Taylor Weary- Harvard College

I have visited Wema twice, both in the large student group and again on my own, and now Wema and plans to get there again are constantly on my mind. Once you meet the incredible people there--from Stephen and Teresa to the teaching staff to the children themselves--and see for yourself the very real impacts that are being made in the Bukembe community, the experience leaves an indelible effect on you. I feel that volunteers make invaluable, concrete contributions to Wema without any sort of obscure overhead or middlemen, as so often there are in international volunteering opportunities. In addition to that, I am grateful for everything Wema has given me. I have seen resilience, hope, ambition, and sheer youthful joy in their truest forms when working and playing with the children at Wema. I have stepped in front of classrooms of students to teach biology, English, and life skills, and have been moved by their wonder and eagerness to learn. I realized that even as an young undergraduate, I have much to offer them, and their smiles, dedication, and stories inspire me to give as much as I can. I know these relationships I've made at Wema will be ones I'll cherish forever, and I'll always want to be involved helping Stephen and Teresa's wonderful organization.