My name is Lisa-Marie Schermuly and I am 19 years old.

As a volunteer from Germany I already spent 8 months in South Africa, in the most beautiful Mpumalanga region.

For 12 months in total I am supporting the team in the regional SCOUT office.

I would not like to pass up the opportunity to tell you, here on our webpage, about the experiences I have already gained.

Scouting has always played an important role in my life. I have started at the age of 8 and never stopped from then. Here, I get the chance every day, to see how you are running free in Scouting. I have already participated in 6 district and regional camps. Especially the Flag-breaking, running campfires or “Follow-Me” songs like “Dabula” are very exciting for me. I will always find out new differences and similarities of Scouting in Germany and South Africa. Scouting Mpumalanga is also running campaigns with society relevant topics. The various trainings, workshops and courses are taking place at the Scout Center. So, as a volunteer you are always part of the event! Our projects are mostly community based. In my first weeks, we worked on a construction project in Kabokweni. With a hand full of Rovers, we built ablutions on a new campsite. I have never done something like this, but after a few times and teaching, I have improved my skills in Bricklaying and Roofing. I will never get tired of learning something new! In the office I am working hand in hand with local volunteers, my manager Sharon and my co volunteer Thomas. You always get support, whatever you are busy with.

The Rovers have already become closest friends. Special thanks go to Bheki, Sally, Max, Mawethu, Lunga, Amilcar, Henry and Samkele. They have shown me so much of their daily lives. They are the reason for me to really feel at home.

I could dip into different cultures by visiting friends at their places. I have been on a traditional wedding, on a funeral and birthday parties of siblings and “Gogos”. ?The festive season, I spent at Kamhlushwa, a township close to the border of Swaziland and Mozambique. Christmas is the highest family event- and I, Lisa-Marie really felt like being part of this family- that was very special. Now and then I pick up some SiSwati words and get to know new recipes. I will definitely bring some Pap and Rajah Curry Powder home to prepare Chakalaka, which has become one of my favourite meals. But chicken feet, pig head or the inner part of a cow are a little bit requiring getting used to for Europeans! When we go out I get taught African dances and sometimes I am even wearing skirts out of traditional fabrics, handmade by the tailor in town.  Every day I am more adapted and every day there is more to discover. Especially the numerous encounters are of great significance for me!

I, Lisa-Marie would like to say “Ngiyabonga kakhulu- Vielen Dank-Thank you so much” from the bottom of my heart to everybody who has become a part of my life. And particularly I would like to thank my Manager Sharon, the Regional Commissioner – Mom Lucy and the Deputy Chief Scout and former Chairman Babe Mdaka. I cannot imagine Scouting Mpumalanga without you!

When I go back to Germany I will not be the same person, my horizon is already widened and all of you have formed me!

I am definitely sure that I will come back as soon and as often as possible…

But there are still 4 months to fill with a lot of events, encounters, experiences and impressions!

I will keep on moving, that’s for sure!