Liselle sourced a volunteering opportunity with YWAM in Aruba and successfully applied for funding to help towards the costs. Read part one of her experience below.

I feel extremely privileged to have had the incredible opportunity to volunteer for four weeks this summer on this small, 20-mile-long Caribbean Island. Unlike much of the Caribbean, which experiences humid tropical climates, Aruba has dry climate with an arid xeric landscape. 

I approached the process of securing my placement by first reflecting on my personal interests and identifying organisations that provide therapeutic support to young people. Rather than focusing on a specific country, my primary consideration was the mission and values of the organisations. After conducting research, I reached out to five different branches by sending tailored emails to each one. I had 2 interviews and then submitted a proposal for a therapeutic creative intervention.

YWAM (Youth with A Mission) foundation in Aruba is dedicated to fostering strong and healthy families within the community, operates globally and is supported financially by donors from countries including the Netherlands and the United States. Despite its tourist-friendly facade, Aruba faces significant social challenges, including broken families, substance abuse, and hidden deprivation. This case study explores my experiences, the personal growth achieved while working abroad, the challenges I encountered while working with YWAM in Aruba. Carefully observing with a thoughtful perspective to better understand the community’s needs. 

My role involved a mix of activities at both the youth camp centre and the YWAM base. I facilitated therapeutic support sessions for young people, and helped organise community-building activities, participated in the redlight district outreach (La Sala Women) and a community homeless project.

Working in this context was challenging, as the community’s struggles were rooted in deeply ingrained systemic issues that tugged at my heart. These problems required more than surface-level interventions. I often encountered families facing severe hardships, and witnessing the depth of their challenges was overwhelming at times. However, these experiences also underscored the vital importance of therapeutic community engagement which is YWAM’s long-term commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community. 

I used my first week to observe my environment, talk to locals, and sit in on team meetings; I developed a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors affecting mental health and family dynamics. The work demanded resilience, adaptability, and empathy, which were honed through daily interactions with community members and fellow volunteers. I gained invaluable practical experience in applying my academic knowledge in art psychotherapy to current situations. Navigating the complexities of providing therapeutic support in a resource-limited setting enhanced my problem-solving skills and cultural competence. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, helping me grow both professionally and personally. Hannah, one of the leaders, drove me around the island as we tried to gather art materials for next week’s club. I also started one-on-one sessions with a teenage girl.