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Interview With A Returned Peace Brigades International Volunteer - Colombia

No Comments | March 23rd, 2007 | Trackback

June, a returned Peace Brigades International volunteer, was kind enough to share her experience accompanying human rights workers in Colombia via an email interview with the Volunteer Logue. She says her work with PBI was one of the best things she’s ever done; she’s currently working for a different organization – and on a different region – but still keeps up to date with what’s happening in Colombia, and would love to return.

Read on to find out how she got involved and her description of a “typical day; hear what moments stick in her mind and what it’s like to return home after such an experience. I’ve kept this interview nearly completely in June’s own words – with my questions inserted as well as a few minor changes for space and clarity. Thanks to both June and PBI for this interview.

How did you get involved?
I was involved in local activist groups in the UK for many years before that, campaigning on anti-arms trade issues, environmental concerns and human rights. Just before going to Colombia I was working with Barnardo’s as a play and youth worker in a neighbourhood centre, and volunteering with a local refugee support group, visiting asylum seekers to help them with their English and also just to help them feel less isolated. I studied Spanish and Russian at university, and as part of my degree I spent six months accompanying returnee refugees in Guatemala in 1996, just before the Peace Accords were signed there. At that point Guatemala had Latin America’s longest-running internal armed conflict – an unhappy distinction now claimed by Colombia. It really opened my eyes, and made me want to do something like that again in the future. I loved the idea of providing a presence that allowed human rights activists and civil society groups to make their voices heard, not imposing views from outside, recognising that a true transformation of society would only come from within.

What was the best part for you?
I think the best part is the friendships you make and the memories you take home. I learned such a lot while I was in Colombia, and met such amazing people…I’d recommend PBI 110%. It can be hard, intense, exhausting, frustrating – but it can also be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. You’ll be living and working in a group the whole time, so be prepared for little (if any!) personal space, but at the same time expect to make some good friends and remember what a privilege it is to accompany people working to make a real change in their societies, and risking everything to do so. There’s nowhere I’d rather have been.

Continue with June to Part 2 of her interview, where she describes a typical PBI day. If you missed Part 1, check that out here.

To find out more about PBI, check out the Volunteer Logue Profile of PBI or the PBI site itself.