Uruguay Debriefing Report
The last week of the project in Uruguay has Volunteers, Project Staff and partner agency representatives perplexed at how quickly time passes, especially given that just weeks ago we felt awed by the time ahead. In reality, this wonder never faded— we’re left struck by the clout a group of mutually supporting and interested individuals can wield under the direction of clear goals and open lines of communication.
Together, all project affiliates worked hard at realizing the goals we had set collectively, individually, and for one another. Youth have come together in spaces once unvisited to discuss unfamiliar topics; clinics have been floored and a soccer club refurbished. And each of these accomplishments comes from a contribution made by Volunteers, Project Staff and community members who at first had only possibility on their side.
With feelings of success and growth having moved from mere opportunity to results, the Volunteers are finishing up projects this week by holding final charlas (educational activities), completing construction work on community projects, and evaluating working relationships and logistics that the last four weeks brought forth. Last Saturday, all project members came together for a youth volunteerism fair that featured local talent on stage and to evaluate how the project has gone thus far. The event set an exciting tone for this week’s project close out, providing an opportunity to both assess accomplishments and learn from mistakes. It reminded us to take advantage of the little time we have left and to applaud one another for all our hard work.
Friday (Aug. 3) brings the final despedida (farewell party). Volunteers will become hosts to their Uruguayan guests at our send-off party, replete with a campfire, slideshow, and hopefully some dancing! Once the Volunteers have said goodbye to their communities, we will all head to historic Colonia for a day of sightseeing and camaraderie. The last days will be filled with debriefing activities before the Volunteers’ departure from Uruguay on Monday.
In all the flurry, we are glad to have such a positive project to look back upon, full of new friendships and experiences that uncovered skills and growth from within every one of us.
