Thursday, January 27, 2011

Volunteering Fun in Vietnam!

We've been captivated by Olivia Nunn's journal entries and just had to share them with you. Olivia is spending 2 weeks volunteering in Vietnam during January and by the sound of it is having a fantastic time!

Tam Ky is nothing like I had pictured. ‘Small province south of hoi an’ brought to mind images of a quiet village with small, winding roads and few people. In reality it is much different. As though competing for the title of the ‘city that never sleeps’, Tam Ky is seemingly always busy, always loud. The cafe right next door to the GVN house prevents sleep by blaring Vietnamese disco music from 5am to 11pm, accompanied by the constant and loud blasting of horns.

Driving around Tam Ky is terrifying. This morning we were headed to the baby orphanage- which I was unbelievably excited about- and the taxi driver once again decided to engage in a game of chicken with the oncoming traffic. If we’re lucky, it’s a motorbike which swerves out of the way as our driver blasts his horn. If we’re unlucky, it’s a massive truck, which is bearing down upon us, hand on horn, before our driver decides to hop back onto the correct side of the road. Exhilarating yet terrifying.

Anyway, more important than Tam Ky, sleep deprivation, disco cafes or freaky traffic; BABIES!! As we approached the orphanage- five white girls clutching cameras- the children ran out to greet us, squealing with delight and stomping their little feet. One of the little boys, Tuan, who has the cutest chubby little face I have ever seen, immediately initiated with me a game of peek a boo.

I had brought to Vietnam various items of children’s clothing, as well as bubbles and toys. I pulled out the suitcase and the kids went crazy with delight, pulling out tiny hats and shoes and little shirts and the ‘mothers’ (social workers) helped them to find ones which would fit them. It was really beautiful and happy but one sight absolutely broke my heart. One little boy, nicknamed ‘little mouse’ was standing by himself, staring at the suitcase with tears rolling down his cheeks. He has been told that there was nothing there that fit him. It was possibly the saddest thing I have ever seen. Then I realised that I hadn’t pulled out the bubbles yet so I got one of the tubs out and blew bubbles towards him. His was immediately ecstatic and enjoyed making the other kids jealous until they got some also. This afternoon i went to the supermarket and bought him some clothes, totaling US$2!
The best part about the children is how affectionate they are. They are so attention deprived that they crave it and lap it up when offered to them. I bonded really well with one baby in particular- Bok Choy. She is about 2 and is the happiest little kid I have ever met. I was there for hours and every time I put her down she would wrap her little hands around my leg and cling to me as I attempted to walk. I sang to her Rinky Dinky Do (a song my mum used to sing) and she would giggle so hard that I thought she was about to pop (should I be offended?) The only frustrating part was when the little boys decided it would be fun to make a game out of getting under my floor-length skirt… boy did they get told off.

I was so sad when I had to leave but tonight I'm teaching at the Home of Affection (a school for underprivileged children) and then tomorrow I get to go back!! I love love love the baby orphanage.

PS FOOOOD! I had the best lunch ever. The cook at Tam Ky, Mrs Hanh, is famous for her amazing cooking and she has definitely proven that to be true. Today we had some kind of banana flour salad with fresh mint, nuts, beef and prawns and an amazing sauce. T’was simply AMAZING.

For more information about the Vietnam program, or to apply online please visit www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/vietnam/

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Become 'legendary' in 2011!

Whether you choose 'legendary' status or 'absolute superstar', when you become part of the GVN PoDs you become part of the movement to break the poverty cycle.

The GVN and GVN Foundation teams have come up with an innovative model for development that we believe will revolutionise the way we connect, share, and exchange as human beings to help put an end to poverty once and for all. It's called the GVN PoD and we have started a fundraising campaign to kick-start the project and begin turning this dream into a reality!

Check out the latest GVN PoD video: http://www.indiegogo.com/GVNPoDs

We have the vision and now we need you to help us kick-start the campaign and build the dream! Every donor will receive one of the following perks from us, whether you donate $10 (Every little bit helps!), $150 (You're a Legend!) or $20,000 (You're an angel and we love you!).

