At ICYE Nigeria volunteers have a chance to take part in projects ranging from teaching or health services to arts and culture. The projects allow volunteers to make a lasting impact while building strong relationships with the local communities.

Text: Tuuli-Maria Mäki
Photo: Adeolu Onamade’s album

Hello! What is your name and what do you do at ICYE?

My name is Adeolu Onamade, people call me Adeolu or Ade. I am an international law and diplomacy expert with over 29 years of experience in youth exchange and intercultural dialogue. My passion lies in fostering global citizenship through youth exchange programs.

How did you end up working with international volunteering?

I began my journey with international volunteering around 1992 when I worked as a co-worker with ICYE Nigeria. In this role, I helped foreign volunteers settle down, adjust to the realities of a new culture, and overcome the culture shock they experienced. I also assisted in preparing Nigerian volunteers for their international assignments. This experience ignited my passion for international volunteering, and since 1994, I have been coordinating the volunteer programs at ICYE Nigeria. My commitment and dedication led me to take on various leadership roles within the ICYE Federation, including coordinating the African region twice and serving on the Federation Board of Managers. Currently, I am the Treasurer of the ICYE Federation.

What kind of projects do you have at ICYE Nigeria?

ICYE Nigeria sends its volunteers to work in diverse involvement in several interesting sectors, e.g. teaching and youth development, health and social services, arts and cultural exchange and local area development, which includes also working on environmental conservation oriented programs like planting trees to waste management and spreading awareness about sustainability and resource conservation.

There is no doubt international volunteering has a big impact on the lives of the volunteers. What do you think are the best learnings or benefits one can get from volunteering?

Cultural Awareness: It allows people to experience different cultures and appreciate the diversity of culture in a manner like never before. At the same time, volunteers will develop a sense of empathy and appreciate different cultural norms.

Skills Development: volunteering serves as a platform for building skills right from learning languages, all the way through problem solving skills to project management and teamwork. And these are not only useful in volunteering but in life in general.

Forming Deeper Connections: Volunteering helps individuals in forging stronger connections with those who come from different walks of life. This network of the like-minded often leads to support groups, friends for life and a shared sense of community.

And lastly, volunteering can bring a sense of empowerment and purpose, and help find a true calling by contributing to things that matter. This empowerment helps motivate people to participate more and take active part on the social or environmental front, positively contributing their lives for a change.

What about the impact of volunteering on the local communities?

International volunteers can make a remarkable difference in local communities when projects are carefully planned and carried out in partnership with community members. Here are some examples from Nigeria:

Education and Empowerment: Volunteers have boosted education by providing extra lessons, tutoring, and fun activities in schools and community centers. This has led to better grades, more engaged students, and a wider range of learning experiences. For instance, in rural Nigeria, volunteer-led literacy programs have helped kids who were out of school or at risk of dropping out.

Health and Well-being: Volunteers have improved healthcare by supporting clinics, teaching people about health, and helping with prevention programs. This has led to better health outcomes, especially for mothers and children. In many Nigerian communities, volunteers have worked alongside local healthcare providers to give vaccinations, educate people about maternal health, and provide basic medical care. These efforts have improved overall health and raised awareness about crucial health issues.

Building Stronger Communities: Volunteers have helped build schools, improve water supplies and sanitation, and support local businesses. This has strengthened communities and improved people’s lives. In some Nigerian villages, volunteers have helped build wells to provide clean water. This has not only improved health but also given women and children more time for school and other activities.

Protecting the Environment: Volunteers at environmental projects have raised awareness about protecting the environment and encouraged people to adopt sustainable practices. In Nigeria, volunteers have been involved in replanting forests and leading community conservation efforts. By planting trees and teaching people about sustainable land use, these projects have helped protect forests and promote environmental responsibility.

Empowering People: Volunteers often work with marginalized groups like women, young people, and people with disabilities. This helps them become more involved in society, find jobs, and advocate for their rights.In many Nigerian communities, volunteers have supported programs that empower women. These programs teach women new skills, help them start businesses, and educate them about their rights. This has led to greater financial independence and participation in community life for women.

