«I remember, as if it were right now, each and every one of those little people I was able to help—the joy on their faces when they heard, when they realized their life was changing, that the solution they had longed for had finally come.»
Nacho Ramos
GAES Vallecas – Cape Verde with Fundación Clarós
From the very moment I arrived in Cape Verde, I knew it was going to be a unique and unrepeatable experience. Getting involved in solidarity actions was something I had been wanting to do for a long time.
We were able to help in the hospitals of Mindelo (on São Vicente Island) and Praia (on Santiago Island). Getting to know their people, their culture, and reaching those in need—both children and adults—who are happy with so little, was incredibly powerful.
In total, I fitted 25 hearing aids and followed up on cases from previous years. I remember, as if it were right now, each and every one of those little people I was able to help—the joy on their faces when they heard, when they realized their life was changing, that the solution they had longed for had finally come. Their hugs, their smiles—magical moments that can’t be put into words. A small part of me stayed behind when I left.
Thank you to GAES Solidaria for making this dream come true for me—and also to my fellow volunteers from Fundación Clarós and the ENT department of the hospitals (Janet, Lenny, and Kassandra).