Books and Toys: Meet Rachel Trowsdale

 

smiles and hugs

       Name: Rachel Trowsdale

       Country of Origin: England

       Languages spoken: English

       Job back home: First aid trainer

Well, where do i start? I  guess at the beginning, back home in Brighton, UK. The media coverage of refugees (especially the children who where being robbed of a childhood) really upset me and I knew I wanted to help in some way. I thought of giving money but how would I know it was going to the right place and being used effectively? Then I thought "how about I go out there myself to make a difference and give the money to the places I know will help?" I started a crowd funding page and an Amazon wish list for a few children's books in Arabic, Farsi and Kurdish to take with me. Within an hour of sharing it on Facebook my friends had bought all the books on the list so I had to increase it and add more books, musical instruments and toys. 

This really spurred me on and although this was totally out of my comfort zone, I knew I had to do this! I organised my flights (and some hypnotherapy sessions as I'm terrified of flying, lol!) Once I arrived for my weeks' stay I was introduced to the Elea project. I was welcomed into the family of volunteers and everyone was so friendly. I guess I was a spectator in the first week, watching and taking it all in. I really liked it here and knew a week would not be enough so I changed my flight for a months' time and later added another 2 weeks as well! 

I quickly settled in, using my childcare background to help in the little squirrels preschool session each day. The children touched my heart and I will never forget them. It's the small achievements that stick with me the most, like getting a group of 2-4 year olds to sit in a circle and enjoy story time, when they run at you with open arms for a cuddle, the look of achievement on their faces when they have completed a puzzle or finished a painting. They may speak other languages but with eye contact, visual and facial expressions, we get along fine. Also some of the older children have great English and help with translating to the little ones. It's been so satisfying watching their behaviour change for the better and I've honestly enjoyed every minute. 

There are also some other great activities Elea arrange that are run by volunteers or residents at the camp such as yoga classes, henna night, bike and sewing workshops, dinner and clothing distribution where I worked with a single mum of 5 kids to find clothing to fit them all--with no translator! but after an exhausting hour of running in and out of the container (and a lot of descriptive hand gestures for trousers, big/small etc) she left with warm clothes for her family and gave me a thankful smile and pinch on the cheek which I know is a form of affection in her culture. Whenever I see her around the camp we wave and smile to each other in our different languages. 

I'm now close to the end of this amazing experience and I don't want to leave. These friendly families will forever be in my heart, I can only wish them the best and hope they find a better life for themselves. They have touched me and I have learnt so much from them. They are warm ,welcoming,humble people like you and I who want the best for their family.  I'm so glad I did this and recommend it to all. Everyone has a skill to bring even if you don't know it! It could be organisation skills, bike maintenance, level headedness, nail painting, DIY or clothes folding! Every skill is welcomed and used to its full potential. I have met so many other volunteers from all over the world, many nationalities and languages, but the one thing we have in common is we all share big hearts and want to make a difference.

My time here is coming to an end, I wish I could stay longer; going back to my old life will never be the same. I will get on with my 9-5 job, food shopping, watching TV, but a little bit of me will never be the same. Part of my heart is with Project Elea and all those children that deserve a childhood. I know without a doubt I will return, as so many of the volunteers do, and can't wait to see how the little squirrels are getting on.