Which perk will you choose?

1. Every Bit Helps! ($10 minimum)
* The sweet, sweet satisfaction of contributing to an awesome project.
* Plus, we will list your name on the website as a contributor.

Claim This Perk

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2. Very Generous! ($25 minimum)
* You will receive a free night including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and New Zealand.
* Plus your name will be engraved on the main building at our first PoD in Kenya.

Claim This Perk

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3. You Rock! ($50 minimum)
* You will receive two free nights including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and New Zealand.
* Plus your name will be engraved on the main building at our first PoD in Kenya.
* Plus you will go in the draw to win an invitation to the opening of our Kenya PoD including international flights and accommodation.

Claim This Perk

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4. You're a Legend! ($150 minimum)
* You will receive a free week including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and New Zealand.
* Plus your name will be engraved on the main building at our first PoD in Kenya.
* Plus you will go in the draw to win an invitation to the opening of our Kenya PoD including international flights and accommodation.

Claim This Perk

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5. You're Our New Best Friend! ($500 minimum)
* You will receive a free month including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and New Zealand.
* Plus your name will be engraved on the main building at our first PoD in Kenya.
* Plus you will go in the draw to win an invitation to the opening of our Kenya PoD including international flights and accommodation.

Claim This Perk

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6. You're an Absolute Super Star! ($2,000 minimum)
* You will receive a free month for 3 years including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and New Zealand.
* Plus your name will be engraved on the main building at our first PoD in Kenya.
* Plus you will go in the draw to win an invitation to the opening of our Kenya PoD including international flights and accommodation.

Claim This Perk

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7. You're an Angel & We Love You! ($20,000 minimum)
* You will receive up to a month each year for five years for two people including accommodation and food at any of our PoD locations in Kenya, Uganda, Vietnam, Peru and      New Zealand.
* Plus you will have a garden named after you at our first PoD in Kenya.
* Plus your name engraved on the main building.
* Plus you will be invited to the opening of our Kenya PoD including international flights and accommodation.

Claim This Perk

We would also love for you to join the movement by becoming a Facebook Fan. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GVN-PoDs-If-we-build-it-change-will-come/124660390931293?v=wall

Thanks for reading and I hope you will join us and be a part of this amazing journey!

With gratitude,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Looking for that unique opportunity in 2011?

You may be thinking - what if none of the usual volunteer abroad projects or treks takes my fancy but you've a burning desire to get involved in 2011?

If you're looking for something a little more tailored to your needs, or a little different to the usual cookie cutter program around then we're pleased to let you know that GVN have developed a number of special volunteer trips to suit you!

I know that each and every one of you has something special to contribute to a community in need, to bring a brighter future to disadvantaged people around the world.

In 2011 we're giving you the opportunity, the support, and the inspiration through one of the following unique projects:

Vietnam Youth Tour: Designed with 15-17 year olds in mind, this program has been created to allow teens the chance to take part in one of our rewarding volunteer programs.
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/youth_tour/vietnam/

Young at Heart Tour (50+): This tour caters to volunteers aged from 50 years onwards who are young at heart and ready for their next adventure.
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/young-at-heart-tour/

ESTC Distribution Trip: Our funds distribution trip to Kenya offers participants the once in a lifetime opportunity to directly help with distributing funds raised through our Eat So They Can campaign. By joining this program you will be assisting on the ground and delivering supplies to the schools, orphanages and camps we support.
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/distribution_trip/

Treat yourself to an adventure packed, unique and rewarding experience in a group environment with people who have the same interests as you.  At GVN we're giving you the key - don't let the same old excuses get in your way of unlocking your dreams and potential in 2011!

Kind regards,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Join me in Tuscany, Italy or Cape Cod, USA or Taupo, New Zealand!

Do you have the heart to create change, but you don't have the confidence or knowledge to get started?  Would you like to develop a meaningful career or social enterprise?  Make 2011 the year to put your plans into action, and be inspired and motivated through our Be The Change program.

