Volunteer Camotes accepted my application to join the foundation in the beginning of November.  Mr Allan Andu Rivera, the founder, informed me that I would be the first inernational volunteer and spoke to me at length about the projects and programmes underway.

I arrived in the Philippines and met up with Allan.  He then got me settled in at a homestay where I would pay P12 000 pm for board and food.  This was paid to Allan as he had “already paid the family in advance”.  After four days on the island, Allan informed me that he will be going to Manila for a week to tend to his cafe.  It is the 18th of December today and last I heard, Allan is working in Manila due to liquidation of his shop, he did not pay the full amount to the family and got away with P7 500 of my money.  He has rejected my calls and attempts at communication.

(This foundation needs to be REMOVED from this site and blacklisted as far as possible!!)

I am alone on this island, where many a community member is anticipating implementation and positive change.  Allan did bring a few old computers to the Elementary School where our first project would have been.  The school is extremely proud that they will have the first computer lab on the islands.  I have attempted to set these up as far as possible and will be providing training where I can.

Unfortunately, my funds will also run dry and I will leave this community with many disappointments.  The trip in itself from South Africa was expensive and since I do not volunteer for a specific organisation, I cannot receive funding.

If anyone has advice for me, or can think of another organisation who will umbrella me so that I can try to find funding through them, PLEASE let me know.

Ronell, ex-volunteer at Volunteer Camotes.

djronjor@gmail.com; Tel: +6392 750 63219