Bringing People Together: Beyond the direct benefits of volunteer work, the exchange between volunteers and community members fosters understanding and respect. This can break down stereotypes and create stronger, more united communities. In Nigeria, volunteers have worked on preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts. By working with local artisans, volunteers have helped protect cultural traditions while also learning new skills. This exchange of knowledge has created stronger bonds between people.

These examples show how international volunteering, when done with care and respect, can have a significant and lasting positive impact on communities, addressing immediate needs and contributing to long-term development.

ICYE Nigeria was founded over forty years ago. What do you see as some of the main accomplishments of your NGO?

One core focus of ICYE Nigeria has been the empowerment of young people, both in Nigeria and abroad. By providing opportunities for young Nigerians to volunteer internationally, the organization has helped to develop a generation of globally minded leaders who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Over the past forty years, ICYE Nigeria has played a crucial role in strengthening the global volunteer movement and promoting the values of social justice, peace, and environmentalsustainability. By working closely with other ICYE organizations around the world, ICYE Nigeria has helped to create a platform for collaborative efforts to address global challenges. This network has fostered a sense of global citizenship among volunteers and partner organizations alike. Perhaps one of the most remarkable accomplishments of ICYE Nigeria is its sustained commitment to volunteerism over the past four decades. Despite the many challenges and changes in the socio-political landscape of Nigeria and the world, the organization has remained steadfast in its mission to promote intercultural exchange and volunteer service.

What would you say to a young person thinking about engaging in international volunteering and possibly considering Nigeria as their destination?

Nigeria’s diverse culture offers countless opportunities for personal growth. You’ll learn to adapt, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. You will be open to different ways of life and customs. Be ready to respect local traditions and be ready to learn as much as you teach. Your work can significantly improve the lives of Nigerians. Whether you’re in education, healthcare, or community development, focus on collaborating with locals to achieve long-term change. Be prepared for differences in infrastructure and living conditions. Flexibility and resourcefulness are key to overcoming obstacles.

Ultimately, volunteering in Nigeria is a rewarding adventure that can shape your life. By approaching it with an open mind, respect, and a commitment to making a difference, you can create a lasting impact while enriching your own life.

Towards the vision of ICYE – perspectives from Nigeria

ICYE envisions a world of diverse, engaged individuals and communities who can contribute to social justice, solidarity, peace, and environmental sustainability. How to get there? Adeolu Onamade from ICYE Nigeria shares thoughts on the challenges and the solutions.

Text: Minna Räisänen

In the volunteering field, white saviourism can still be seen, says Adeolu Onamade, who urges to strive against it. “It’s important for volunteers to see themselves as partners, not rescuers.” He also points out that problems can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds misunderstand each other and calls for volunteers to be open to learn about the local cultural environment.

Onamade stresses that the volunteer projects need to have a lasting impact,which requires making sure that the communities need and want them and that the communities know how to continue the project after the volunteers leave. Onamade also says that there is not always enough funds for projects and suggests ICYE to search for funds from various resources, like businesses or online donations.

When it comes to inspiring developments in the ICYE volunteering cooperation, Onamade mentions ICYE’s recent policy against sexual violence as a critical step in ensuring that all volunteers, staff, and community members are protected from sexual violence. He also brings forward ICYE’s recent Greener Together Policy, Policy on Safeguarding children, and Code of Ethical Practice.

Onamade feels ICYE has been working to advance that volunteer opportunities are accessible to people from all backgrounds and has been preparing volunteers to become informed, responsible, and active global citizens by integrating education on global issues, human rights, and intercultural competence into volunteer training.

In response to the challenges posed bythe COVID-19 pandemic, ICYE started offering virtual volunteer opportunities. “This demonstrates the Federation’s resilience and flexibility, opening up new possibilities for volunteer engagement and expanding the reach of volunteer efforts.”

Onamade is particularly enthusiastic about the ongoing work on the new strategic plan for the ICYE Federation. “The process represents a collective effort to envision and shape the future of the Federation, ensuring that ICYE continues to make a positive and lasting impact on both volunteers and the communities they serve.”

“Even though there are many challenges, it’s possible to create a world where people from all over work together to make things better.”

The article has been published in the magazine MaailmanVaihtoa – Volunteers’Voices 2/2024.

Maailmanvaihto’s office will remain closed on 6th December 2024.