The Vegetable Grows and the Lion Roars is a lovely read about the satisfaction of volunteering, especially in places worse off, contributing time and skill without remuneration.
In The Vegetable Grows and the Lion Roars, Gary Lindberg writes about his experience volunteering in the West African village of Déahouépleu, teaching school students how to maintain vegetable gardens. Participating in Peace Corps programs in Côte d’Ivoire in the early 60s, Lindberg wanted to see more of the world and give to the burgeoning global community, specifically to the places he visited.
Accompanying Lindberg’s writings are lovely photographs. Both showcase an engaging, astute look at life in a developing country and accounts of his time traveling to nearby countries across Africa (also visiting Timbuktu) while still working closely with the communities he sees.
From his application to the organization, the training he received, and the volunteer’s average day, Gary Lindberg gives readers a glimpse of life as a volunteer.
Volunteering Helps Volunteers Too
People who volunteer are amazing and deserve respect from everyone. Aside from contributing to the communities they visit, volunteering provides personal and professional benefits to people who volunteer.
How Volunteering Benefits Personally
- Volunteers possess consistently happy outlooks.
Volunteers provide contentment through their services; consequently, helping others improves personal well-being. Volunteering is a two-way relationship that benefits both parties.
- Volunteers possess good mental and physical health.
Volunteers do much heavy lifting and helping with fixes, so there’s much moving around. Evidence also shows that confidence grows because of a sense of accomplishment in volunteering. Volunteers are not likely to get depressed or anxious because of the opportunities and relationships they make.
- Volunteers possess outstanding interpersonal skills.
Volunteers interact a lot with other people. Communication is the foundation of creating relationships, so volunteering is an excellent opportunity for introverted people to engage with other people of differing backgrounds.
- Volunteers possess healthy social networks.
Volunteers have an extensive roster of people they call friends. Volunteering gathers like-minded individuals and promotes interaction with them. Through common ground, friendships are more likely to form.
How Volunteering Benefits Professionally
- Volunteering keeps you improving.
Volunteers interact with the community frequently, keeping them informed about current trends. Volunteering also offers opportunities for people to work on their skills, depending on where the program is taking place.
- Volunteering can be challenging.
Volunteers always deal with challenges, stimulating the mind and skills to persevere and improve. Volunteering is an opportunity to showcase initiative and work ethic to potential employers.
- Volunteering helps you find careers.
Volunteers have an advantage in career opportunities because evidence of volunteering displays enterprise and motivation. Volunteering equips people with critical interpersonal and organizational skills, which highly improve one’s resume.
Countries That Need Volunteers the Most
For volunteers looking to travel, like Mr. Lindberg, and contribute more to a globalized community, there are countries always looking for volunteers to give a hand. Here are some that prospective volunteers may consider visiting:
Ecuador
Major programs in Ecuador typically involve wildlife conversation and environmental protection: volunteers can help with reforestation and animal monitoring. There are also educational programs for rural and impoverished communities.
Ghana
Ghana is a relatively safe and stable country. However, because it is still in the middle of development, there are several programs for volunteers to partake in, like leadership education, feminist workshops, and speaking seminars.
Kenya
Kenya is quite famous for its Maasai Mara Reserve and its view of Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania. Still, besides seeing its natural wonders, volunteers can positively influence communities through environmental and social advocacy and education.
Thailand
Though primarily known for its beaches and pristine islands, Thailand is an excellent starting point for volunteers who wish to explore Asia and contribute to its communities. Volunteers can get involved in rural education and wildlife conservation in the jungle and coastal regions.
About the Author
Gary R. Lindberg is a retired professional from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is fluent in French and is a graduate of US History from the University of Berkeley.
Aside from The Vegetable Grows and the Lion Roars, Lindberg has also written a book approaching the existence of God through a scientific lens in God’s Existence.
