About the CICD England and the opportunities they offer:

The CICD is a humanitarian organisation that trains Development Instructors (6 month course) for 6 months work in Africa. The aim is to produce Development Aid Workers who are flexible, resourceful and responsible.

There are various projects on offer in four countries: Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Nambia. There are a number of diverse projects on offer, such as fund raising, Child Aid, Hope (HIV/Aids awareness), tree planting and environmental programmes, latrine construction, Street Children's' Schools, clean water supplies, Vocational Training, Teacher Training and Relief Aid. Participants study nutrition, safe sex issues, disease and malnutrition, gardening, health and disease prevention and have knowledge of construction, operating a computer (including use of the internet), teaching skills, African history, development issues, as well as learning to speak Portuguese, if going to Angola and Mozambique and Chichewa, if going to Malawi.


Angola

"I may not have saved any lives or changed the world, but I did contribute to an environment in which people can develop. This is a great achievement in very unstable countries like Angola, where the police get drunk and steal, the teachers don't get paid, and the bank runs out of money every lunchtime. But the people that I met were not victims or lazy or stupid. They were strong, hardworking and desperate to learn and to improve their situation. And so schools like mine and other projects seek to work against the difficult conditions and create environments where people can learn, can take on responsibilities, work together and take control of their future. Being part of this process has had a huge impact on my life." - James Starky solidarity worker Angola

More smiling faces © Courtesy: CICD England

"I spent as much of my 'free' time as possible with the people in the biarro (village) and found out what a soft white git I really am, but I also showed that I was deeply impressed by there strength and spirit and I often surprised them with my abilities and feelings, so a mutual well earned respect and trust developed.

It is sometimes difficult to quantify what I achieved because I did not build x-amount of latrines etc., but I did build many friendships, broke down some barriers, learnt, and taught. I am eager to go back and put all the learning I did into practice again, but I know that even if that does not happen I will be drawing on this experience for the rest of my life. It was an education of great value. I am noticing the benefits with the people that I am meeting now …and despite my confusion about what to do next, I am secure in the knowledge that you always get what you need!

In conclusion, I want to say I think it is a false idea to think that we in the west are in a position to help the Africans. I believe that it is only when we get off the illusion of a moral high ground and/or the racist low ground and participate fluidly and wholeheartedly in development, with other beings, that we can actually achieve the ideal symbiotic global relationship."

- Jason Shearer solidarity worker in Angola

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Malawi

"For me, It was wonderful to have this chance to exchange knowledge and ideas with the Malawians. I learnt a lot from what I've seen and the people I was working with. I dreamt about the kids many times since I came back. Some times, I laugh in my dream because I can see their carefree faces. Some times, I feel the stream flowing over my feet. I can never forget the kids wearing adult clothes, walking around in bare feet, and writing in the sand. I never thought that Malawi would touch my heart so much. At the beginning, I was a bit frustrated as I couldn't do as much as I wanted. After 6 months, however, I did not feel bad about it anymore. I thought I am just one person, and I am trying my best to make a little change. If everyone cares about a few pairs of little cold feet, I am sure in the future we will be able to see many happy, cosy feet in Africa!

Yingfei Gao taught in Malawi. © Courtesy: CICD England

It might sound far away but if you never get it started, how can you say it is only a dream in the sky? Believe me, you can make a difference in a few people's lives if you do it with your willing heart."

- Yingfei Gao taught in Malawi.

For Yingfei's full story and pictures from her photo album of Malawi, please click here.



"The walk to school is along a winding and climbing mud path. It is steep, which makes one stumble frequently. Tall grasses and maize fields to either side, glimpses of mountains are seen between gaps in the grass. A stream also has to be waded through. My feet got wet, but it did not matter as it was hot and I was wearing sandals. Past peaceful thatched roofed houses, without the clutter of electric cables, television aerials, or satellite dishes. Beautiful mountains all around with the sound and sights of tropical birds. Kids frequently ran towards me shouting and waving in greeting. They seemed so happy and playful. Many people sing as they walk along, or whilst they are working. This is no longer common in England today.

Working with pupils who want to learn is very satisfying. To be held in high esteem by all is uplifting. I found the students very hard working, enthusiastic, courteous and easygoing. The sound of laughter and singing is common. Singing and dancing are everywhere. How can people be so happy when they have so many problems? All teachers and staff do common action work, such as the harvesting of the maize. There is dignity and solidarity in the field labour." "It is amazing what people will put up with. Shortages, long and dangerous bus journeys, queuing are all part of every day life. People are cheerful and very friendly. It is rare to be angry. People respond positively to each other. Natural interest and curiosity about you mean that people will ask you questions about where you come from , the work that you do. People often invited me to their humble homes. I was able to live closely and harmoniously with my colleagues and all those people whom I met.

Planting trees to stop the desertification © Courtesy: CICD England

Being in Malawi for six months was not all teaching skills and knowledge, but also building relationships that help international understanding. The learning was a two-way thing. I was in a peaceful state all the time. There was no stress and I also learned to be much more patient. Life in Africa as a volunteer is something that I would highly recommend if you get the chance. Already I miss the people and friends that I made. I am giving serious thought about returning, this time for a two-year stay."

- Rob Russell teaching Tropical Agriculture, Malawi

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Mozambique