On the thirteenth and final day of their mission, URBOND volunteers in Guinea began their last morning with a later breakfast, scheduled for 9am. By 10am, they gathered for a final visit to the URBOND training centre, where they shared heartfelt goodbyes with the dedicated staff and the children they had worked so closely with. The centre had been a focal point of the trip, and parting ways brought a bittersweet feeling for everyone involved.

The volunteers then visited the sewing centre, another important part of the community outreach programme, to bid farewell to the skilled sewing team, who had become an inspiring part of their journey. These farewells underscored the connections made and the impact left behind.

Around 1pm, the volunteers returned to their accommodation to pack up and prepare for their departure. At 6pm, they arrived at the airport, where they had the special opportunity to meet with the airport’s chief. The volunteers expressed their gratitude for his unwavering support and the exceptional hospitality he extended to them on each visit, ensuring that their travels were seamless and comfortable.

Boarding flight AF0593 at 10:25pm, the volunteers left Guinea with heavy hearts but unforgettable memories. Their journey continued with a 12hour layover in Paris, where they boarded the connecting flight AF1180 bound for Heathrow Airport at 6:15pm the following day.

Reflecting on the experience, the volunteers acknowledged the transformative impact of the trip, not only for the children they served but also on their own lives. The bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the shared moments with the community will remain with them long after they return home. This journey marked the end of one chapter, with hopeful anticipation for future opportunities to make a difference.