Interview with ISCO volunteer Michael Hering

Michael Hering spent two months volunteering at Indonesian Street Children Foundation. ISCO's Christa Qonnah talks with Michael about his experiences below.

Christa: 

How did you find out about ISCO?

Michael: 

I was in Jakarta for five days in January on leave for work. I read an article in Jakarta Now about your organization and what ISCO does. The article asked if anyone was interested in volunteering.  When I was back in Australia I sent an email to ISCO asking to volunteer.

I had two months to spare in April and May so rather than sit on my backside and do nothing, I could get to know people and see a different side of Jakarta.

Christa: 

How did you find the volunteer experience with ISCO and what was your expectations?

Michael:

I got on well with the children and they picked up some words in English, so I was happy about that, I didn’t know what to expect before I started, from a volunteers point of view, if there were more resources it would have helped. Fortunately I had my own laptop which really helped. But if you’re a backpacker it is difficult as there are no resources. I think for a volunteer, for someone without an English Teaching Qualification and without help in terms of resources, you often run out of ideas.

Christa:

In Semper, where you volunteered, the children were more enthusiastic to come to the Education Centers and their attendance rate was much better because they knew that a volunteer would be there to help them with their English and with their homework. Did you feel that you made a difference?

Michael:

They were already coming often from what I understand and attending quite regularly.  It also depends on the effectiveness of the Project Officer Dina, and the tutors Leddie and Catherine who were very good. 

Christa:

You don’t think the children were coming to the activity centers because of you?

Michael:

No I don’t think so. I think I just added to an already good project.

Christa:

What is your opinion of the Education Centers?

Michael:

Having visited the kids houses there isn’t much room for them to study, or do anything, so having a place for them to go and study before or after school is a brilliant idea and I think its working from what I can see. Obviously there are always ways to improve,

Christa:

Would you recommend ISCO to other volunteers?

Michael:

Yes I Would.  

Christa:

What will you do after you finish your time with ISCO?

Michael:

I will be on assignment with Doctors without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres) in Syria for about six months.

Christa:
Thank You Michael and good luck for the Future!

If you are interested in volunteering with ISCO please email your C.V to isco@iscofoundation.org