There are some trips you take to see the world, and then there are trips that actually change the way you see the world. During my recent volunteer abroad trip to South Africa with Islamic Relief, I luckily got to experience both. We weren’t in South Africa to sightsee. We were there to serve. Based in Durban, our group of 25 volunteers visited underprivileged communities in rural areas of Pietermaritzburg and outer Durban.
We spent time with orphaned children, packed food parcels for families, and helped run multiple camp days full of games, interactions and psychosocial support, serving over 150 children. Something I realized was that it wasn’t about making sure all the kids were following the rules of the games, it was about giving these kids something new to be excited about. We played tug of war, relay games, made shrink art, built boats and towers, and even did a volcano science experiment. Their smiles and their laughter is something I’ll always remember.
But it wasn’t always laughter. There were moments where I was speechless because of the conditions I found myself serving in. The purpose of this blog post is to not only reflect on my experience but to also share with my community who contributed to this trip exactly how the donations were used.
Greenhouse Projects Creating Long-Term Impact
One of the first things we did on the volunteer trip in South Africa was visit an underprivileged neighbourhood. Copesville is an area in Pietermaritzburg where many people who live in non-government assisted areas build their homes out of whatever materials they can find like sheet metal, old wood and cement. The problem is that every time it rains, these homes that are built on a slope, slowly fall apart, and families are forced to constantly rebuild.
And yet, despite everything, they smiled. They laughed. They welcomed us. And that contrast and resilience is what truly taught me what purposeful travel means.
Some of the donations I raised will go toward one of Islamic Relief’s beautiful initiatives: providing women-lead households in the community with greenhouses. This agriculture project will allow them to grow crops, create a sustainable diet, and generate income. They are trained and given the equipment needed to grow and sell fruits and vegetables, enabling these women to become self-sufficient. That is the kind of impact that goes far beyond a single visit.
Driving throughout the rural areas of South Africa, looking out the window and seeing hills of colourful structures and a beautiful horizon. But then it hits once you realize that these colourful structures are all shacks, the colours being washed out by the sun. There’s that many people living in shacks. It’s an unbearable feeling when you see it with your own eyes.
Building Hope in the Mountains
In one of the rural mountain communities, we visited a school that serves the entire surrounding community. This school used to be in horrible conditions. They used chalkboards as classroom doors, there were holes in the windows, the roofs were filled with Asbestos. There are currently no washrooms and no privacy. Not enough teachers. Not enough classrooms. And yet, children walked hours just to get there.
Some of the funds I raised will go toward building a sanitation block for that very school and I can only hope it’s the beginning of something better for them.
Yet on that day, I had the privilege of witnessing something special: the opening of a new library. Brand new paint. Freshly donated books. Hope. This was about creating long-term, real change.
We played with the children all day but as volunteers, we had a responsibility: to care for these children, to keep them safe, engaged, and happy in an environment where we didn’t speak the same language, and where we knew nothing about their personal stories or what they’ve endured. There was one boy in my group, smaller than the others but full of energy, who kept getting distracted by balloons and wandering off. I had to constantly stay alert, gently guiding him back to the group, making him laugh, tickling him when he drifted. It was joyful, but it was also very significant. These were not just kids getting extra recess time. These were children who needed to feel seen, protected, and loved, even if all I could offer was for one day.
As we were saying our goodbyes to all these children we spent the day with, it was starting to lightly rain. We were told that if we didn’t leave immediately, the mini bus wheels would get stuck in the mud and we would not be able to leave the mountain until it dried up. That’s how remote this place was. That’s how fragile the infrastructure is.
The Shopping Trip: Teaching More Than Money Can Buy
My group and I spent the morning taking orphaned children on a shopping trip. This was incredibly special. A portion of the donations I raised went towards this initiative, allocating each child with a budget and taking them on an incredible field trip shopping.
I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with two beautiful girls. One was 10 years old and the other was 4. At first, I wanted them to get whatever made them happy. I just wanted them to feel that joy of receiving something you have the desire for. But then, the teacher and aunt in me kicked in and I quickly realized this was also a learning opportunity. One that could teach them about money and budgeting and thinking about what they truly needed versus what they wanted.
The 4-year-old, full of personality, was instantly drawn to anything pink or Minnie Mouse. Every aisle was like a treasure hunt for her. Her excitement was contagious.
The 10-year-old started off a little quieter. She kind of just agreed to whatever I suggested at first. But I didn’t want this to be about me choosing for her. I wanted her to feel ownership. So talked through each item, calculated everything together and with a little encouragement, she began to open up. She started picking things for herself, building confidence with each choice.
First, we went after the essentials. A new pair of shoes, socks, a sweater, fresh t-shirts, etc. Then at the end, we had a little of money still left to spend so she was able to pick out 1-2 things that she really wanted. A sparkly lip gloss and a little purse. You go girl.
Watching her go from hesitant to happy and from unsure to confident is something I’ll never forget.
Packing & Delivering Food Parcels: A Lesson in Humility and Hidden Struggles
One of the most humbling parts of the trip was packing and delivering food parcels to local families in need. More than an act of giving, it was a deeply grounding experience in community, connection, and compassion.
We gathered early in the day, working together to unpack bulk items of non-perishable foods and separate them into sections of each item. Once we had everything organized, we packed each bag with contents of everything. Every volunteer had a role. The many hands made the work light. It was beautiful to witness a group of us who were once strangers, come together, all motivated by a shared purpose.
While delivering the food bags, what struck me the most was how some of the families didn’t fit the typical image of poverty. They welcomed us warmly and were dressed in cultural clothing. There was dignity in their posture and hospitality in their eyes and yet, they were in need.
That contrast definitely hit me. It reminded me that hardship doesn’t always have a face. Struggle isn’t always loud and it isn’t always visible. Some of the families were barely getting by, but they still offered smiles and gratitude. It was a quiet strength that reminded me to never assume someone’s story based on what you see on the outside.
Packing and delivering those food bags wasn’t just about providing nourishment. It was about meeting people where they are, acknowledging their worth, and restoring a little bit of hope. And in doing that, we often received more than what we gave.
Gratitude, Growth, and the Call to Give Back
The people of Zululand are kind, humble, and reserved, yet full of life. One afternoon, we stopped at a service station for coffee and ice cream. As we waited for the group to gather outside, something unexpected happened. The staff were outside, and within moments, we were all dancing and singing together, in completely different languages. A shared human experience I’ll never forget.
I left South Africa feeling grounded and humbled but most importantly, transformed. It reminded me that giving back isn’t just a one-time thing, it’s a lifelong commitment. It’s a mindset and a responsibility, and it’s one I want to carry forward in every trip I take.
I used to think that volunteering was simply about giving as much as you can. But the truth is, you receive so much more in return. Lessons, connections, perspective, and a deeper sense of gratitude than I’ve ever known.
Volunteering with Islamic Relief was an experience I’ll always cherish. They were a fantastic organization to work with. They were supportive, organized, and deeply rooted in meaningful impact. The entire trip exceeded my expectations, and I’m truly grateful for everything I learned and for the incredible people I had the chance to meet through their program.
Let this post serve as a reminder: Travel isn’t just about what you see. It’s about who you become along the way. Want more reflections like this straight to your inbox? Join my weekly newsletter here.