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

Utah college student starts 2011 helping others

GVN volunteer Margot Crandall was recently interviewed by ksl.com and we were so excited about her news segment we wanted to share it with you!

Two days after Christmas 19 year old Margot begins her journey to Rwanda, where she will be volunteering in a HIV/AIDS program with GVN.

It is estimated that approximately 150,000 people are living with AIDS in Rwanda, with 78,000 of those women, and 19,000 children under the age of 14. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community.

Volunteers have the opportunity to work with community mobilizers to assist with counselling and taking care of patients both at home and at hospitals.

We couldn't agree more with Margot's desire to start 2011 by helping others in need.  Margot knows it's not a one way street though, she puts it so well by saying "I guess this might be idealistic, but I hope I come back a different person, just having a new perspective on life."

To view Margot's interview please click here.

To find out more about volunteering in Rwanda please visit our website.

Hannah's Life Changing Volunteer Experience

I’ve just recently returned from volunteering in GVN’s Thailand and Kenya programs.   While working at GVN I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate both these programs, and have heard time and time again how amazing they are, so I decided it was my turn! 

Animals have always held a special place in my heart which is why I decided to spent my first two weeks of my trip in the Thailand program working in a Wildlife Rescue Centre with 8 of the most beautiful Elephants!!  The Elephants have been rescued from a life of slavery and now reside at the centre where they are able to live out the remainder of their lives in peace.  All of the animals at the centre are rescued and most arrive at the sanctuary malnourished, wounded and traumatized.  The abused animals are a result of Thailand's illegal animal trade, in which wild animals are caught and sold as pets, exploited by the tourism industry, or killed for their fur, meat and medicinal purposes. Many simply end up as trophies.  It was really sad to see some of the Elephants in this state, but I was also able to see the big improvement that the rescue centre makes everyday to these animals!  It was just amazing to watch these animals regain their health and their dignity.



My daily routine included bringing 3 of the elephants back from the jungle, feeding, bathing, cleaning up their enclosures and then returning the 3 back to the jungle at the end of the day.  Every few days we would go to local farms with the mahouts (Thai Elephant keeper) to harvest food for the elephants.  This was hard work but we managed to make our own fun!      

I found working at the reserve with the Elephants really was that ‘once in a life time opportunity’ which I will remember forever.  They are incredibly amazing animals.  The more time I spent with them, the more I realize just how intelligent they are and how the quote ‘an elephant never forgets’ is so true!   

After I finished my placement in Thailand I headed off to Kenya to participate in another one of GVN’s placements and to visit a friend.  My first thought arriving in Kenya was, ‘it’s really cold!’  It just so happens that I went during the time of year where it was coming into summer, so the weather wasn’t bad – but after being in a 30 degree, humid heat in Thailand, it was a big shock to my system! 

I spent two weeks in a baby orphanage in Nairobi.  The orphanage I worked in was really well run, had a team of very dedicated staff and of course, the children were adorable!  This made a huge impact on my placement as I felt comfortable straight away and I was excited to go to work everyday. 
 

The orphanage was home for about 50 kids but I worked with 14 babies aged from 6 months to about 15 months old.  Most of my time was spent helping feed the babies, and playing with kids.  I miss the way when I walked in the room, their faces lit up!!  They were so excited to have someone there to spend time with, hold them and play with them. 

During my time in Kenya was I lucky enough to see 4 of the babies at the orphanage get adopted!  I was so happy to see that these children finally had their own loving parents, but at the same time it was sad to see them go. 

I also had a chance to do a bit of sight seeing while in Kenya, so I became a whizz at working the markets, went out to the Maasai Mara on safari and spent four days relaxing on the coast, on a little Island called Lamu!  Africa has gotten under my skin and I can’t wait to go back!

This trip was life changing for me and has ignited a passion within me!  I can’t wait for my next adventure! 

Ambos for Africa

Meet a pair of awesome Kiwi Ambulance Officers preparing for their trip to Kenya with the Global Volunteer Network.  Hannah shares their story with us below:

"In Jan this year while working an unusually quiet Friday night shift at Manukau Ambulance Station, New Zealand, my co-worker Janelle (a paramedic) was talking about how she wanted to go overseas and volunteer in a third world country.

I (Hannah, an Ambulance Officer) had already been on a volunteer trip to Ethiopia, Africa in 2004.   It was the most life changing, heart breaking, challenging but best thing I have ever done and I have always wanted to go back!  After talking more and more about the idea we jumped online to see what we could find.  That's when we came across Global Volunteer Network.  We read about a little medical clinic in the Massailands of Kenya, Africa and it sounded like the perfect place to go!!   We both applied and were accepted the next day!  Wow it all happened so fast.   And so the fundraising journey begins and we have decided to call this little adventure "Ambos for Africa". 

We are both really excited about this trip and have received so much support from friends, family, co-workers even people we have never meet but who really believe in what we are doing.  Fundraising is hard work but we have to get the $14,000.00 from somewhere and that hard work is paying off.  We are over 1/2 way there and with only 5 months to go we know we will get on that plane!!

Someone once said to me "people are paying thousands to get out of Africa, why are you paying thousands to get in"?  Its simple.  I've already seen first hand the destruction of AIDS and lack of healthcare and I want to do my part in making a difference.  I come from a very privileged country and I don't want to become someone who takes life for granted and forgets about those in need!"

Great work ladies!  We're sure you'll make a real difference providing healthcare to Massai communities.

