Volunteering Abroad Transforms Both Givers and Receivers

A Cisco employee's transformative experience volunteering at Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe has left a lasting impact. The volunteer, who spent time there with her daughter and colleagues, initially assumed that volunteering abroad was about giving back to others. However, she soon discovered that the people and places they served had just as much of an effect on them.

The employee returned home feeling grounded but soon fell back into old routines. She made a conscious effort to be more present during her second visit in April 2026, inviting eight friends and colleagues to join her. The group participated in various tasks such as cleaning elephant pens, repairing roads, and preparing hygienic necessities for young girls.

The local Shona people welcomed them warmly, sharing their traditions and values. Each family lineage is connected to a spirit animal, or 'totem.' The volunteer was assigned the zebra totem, symbolizing teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. This experience has tied closely to her role at Cisco, where she helps teams navigate complex challenges.

The trip with Time2Give has renewed the employee's appreciation for day-to-day life and given her a deeper sense of what truly matters. She plans to carry these lessons forward and encourages others to explore service opportunities through Benevity during Cisco's Global Week of Giving from August 31 to September 4.