“It has given me unforgettable moments and a lot of loyal friends in my life – like a second family.”

Christian is in Lamberts Bay as a weltwärts volunteer for one year and supports PlayHandball’s partner organization “Rural Impact” on site.  In the following interview, our volunteer Christian talks about his experience after seven months:

PLAY HANDBALL: Why is handball important for you and what has it done for you?

Christian: Handball is important for me because I can have fun and exercise at the same time and can even spend time with friends.
It has given me unforgettable moments and a lot of loyal friends in my life – like a second family.

PLAY HANDBALL: How did you heard about PLAY HANDBALL ZA?

Christian: I was looking for a volunteer service in different countries and then I found the website of weltwaerts and heard about the organisation and their project.

PLAY HANDBALL: Why did you decided to become a Handball Volunteer in South Africa?

Christian: Because it was my dream to go into a different country to do a volunteering service after my final exams at school. And then it was a perfect match with PlayHandball and South Africa.

PLAY HANDBALL: How long have you been now a handball volunteer in South Africa?

Christian: I have been a handball volunteer for over 7 months now.

PLAY HANDBALL: What was the most memorable experience?

Christian: The most memorable experience was the Handball Tournament we had in Lambertsbay in the beginning of May for sure .
Not only because a team from my school won at the group of the 4th graders but in general it was a very cool and exciting event.

PLAY HANDBALL: What was the greatest challenge until now?

Christian: The greatest challenge was the first few weeks in the schools. To try to train Handball with kids that haven’t even heard of Handball. And seeing how well it worked out after a few months.

PLAY HANDBALL: How do you experience the handball coaching at school/ community?

Christian: I experience it as a really good thing because alot of people know me through my work and talk to me about handball and I really enjoy it.

PLAY HANDBALL: How has your work had an impact on you and in the community?

Christian: It has a big impact on me in my community. I get asked to help at Sport Events and people come up to me to ask for help with organizing Sport Events as well.

PLAY HANDBALL: How is the life with a local South African host family?

Christian: I experience life as very chilled and calm. Not alot of activities during the day but alot of activities when the family gathers together for Birthdays or stuff like that.