Learning... the best part of translating?

I recently translated, for an international organization, part of an annual summary of volunteers’ work/projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am not able to publish my translation here. I do, however, want to share my thoughts on this job.

It was a flower in my lapel, as the saying goes. I enjoyed learning about these inspiring people doing work to educate themselves, help refugees, and educate Congolese citizens. For the most part, it is volunteers of the world like them that make non-profits work, in turn, making the world a better place. They are not superstars. You’d never recognize their names. And they’re indispensable. I learned that they are creating programs to help re-insert former child soldiers into society, they are helping rural women fight to get rights to land, etc.

In summary, this is the kind of translation job that reminds me of my favorite aspect of being a translator. Learning.

Since starting my business, I have learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I have learned about the seemingly rapid spread of Ebola. I have learned about the Global Food Marketplace, and other topics.

All in all, it's one more reason I love my job.