For those of you who have not heard about it, GVN's Be The Change (BTC) Program is a week-long intensive course designed to train individuals to become change agents in their own communities. If you dream of starting a non-profit/charity organization; getting a job with the United Nations/non-profit/charity; starting a social enterprise or project; or if you just want to learn more about the field of social entrepreneurship or international development then this is the ideal program for you.

The next Be The Change program will be held from June 9-16, 2011 in beautiful Tuscany, Italy.  For more information or to apply online click on the following link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/be_the_change/

Sometimes all it takes is one ordinary person to bring about incredible change to the lives of those in need.  Join me on this life changing program and we'll empower you on your way to becoming an agent of change in 2011.

Kind regards,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tick one off your bucket list in 2011!

2010 saw 12 brave GVN trekkers tackle Mt Kilimanjaro, and 29 people rise to the challenge of the Mt Everest Base Camp trek all in the name of raising funds for children in need whilst at the same time bagging a great personal challenge for themselves.

Maybe when you think of climbing a mountain your knees scream, "no!" or trekking just isn't for you?  If so, we have the answer you've been waiting for!

GVN and GVN Foundation are excited to announce our newest physical challenge to raise funds for our partner in Vietnam; the Vietnam Cycling Challenge 2011.  The Vietnam Cycling Challenge gives participants the chance to cycle through some of the most beautiful and lush regions in the world and visit the children the cycling funds support.  Funds raised through this cycling trip will help to ensure the health, nutrition and education needs of disadvantaged and orphaned children are met.

Are you ready to give yourself a confidence boost in 2011, and profoundly impact the lives of some of the most beautiful children you will ever meet?

View our cycle challenge trailer here: http://vimeo.com/17379571

Visit our website for more information or to apply online: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/vietnam/cycle/

Kind regards,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

2011 - A Year with Benefits?

Did you know that volunteering abroad not only gives you the chance to give back to communities in need, but also increases your employability, improves your university admission chances, and helps you figure out what to do with your life?

Whilst it's well proven that volunteering abroad provides numerous benefits to communities in need, it's not often that we take the time to validate the huge personal benefits which can be gained from international volunteering.

Next year, when you look back on 2011, what do you hope to take from it?

Put aside just a few minutes to watch this slideshow we've put together illustrating the top 10 benefits to international volunteering, or read the full report here: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/about/volunteering.php

GVN's Top 5 most popular programs include community aid projects in Kenya and Peru, working with orphans in Vietnam and Rwanda, or conservation in New Zealand.

Check out our available programs here, and find one to suit you: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/programs/

Take the plunge, change lives, and like GVN's 14,000 past volunteers join a program and volunteer abroad in 2011!

Kind regards,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Happy New Year - What's in store for 2011?

I'd like to start this blog post by wishing you a very Happy New Year!

In 2010, memorable events such as the Vancouver Olympics, the first ever World Cup held in Africa, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, and the amazing rescue of the 33 Chilean miners were occasions to joyously reflect upon.  2010 was also the year humanity was tested by devastating earthquakes, floods, conflict, food shortages, and unimaginable poverty and inequality. I am so proud of GVN and all of our volunteers, donors, partners and supporters who rallied together during difficult times in 2010 to rise to the aid of those who need it most.

On reflection I feel that at GVN we have learned so much about assisting underprivileged communities and we are now ready to take our knowledge and experience to the next level and think big for 2011.

As we begin this New Year we do so with renewed vigour and focus.  We have a vision for what's in store for 2011 and beyond, and we're inviting you to be part of it!  Over the next few days, in sync with our email series, I will also be sharing on our blog our plans for the future, and posting some empowering ideas about how you can contribute to positive change in 2011.

But, if you're like me, and you can't wait to get involved right away then be sure to check out our website: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/

On behalf of everyone at GVN, I would like to wish you a safe and happy New Year, and I look forward to building dreams and changing lives with you in 2011!

Kind regards,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President
Global Volunteer Network