“Dear John and the rest of the Village Africa Team. As soon as we heard about the possibility to visit Yamba, we didn’t think twice and reached out to you. We didn’t have any expectations on what we’d experience here, but nevertheless we were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people in Yamba and the culture on its own.
To see the children’s happy faces was heartwarming and showed us what really matters in life. This is an experience we will for sure never forget! Yamba has a special place in our hearts and who knows, maybe we will see each other again! Asante sana.”
Age: 21-24
Nationalities: Austrian and Italian
Date of visit: Apr 2024
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“We stayed in Yamba for 3 days. Caroline, who was our contact of Village Africa, helped us with every question, always responded quickly and fully organised our trip.
They welcomed us impressively kind; they sang and danced and greeted us. We felt honoured to be able to stay here so close to them and their culture. They cared perfectly for us, prepared overwhelming meals and extra delicious breakfasts.
We would and will definitely recommend this trip to others, as it is a unique experience which we will never forget.
We wish all the best to the people here, the organisation of Village Africa and all the future visitors.”
Age: 21-23
Nationality: Italian
Date of visit: Mar 2023
“I have been to a lot of countries around the world and Yamba was one of the greatest experiences so far. We were heartily welcomed by singing and dancing children.
During our stay, we met a lot of people who were open-hearted and so kind to show us their culture. So we got the chance to dance with them, learn a little bit of their language and play with children enjoying their traditional games.
All in all, we are overwhelmed by Yamba and the people who live here.
As I wrote at the beginning, Yamba is one of my greatest experiences so far and I’m thankful that Caroline and her team gave us the chance to come here. You are all doing so well and we will support you in Austria by telling other people how important your work is.”
Age: 31
Nationality: Austrian
Date of visit: Aug 2019
Caption – Ricarda third from left
Anja Hotter and Elisa Brugger
Village Africa – An unforgettable experience!
- Heartwarming people
- Hearts full of love
- Thankfulness
- Open-minded
- Uncomplicated
- Happiness
- Positivity
An experience that shows what really matters. An experience that makes you think about life.”
Ages: 21 and 23
Nationalities: Austrian
Date of visit: Jul 2019
(left to right – Anja and Elisa)
Magdalena, Nuria, Lisa, Isabel, Laura and Christiane
Yamba is a wonderful and overwhelming place – we just feel like out of space! A warm welcome and a lot of children singing along. Thanks for picking us up Caroline and John. You can be proud of building this school. All the best and good luck for your exams soon. We had funny and excited play times with children of all ages – playing football, singing and colouring pages. It was very interesting to see how the locals manage their daily life, even if they have four or five children. Thank you for your gifts, hospitality and being so kind. You will stay forever in our minds. The weekend with all the traditional dancing and singing was adventurous. Asante sana (thank you) for everything you did for us! A special thanks to Lenata and Melania for cooking the food which was especially delicious and good. Stay as beautiful, friendly, lovely and open-minded as we know you – That’s the best thing you can do! All the best.”
Ages: 21-26
Nationalities: Austrian and Italian
Date of visit: Jul 2019
Theresa, Christina and Kathrin
It’s an amazing place with lovely people, wonderful views and lots of new experiences. The people here showed us their homes, how they manage their daily lives and we also had great fun with the children. We highly recommend visiting Village Africa.”
Ages: 22, 21 and 21
Nationality: Austrian
Date: Jun 2019
Theresa, Christina, Kathrin, in centre left to right
Verena
Thank you for showing us your village. It was a very special experience and for me also very emotional. People are all friendly and kind. How the students sang and danced for us was very beautiful. The women cooked excellently for us. Thank you a lot.”
Age: 27
Nationality: Italian
Date: Feb 2019
Verena front row right
Viktoria Unterfrauner
It was an amazing experience! A little bit like in our mountains. The silence, the good air, the peace. We could relax very well. The people are very, very friendly and kind. Unfortunately, we could not stay longer, but I will never forget those 3 amazing days! Thanks a lot.”
Age: 21
Nationality: Italian
Date: Oct 2018
Viktoria, front right
Caroline Mantle
What an amazing place. I have travelled a lot and never been somewhere so tranquil. The people here are so generous, they share everything, such a beautiful sense of family and community that is incredibly humbling.
Village Africa what you have achieved here is nothing short of incredible. Six potential university students, a school that provides education and future, an ambulance etc. What an amazing, life changing charity! I look forward to visiting again and supporting your future work.”
Age: 35
Nationality: British
Date: Sept 2018
Caroline third from left
Em Southey
This is my 5th visit to Yamba. I came first in 2008 as a building volunteer, followed by volunteer liaison for Village Africa in 2010 and 2011. I returned in 2012 as a visitor and again in 2018. I have spent the week with Babu Doug and Bibi Moe and have, as always, felt very welcome in Yamba. Despite the heavy rains, I have had a fantastic week here and aim to return in the near future!”
Age: 30
Nationality: British
Date: Mar 2018
Village Africa 