Grandmother-Grandson Duo Explore Cuba as Pioneer Volunteers

The first Global Volunteers team to Cuba was Glenda Biggerstaff’s fourth Global Volunteers program overall. However, even with her past experience, this was a brand new adventure for her – not only because she would be one of the nation’s first legal American volunteers to Cuba, but also because she decided to share this unique journey with her 19-year-old grandson, Andrew Salmon.

Glenda wanted Andrew to experience a genuine connection with the Cuban culture, and they both greatly valued the opportunity to teach conversational English to the students in Ciego de Avila.

“I love all of these students, ” said Glenda wistfully. “As I prepare to return home, I almost feel as if I am leaving behind my own sons here in Cuba. This was my most memorable project of all my service programs.”

Andrew added, “any onlooker would have a hard time believing we’ve been here for only a week.  We feel very at home.” Glenda concluded,  “If everyone could just show a fraction of the generosity and selflessness the citizens of Ciego de Avila have shown us, the world would be a much better place.”