

I arrived in Kyabakambi zone expecting to give—my time, my skills, my energy. What I didn’t expect was how much I would receive in return.

I came to volunteer with Children’s Dream Foundation for three months. My background is in early childhood education, so I helped set up after‑school tutoring sessions for the children. At first, the language barrier seemed daunting, but the children’s laughter and eagerness to learn made communication effortless.

I will never forget John, a 9‑year‑old boy who had never held a pencil properly. After a few weeks of patience and practice, he wrote his name for the first time. He looked up at me and said, “Now I can write my story.”

That moment changed me. Volunteering here isn’t just about teaching; it’s about witnessing the strength of children who refuse to give up despite everything. It’s about the community that welcomed me with open arms, sharing meals and stories under the stars.

If you are considering volunteering, I say: go. You will leave a piece of your heart here, and you will carry a piece of this place with you forever.