Good News Corps | IYF Jamaica

Good News Corp (GNC) is an overseas volunteer program started by the International Youth Fellowship. It seeks to nurture leadership qualities in youths by exposing them to different cultures. The program uses short-term overseas volunteering opportunities, which allow youths to challenge themselves and broaden their perspective of the world.

Youths, typically between the ages of 18 and 35, spend 10 to 12 months in a foreign country, where they exchange cultures with natives. While spending time there, they experience the joy of living from something greater than themselves and develop lasting bonds. Ultimately, they join a global network of volunteer leaders with a mindset to serve.

IYF Jamaica, a participating branch of the GNC program, hosted volunteers from countries like South Korea, Mexico, Peru, Australia, Colombia, Haiti, China, Thailand and the United States. Each year a new set of volunteers arrive on our shores and are trained as future leaders. Jamaica also reciprocates by dispatching local youth to other IYF branches.

I was part of the World Camp dance team during my volunteer service. The schedule was rough, but it was also motivation for me to join other activities. I quickly reached my limit, but the dance captains and IYF managers helped me to overcome. I couldn't have done it without them. I don’t know why it was easy to just say ‘I can’t,’ but that is what I was used to. My new-found friends, IYF directors and teachers taught me I didn't know myself. During my stay, I won a 5K marathon (female); amazing! I’m back in Jamaica, and now I choreograph dances and guide new volunteers. It is difficult, but I've gained new strength.

The best thing about being a volunteer is meeting new people. I learnt that although we were different - culture, language and country, we struggled with the same issues. Many people in Argentina had the same problems that I did. It was beautiful that we could bond, and share thoughts and experiences as if we had known each other for years. They gave me more than I could give. I was very sad when I had to leave them.

Peru was a completely different environment, but everyone treated me like a daughter, sister and friend. It truly felt like family. It seems I went there so my heart could widen, and I learnt how beautiful it was to have an extended family. I will forever hold them in my heart.

Being a volunteer taught me that the Anika I knew was an expert at avoiding difficulties. It is like I had special ninja skills that I have been using all my life to get away from burdens. In the USA, the pace was from hectic to crazy, but I surprisingly enjoyed it! People go to the gym to stress their muscles and get strong. I avoided stress for so long that my heart grew very weak. Now I understand why people enjoy training. My new motto is bring it!

It was so touching to experience how many people poured out their hearts for me. It seems they got some secret thrill from taking care of others. It was crazy! They didn’t know me; but my hosts treated me so well, many times it brought me to tears. I went there to serve them: isn't that what volunteering means? But they served me, and I received much more than I gave. Now I want to serve in the same way, I want to live with that kind of heart.

Things you need to go on GNC

Open mind — Be willing to look beyond yourself; volunteerism is about service and sacrifice.
Travel Documents — You need to fulfil the legal requirements for leaving this country and entering another: passport, visa, etc.
Commitment — Willingness to step beyond your limitation and experience something new; you don’t know yourself as well as you think. Be willing to try when asked and trust your hosts.
Airfare — Money to cover your travel costs to and from your destination.

Things IYF is responsible for

The IYF branch country hosts will provide transportation, food, and medical expenses (where applicable) for all volunteers during the time of their service.

The Mindset of a Volunteer

Your tenure as a volunteer in another country is challenging. There will be more obstacles to overcome and they will certainly be different from your home routine. A volunteer needs to have a clear understanding of why they are doing this. During the workshop, the IYF Jamaica Director explained the mindset of a volunteer.

Solomon had one of the greatest gifts that one can hope for: he was able to understand the heart of the people around him. We have a natural tendency to react to the actions of others and rarely consider their heart and motive. However, when this component is added we learn that it isn’t always right to be right. Instead of defending ourselves and proving how we were misunderstood, once we set that aside and listen, a whole new world opens up. This becomes the foundation for relationships built on trust.

He asked prospective volunteers to join the program with the understanding that they have many weaknesses and a lot to learn. They will make mistakes, accepting that it is okay to be wrong is the starting point for learning. Once we accept that we are lacking and need guidance or correction, we can learn many things from the people around us.

The workshop participants were excited about the program. As they prepare for upcoming dispatch to various countries, IYF managers will be there to guide them every step of the way. We hope that as they embark on this new chapter of their lives, they will discover precious treasures that they will hold for the rest of their lives.