Embarking on my first volunteering experience, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I didn’t know anything about Fafali before joining the program, and I had never been to Africa, so this was a step into uncharted territory for me. With only ten days during the Christmas holidays to make an impact, I was both excited and a little daunted by the challenge ahead. Little did I know, these ten days would turn into one of the most inspiring journeys of my life.

I am Marco, I’m Italian, but I’ve been living in Spain for several years. I work in sales in the IT Sector and had the opportunity to live in different countries around Europe. I have two kids aged 9 and 11. I wanted to use my time during the holidays to do something meaningful. This was my first step into the world of international volunteering.

From the very first moments, I realized this experience would be nothing short of extraordinary. Arriving in the middle of the night, I was greeted personally by Raymond, the president of Fafali, Randy, Head of Sports Programs and Joshua, Head of IT. Despite my luggage being lost, they patiently waited outside the airport for three hours while I tried to sort things out. Their commitment and kindness in such a situation left a lasting impression on me—it spoke volumes about their dedication not just to the organization but to every individual they work with.

One of the most striking aspects of Fafali is its profound emphasis on shaping the next generation with principles that will guide them for a lifetime. It’s not just about providing support or resources—it’s about building character alongside education. The children are not merely passive recipients of help; they are active participants, learning how to contribute meaningfully to their community and beyond.

Through every interaction, it’s clear that the organization understands the importance of instilling values such as integrity, respect, and empathy. These lessons are seamlessly woven into every activity, from daily lessons to community engagements. The children are being equipped not only to dream but to make those dreams a reality.

What impresses me most is how much the entire community now embraces this work. In the early years, Fafali faced the challenge of convincing parents of the value these initiatives could bring. Today, after years of dedication, the program is widely respected, and the entire community understands the importance of the work being done. 

This first impression set the tone for what have been an enriching and eye-opening journey.

As my journey with the program unfolded, one of the highlights was helping to organize the Christmas party. This event was more than just a celebration, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the spirit of the community come alive and to be a part of something truly special. Planning and preparing for the party was a team effort, and it gave me a chance to meet other volunteers and connect with the older kids from the football team who also pitched in to help. Their energy, dedication, and sense of responsibility were inspiring. They weren’t just participants in the program, they were role models for the younger children, stepping up to give back to the community that supports them.

The event itself was filled with joy and laughter, a reminder of how impactful simple acts of togetherness can be. Watching the children light up with excitement and seeing everyone come together to share in the festivities was a powerful moment. It emphasized the importance of building a sense of unity and belonging, values that Fafali continuously fosters.

The standard of work and dedication within the organization is so high that I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t contribute enough. However, this realization has only motivated me to find more ways to be helpful and to give back even more in the days to come. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute alongside this amazing team.

I also want to give a special thank you to Randy, the sports coordinator at Fafali, who was by my side throughout this experience. I was fortunate to see firsthand how much the children respect him. His presence, both at the program and in the community, is truly inspiring. Walking around the neighbourhoods, I could feel the deep admiration the entire community has for him, which speaks volumes about the impact he has had on everyone.

Randy was instrumental in showing me different aspects of life during my time there. He took me to football and golf training sessions, allowing me to see how the kids not only develop their physical skills but also their sense of teamwork and discipline. He also walked me around various neighbourhoods, giving me a deeper understanding of the living conditions and challenges the community faces. Randy even took me on a cultural visit to the Memorial Park on Christmas Day, where he shared his extensive knowledge of Ghanaian history, which added even more depth to my experience. His dedication to both the children and the community is outstanding, and I feel truly fortunate to have learned so much from him.