Excellent post @abh12345! "Volunteerism", I think, is a very good thing. Candidly, however, I think "volunteering" probably has more of an impact on the lives of those volunteering than on the lives of those who are being assisted. I suspect it makes a dramatic impact on the perceptions and views of those who are doing the volunteering; much moreso than on the lives of those who are being assisted by the volunteers. Why? Change takes time and long term commitment, especially in traditional societies and cultures; not something one can hope to achieve in short term volunteer assignments; it's just not possible. Does it help; absolutely; because it does open the eyes of those being assisted and exposes them to new ways of thinking and viewing the world; but, unless it is constantly and consistently re-enforced over an extended period...well, traditional ways of thinking and behaving are very, very difficult to overcome. I very much applaud what you are doing and hope you continue--long term commitment is one of the keys. Having lived and worked, building my own businesses in Africa, for 30+ years, I have seen and experienced...