Falling In Love with Tajikistan

Wanda Smith, who has lead about 30 Global Village trips for Habitat for Humanity, is a real veteran volunteer. She grew up in northern Indiana in the Unites States and worked as a teacher and counselor in her professional career. In 1990, Wanda helped to start Habitat for Humanity in her local area and served on its board of directors for 15 years.

In 2005, Wanda Smith led a team of Global Village volunteers to Tajikistan. She fell in love with the country and its people and took five more Global Village trips there. Last year, Wanda received the Linda Fuller Award for Volunteering. Here, she shares some of her Global Village experience and thoughts on volunteering.

“What memories traveled home with our Global Village team to Tajikistan? Of course, we remember the fabulous food, the heat, the colorful markets and the blessings of air-conditioned accommodations. But, as is the case with all Global Village trips, the strongest memory we have is of the people”, she says.

“The Tajiks are people who have withstood war, various governments and difficult economic times. It was humbling to work side by side with a group of people who universally inspire us to never grumble about our lot in life. May we never forget the lessons we learned in Tajikistan about triumph over circumstances!” she continues.

“Tajikistan is my very favorite Global Village destination within Habitat for Humanity in the whole world.  If I were not needed to watch over my 95-year-old mother, I would be there as a self-supported long term volunteer for Habitat for Humanity,” continues Wanda.

“The people of Tajikistan have a powerful impact upon volunteers - not the other way around,” she believes. However, according to Wanda, to feel that one needs to go on a longer trip, at least for two weeks and not just eight days. She says the teams who were "in-country" for two weeks have experienced stronger feelings afterwards, “You can't build the same kind of relationships, nor have the cultural immersion in just five days of work at the affiliate.” 

The biggest joy for any volunteer is meeting families who moved into Habitat homes. “It is powerful to talk with homeowners who are now in Habitat homes and to realize the difference a decent home has made in their life.  Not only the homeowner’s comfort, but also ability to focus energy on earning a living and have a feelings of self worth. It even filters down to them wanting to educate their children in a way not previously considered,” said Wanda.

She believes that stories from local homeowners about having a Habitat home are important to share with the world at large. Wanda’s advice to those contemplating a volunteer trip abroad is a quote from James Michner, “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.”


Have you ever volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Europe and Central Asia? We would like to hear your story! You can send it to us at gv.europe@habitat.org