Latoya McDonald just started her MPP at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Latoya moved to the United States eight years ago to pursue her undergraduate degree at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She stayed in the capital to work as a program assistant at the International Finance Corporation. Before moving to Berkeley in August, she spent four weeks volunteering in the “public health needs assessment and program design” Immersion project in Quito. She completed a research project focused on the health situation of children whose parents work in public markets on the outskirts of the city. Latoya studied abroad in Spain for a semester and taught English for a year in France, but this was her first time in South America.
 
This is one of the most intensive UBELONG volunteer placements, and Latoya worked closely with UBELONG co-founder Raul Roman, who also teaches research methods and program evaluation at Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Raul notes: “This is a unique opportunity for volunteers to conduct useful social science research and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving local conditions. Latoya is very talented and brought lots of important skills to the project. She worked very hard and made a great contribution.”
 
What motivated you to seek a volunteer opportunity in Quito?
I have worked at two multilateral institutions in Washington, DC and was exposed to various international development issues. Though I gained an inside perspective on the challenges faced by the leading experts in international development, I felt disconnected from the day-to-day realities in the field. So, I decided to research volunteer opportunities in Latin America  to get a first-hand experience of doing work and solving problems from the ground up. The Quito project was a great opportunity to be immersed in development work and engage in something valuable. And of course, UBELONG’s delivery of high-quality and low cost programs, made my final decision very easy!
 
What was most frustrating or challenging to you during your volunteering placement?
I am very organized at work and my discipline helped me move forward with my research project. However, sometimes I felt there was insufficient collaboration. We were all very busy and it was difficult at times to maintain consistent and open communication to avoid duplication of efforts.
 
From what you observed during your experience, what were the three most important characteristics of a successful international volunteer?
First, this particular project required a lot of independent work –for example collecting data at the markets. You need to feel comfortable taking a step forward to make things happen. Volunteers who take the initiative to propel the project forward will be the most successful. If you see something that needs to be done, seek approval and go for it! You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
 
Second, you need to be open. Fieldwork in developing countries tends to move at a slower and minimally defined pace. You need to ease yourself into the local dynamics and understand that business might be conducted in a different manner. Be open to an alternate mode of thinking.
 
Finally, try to connect with the local culture. It is important to be keen on absorbing the subtle differences in the culture and incorporating them into your action plan. Understanding the culture is incredibly important as it will help you get a better grasp on how people think. This will also help your work as a volunteer. Spend time sharing and talking with your host family. Your host family will be a great resource for you to learn about current issues and quickly fill any knowledge gaps. I also found keeping up with the local news to be useful.
 
What kind of impact did you have on the community?
I believe I made a difference because my research provided a clearer picture of what’s going on in the public markets in terms of health and sanitation issues. This work will guide future volunteers and inform the design of new projects in this area. Additionally, I think my recommendations to leverage current volunteer resources were particularly useful.
 
How did the people in your host community perceive the role of international volunteers like you?
The locals were very receptive to our work as the volunteers and the local non-profit that UBELONG partners with have been doing a great job developing a good rapport with the families working in the public markets of southern Quito. I felt very welcomed. However, I was one of the first volunteers conducting research there, so it was more difficult for locals to understand the purpose of my research because its value had not been demonstrated before. In any case, I strongly believe that this will change over time as additional volunteers contribute to the project.
 
What did you learn about yourself during your experience?
I had some fears going into the project because I had never conducted research in the field before. Raul really pushed me in the right direction and told me I would learn by doing it. I got pushed outside of my comfort zone, which is so important for people like me who want to work in international development. I surprised myself –I started moving forward and I got a lot done and learned so much along the way. I gained confidence in myself and realized that there are no limits to what I can accomplish.
 
Click on the pictures above to enlarge them. Photos courtesy of Latoya McDonald.

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