Wisbech teen talks about Honduras volunteering trip to Honduras
An adventurous 19-year-old has delivered an enlightening talk after returning from a trip to Honduras.
Former Spalding High School student Jodie Rhodes, from Wisbech, flew out to the South American nation in January, spending six months teaching children maths, phonics and reading in English.
The volunteering trip - which saw her take up residence in the village of Yamaranguila - was taken through Project Trust, while The Rotary Club of Spalding and Welland sponsored Jodie.
She embarked on the journey as part of her gap year after leaving school. Having only volunteered in charity shops beforehand, she said it was a brilliant experience.
Jodie said: “I loved it. I learned some really key skills, like budgeting and cooking - and also people skills, dealing with a wide range of people.
“It was really colourful, and very green because it was quite rural.
“There weren’t many people, and everyone knew everyone in the village, so it was really easy to be integrated in the community.
“They were very welcoming in that culture.”
Jodie is now studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.
However, before moving into student accommodation, she delivered a talk to the Spalding rotary club about her Honduras trip.
“That was a lovely talk. We got great food, and got to chat to everyone,” she added.
“I delivered my speech, and then people came up to ask me questions at the end.”
Barry Elliott, president of the rotary club, said: “The Rotary Club of Spalding and Welland is always keen to be involved, when possible, in youth, community, vocational and international issues, and congratulates Jodie on her courage and sense of adventure in undertaking such a challenge in her gap year, incorporating all of these disciplines in the one exciting and rewarding adventure.”
Jodie had kept in touch with the rotary club during her trip, keeping members updated with her progress.
She also travelled to the likes of Guatemala, La Union and Antigua during her
time away.
Due to her volunteering group’s leader having to leave after just one day, she was quickly promoted to being a main teacher.
