The Life-Changing Power of a Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Assignment: Experiences from Nicaragua
By F2F Volunteer Bettina Barillas
Before arriving, I didn’t know what to expect—I had received a lengthy preparation packet and briefly spoken to the Field Officer, but these documents could not have prepared me for the warmth with which I was received. After 24 hours of travel, I arrived absolutely exhausted, but nervous and excited for my two weeks in country. I was filled with anxiety about whether my Spanish was good enough, whether I would be of service, and how my relationship would be with my host organization. I quickly learned, however, that all of my worrying was pointless—I had arrived to an organization that not only cared greatly about my experience, but also was excited to have me and share their own country with me.
The team at my host organization not only briefed me on their project, but they shared their own personal stories and motivations that drove them to work towards a better Nicaragua. They shared their traditions. They shared their food. They shared their hearts. And, I shared mine in a meager exchange of our worlds and life experiences. Because of their open hearts, I was able to better help them set a foundation to accomplish their project goals. Together, we worked towards our shared aim of strengthening their intervention to better serve their beneficiaries.
While I came into the project knowing what I would contribute, I could not have guessed that I would have gained so much myself. Thanks to this assignment, I have a clearer idea of the kind of work I would like to do in the future—supporting small social enterprises and their branding and communications goals. This trip gave me the opportunity to actually use some of the materials I had developed after four years working in the field. And, as a result, I learned what worked and what was useful.
After my return home, I have already looked for ways to share these learning moments with other organizations undertaking similar projects and, in addition to sharing the materials I developed during my volunteer consultancy trip, hope to share with them some of the best practices I observed during my time with Partners of the Americas and Farmer to Farmer, Nicaragua.
The team at my host organization not only briefed me on their project, but they shared their own personal stories and motivations that drove them to work towards a better Nicaragua. They shared their traditions. They shared their food. They shared their hearts. And, I shared mine in a meager exchange of our worlds and life experiences. Because of their open hearts, I was able to better help them set a foundation to accomplish their project goals. Together, we worked towards our shared aim of strengthening their intervention to better serve their beneficiaries.
While I came into the project knowing what I would contribute, I could not have guessed that I would have gained so much myself. Thanks to this assignment, I have a clearer idea of the kind of work I would like to do in the future—supporting small social enterprises and their branding and communications goals. This trip gave me the opportunity to actually use some of the materials I had developed after four years working in the field. And, as a result, I learned what worked and what was useful.
After my return home, I have already looked for ways to share these learning moments with other organizations undertaking similar projects and, in addition to sharing the materials I developed during my volunteer consultancy trip, hope to share with them some of the best practices I observed during my time with Partners of the Americas and Farmer to Farmer, Nicaragua.
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