Every year, volunteers dedicate themselves to Grünhelme’s projects around the world. In 2025, 26 individuals contributed their time and skills. Here, five of them share their personal experiences.
By Grünhelme
Bonn, February 6, 2026 – Thank you for sharing your inspiring insights into your work!
Carina Bürger
The energy and strength of the women in the village deeply impressed me—they were indispensable for daily life in the village and our school construction project.
Assignment: Malawi · School Construction Project · 3 months (early 2024)
Profession: Architectural Draftswoman & Architecture Graduate
Together with Marius, a master carpenter, I contributed to the project both in planning and hands-on construction—a collaboration that worked very well and brought me great joy.
Despite cultural differences, our daily routine quickly fell into place. The openness and warmth of the team and villagers made it easy for us to feel welcome, creating a sense of home in a completely different world.
What stayed with me most was the villagers’ creative approach: simple materials were always turned into functional solutions. Watching children make their own toys or working alongside our team on the construction site—whether fixing something or adapting plans—was inspiring. I was especially moved by the village women: their energy and strength in accomplishing daily feats were vital for the community and our school project.
These three months left a lasting impression. They reminded me how abundant life is in Europe, and how easily we take things like running water and electricity for granted. For me, it was a return to essentials. In that simplicity, I felt a naturalness often missing in our daily lives.
This experience also inspired a new professional direction. Upon returning, I began a distance-learning program to become a building biologist, aiming to create healthier and more sustainable living spaces. I want to bring the connection to nature I experienced in Malawi into our built environment—through sustainable architecture with natural and healthy materials. I am deeply grateful to Grünhelme for this opportunity and recommend everyone to embark on this adventure.
Rebekka Gödrich
Two weeks after completion, twelve healthy babies had already been born.
Assignment: Sierra Leone · Health Stations · 3 months (late 2022)
Profession: Carpenter
As a carpenter, I worked on two health stations—one completed and one begun during my assignment. Both projects were especially meaningful as they directly improved local healthcare access.
I learned about the assignment through another volunteer. After my training, I was looking for a way to contribute meaningfully and gain guidance for my future career. Grünhelme offered exactly that.
A particularly moving moment was returning about two weeks after the first maternity station was completed. By then, twelve healthy babies had been born—an image that often comes to mind.
The ongoing high maternal and infant mortality in the country makes the sight of healthy newborns even more significant. Yet the experience also had emotional challenges: I met a woman whose baby had not survived. This loss explains part of the local practice of naming infants only on their first birthday, called the Naming Ceremony. Until then, babies are simply called “baby.”
My experiences in Sierra Leone have profoundly shaped my worldview. This motivated me to begin an architecture degree in Mainz, aiming to apply my skills in development work or social projects in the future.
Marius Balle
Sometimes a look was enough—even without a shared language.
Assignment: Malawi · School Construction Project · 4 months (early 2024)
Profession: Master Carpenter
After completing my master training, this assignment was the perfect opportunity to put my professional skills to meaningful use. Many experiences shaped me—including small everyday moments on the construction site.
I remember the silent understanding with a volunteer named Chewewa. Although we shared no language, often just a glance conveyed our mutual understanding of the work.
I also recall the typical construction-site atmosphere, apparently the same worldwide: jokes and playful teasing created a sense of connection and team spirit among volunteers and local staff.
I will never forget the extraordinary effort of the village women, who carried 40 liters of water to the site with a baby on their back—an enormous contribution.
Interestingly, adapting from Germany to Malawi was easier than returning home. This experience taught me to focus on what really matters, stay calm in challenges, and live a more intentional, mindful life.
Julia Metzdorf
Three intense months in a completely different environment lie ahead—and I am very excited.
Assignment: Sierra Leone · Nursing Training School · 3 months (from February 2026)
Profession: Carpenter
I have long wanted to travel outside Europe and engage in cultural exchange. Years ago, a friend introduced me to Grünhelme, and the idea of volunteering gradually took shape. In February, I will contribute to the construction of a nursing training school. Previous years have seen Grünhelme build health centers in the region.
The training center seems like a sustainable solution to improving local infrastructure. I look forward to being part of the project, meeting the community, and applying my skills meaningfully.
Will this experience change my perspective? I believe so. Three intense months in an unfamiliar environment will certainly be formative. I approach the assignment with high expectations and excitement.
Felix Herbert
Everyone’s self-motivation and joy in the work were contagious.
Assignment: Sierra Leone · Health Station · 3 months (2022) & Malawi · School Construction Project · 3 months (early 2026)
Profession: Industrial Mechanic & Mechanical Engineer
I am about to begin my second assignment while reflecting on my first. Initially, I worried how a multi-person construction site would function despite cultural differences. My concerns were unfounded: everyone’s motivation and enthusiasm made the site run smoothly.
During construction, Kumba, the future head of the health station, built trust with the villagers, many of whom had limited access to medical care and relied on traditional remedies. I realized how critical the health station would be and was moved by meeting a heavily pregnant woman looking forward to giving birth there.
This first assignment shaped me deeply. I now eagerly anticipate the next one in Malawi. I am impressed by what Grünhelme can achieve: over 96% of donations go directly into project work.
We at Grünhelme are grateful for all our volunteers and look forward to the encounters this year and beyond. If you are inspired, apply online now.
More about our projects
Experiences That Stay: Five Volunteers Share Their Stories
Every year, volunteers dedicate themselves to Grünhelme’s projects around the world. In 2025, 26 individuals contributed their time and skills. Here, five of them share their personal experiences.
As a Volunteer for Five Months in Malawi
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