A Year Long Volunteering Adventure Brings a Professional Journalist to FAST

Written by Liz Greenhalgh

Previously a writer for a travel magazine in New York, Christine Maxfield decided it was time to get out there and really experience first hand those things that she was writing about.

She quit her job and embarked on a year long journey visiting all the continents of the world and this was not just one long holiday, but she took this opportunity to join oraganisations and offered her time to volunteer and really get deep into the heart and see the reality of the communities she was visiting.

In November 2011, this journey brought her to FAST where she got involved in our Education Project, Music Project and braved the cold on our Better Homes Project.

With Christine’s musical background she was a great support at recorder class. Having never played before, but picking it up easily, she was able to teach many of the lessons and the children enjoyed the fun games that she used and the songs that they learned as well as establishing a motivational learning activity that will be implemented from next week. She was also a great help giving the room a make over, where we now have a number of large colourful display boards and some nice developing displays.

Her time on the Education Project saw her using her piano skills, teaching the children a song as well as playing games along to the music. The children very much enjoyed her input.

It was great to hear of Christine’s interesting adventures of the things she has seen and learned throughout this time. If you would like to take a look at some of things that she discovered, she has a facebook page; compassMag.com

Thanks Christine for your hard work and for being an inspiration at FAST. It was a pleasure having you here and hearing about your wonderful adventures! We wish you all the best with your career plans.