Nienke in Mauritius

My story

This was the second time I’d gone with the organisation United Through Sport, or The Power of Sports as it’s called in Holland. This time I went to Mauritius, and I can say for certain that I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The programme, on the island off the east coast of Africa, isn’t as developed yet as in other places around the world. That doesn’t take away from the amazing sporting opportunities we were able to offer and the fun activities we got to do in our free time. I was there for a month and there’s still so much I’d have liked to do and see. We used every free moment to explore a bit of the island, and it kept surpassing itself.

Because the programme isn’t really well known on the island yet, as volunteers we were often in contact with the organisers of various sports activities. So as well as the coaching we were able to offer the children here, we could also help think about the future of the project here. Darren, the founder of United Through Sport in Mauritius, shared his vision of the future of Mauritius with us and how we contribute to it. He gives insight into his motivation and makes the importance of the work clear. This is inspiring and incredibly motivating, and it was wonderful to be able to see his island through his eyes.

The children we work with are incredibly polite, and although they don’t always have a good background or home situation, it was really lovely to work with them. The other coaches from the island itself who we work with are also very open and friendly, and open to new ideas and collaboration. The only real obstacle I came across is the fact that the main language here is French. They speak French, English and Creole here. Although most children also speak English and the older kids in particular have no trouble understanding instructions in English, communicating with the youngest ones is still sometimes difficult. The coaches speak English and French and often act as translators. The language barrier can be a problem when you’re working with the little ones.

Apart from the coaching, I can honestly say I feel really safe here. As a woman you don’t get harassed on the street, you can walk alone safely and even when you go out, everyone treats you with respect. It’s a poorer country, so I was quite worried about this before I left, but the culture here means everyone treats each other with such respect. Of course you do need to use your common sense, but if you just behave normally you shouldn’t have any problems.

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

Prepare yourself well before you travel, and if you’re still in two minds, do it! Mauritius is a beautiful island and I’d recommend everyone to go there at least once.