If you'd like to read their blog or provide support please visit: www.ambosforafrica.com 

To learn more about our volunteer programs in Kenya please visit: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/kenya/

Top 10 Reasons Why Volunteering Internationally Will Help You Get Ahead

What do Harvard, Time Magazine, USA Today, the Chartered Management Institute, and former GVN volunteers all have in common?

They think that YOU should volunteer abroad!

GVN has just released a fascinating report on the benefits of volunteering. The report brings together key research from universities, the media, and former volunteers to highlight the top 10 reasons why volunteering will help you get ahead.

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! Check it out here:
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/about/volunteering.php

Volunteer in Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the most bio-diverse and historically significant countries in Central America. Bordered by Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, and Guatemala has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It is one of the poorer Latin American countries, yet considered one of the most beautiful to visit.

General poverty is a major problem in Guatemala, with roughly half the population living under the UN defined poverty line. Inequality is also a major problem, with 15% of the country living in extreme poverty, and Guatemala is one of the most unequal countries in the region. Those living in the countryside are at a particular disadvantage. Despite the low expenditure on education (just 2.6% of GDP), literacy rates have reached almost 70%, however this still remains one of the lowest in the region. Infant mortality and malnutrition rates are also very high compared to the other nations in the region.

GVN's newest program gives you the opportunity to share your time, skills and experience with projects in La Antigua.

Childrens Program
Many of the children at our projects have been affected by poor living conditions, little or no education and alcohol / drug abuse. Volunteers provide loving care, support and companionship to children in need, organising games and activities, providing individual attention, educating children in hygiene and assisting with homework. Volunteers will work in street children centres, orphanages and schools across La Antigua, working alongside local staff to provide this essential support.

Teaching Program
As well as volunteering in the Childcare project, volunteers can teach English tutoring local students, establishing workshops, assisting local teachers, and organising educational games and activities. The ability to speak English gives Guatemalans a genuine opportunity to find employment and build a career in tourism, business or teaching. Volunteers play an integral part in providing free English to adults and children so they can learn English.

Construction
The construction projects are focused on school and orphanage renovation, and building playground and bathroom facilities for areas that do not have these facilities. Volunteers work with a local foreman who provides guidance and training, along with families and other volunteers.

Healthcare
Volunteers will work in the rural clinics surrounding La Antigua. There is a strong rural / urban divide in terms of medical facilities in Guatemala. Volunteers will get hands on experience working in small local clinics for the poor and / or working with local doctors and nurses on medical programs; such as providing checkups and basic medical care in poor communities and at orphanages.

Volunteers will work in a clinic or hospital for low income families, or a clinic for physically and disabled children. Depending on the level of medical experience and Spanish spoken, volunteers will participate in Triage (taking weight, blood pressure, pulse taking etc), working in the hospital wards and preparing medical materials, physiotherapy, health campaigns and assisting with mealtimes and activities for the local children.

The Working with the Elderly program is the second medical option, and volunteers work in nursing homes and senior centres in and around La Antigua. The projects are there to provide a compassionate and friendly atmosphere for the elderly, in under-resourced and under-funded centres in need of volunteer manpower. Volunteers provide one-on-one attention, basic healthcare and organise recreational activities for the elderly.

Animal Care and Animal Rights
Culturally speaking, cats and dogs across Latin America are not really looked upon as integral members of the family the way they are in the ‘West’. This often leads to neglect and animals being abandoned in the streets. This project allows volunteers to work with and protect these animals, providing human company, medical treatment and play time for the animals. Volunteers also participate in educational programs in local schools, spay and neuter programs, rabies vaccination clinics and fund-raising events. Volunteer roles may also include bathing and brushing the animals, providing obedience training, cleaning cages, walking and playing with the animals. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work in small construction projects building dog runs and creating fences. Additionally, there may be the opportunity for some photography and fund raising projects.


To check out all the details on this program go to http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/guatemala

The Global Volunteer Network's Fundraising Vietnam Cycling Challenge

Challenge yourself with GVN's newest fundraising tour. 

Cycle through the beautiful lush countryside of Vietnam and visit the children that this fundraising bike tour is assisting.

The Global Volunteer Network's Fundraising Vietnam Cycling Challenge offers participants the opportunity to help support children in Vietnam and to cycle through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

This trip is a challenging 8 day cycling expedition through Vietnam.  Trekking from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, GVN has teamed up with a highly experienced cycling company in Vietnam to develop this program. You and the team of cyclists will stop along the ride at 3 of the orphanages that the funds you raised will directly be supporting.

GVN Vietnam works with over 600 kids in orphanages and schools in 3 locations; Da Nang, Tam Ky and Tuy Hoa. These communities lack the necessary staff and supplies to afford the children an opportunity to escape the poverty cycle they have been born into. In the orphanages and support centres there are also many children who suffer from mental and physical disabilities. Proper treatment is oftentimes costly and rarely undertaken. These conditions have the worst effect on the most vulnerable members of society, and the ones who have the least resources to help themselves: children, especially orphaned children.

In the months preceding your trek, you will be asked to raise funds to support our partner organization. 75% of the money donated will go directly to our Vietnam Partner.

Our partner in Vietnam is a local non-government organization which manages programs in Da Nang, Tam Ky, and Tuy Hoa. Unlike a lot of other orphanages, the children in these homes are well cared for by the staff working there. Many children in the surrounding area live in unsafe conditions, sometimes without adequate food, education or even clean water.  GVN Vietnam works hard to provide qualified staff as well as ensure the children are adequately taken care of.  The funds you raise will support the running costs of these orphanages to ensure the children’s health, nutritional, and educational needs are met.


Check out all the details on this amazing trip go to http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/vietnam/cycle