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International Partner Stories

Our international partners accomplish amazing things with volunteers. Read their stories.

Volunteer assistance is critical to enabling our international partners to create change in their communities. Many of them have shared the work they were able to accomplish with the help of international volunteers. Read their stories below. 

 

sort by:    regions All Asia Africa Middle East Latin America United States Europe Online opportunities category All education health environment women's empowerment construction economic development disaster relief

 

Veintidós…..Cincuenta y cinco….Bingo! September 25, 2012 Abriendo Mentes, Costa Rica By: Vinny LosassoOn September 15th, Costa Rica celebrated its 191st Independence Day since the country declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. To celebrate the occasion, the public school of Potrero planned a march with faroles (paper lanterns made by the kids), the arrival of the “Liberty Flame,” and a parade featuring the marching band and baton twirlers. Unfortunately, due to the 7.6 magnitude earthquake centered at the nearby city of Nicoya on September 5th and the threat of continued geological instability, the Ministry of Education called for a cancelation of most of these celebratory activities. Feeling as though the community still desired an event to mark the national holiday, the women of the Abriendo Mentes Club de Niños Committee decided to move forward with the plan to... Bingo! Read More

 

 

Día del Niño: In the Wake of the Quake September 25, 2012 Abriendo Mentes, Costa Rica By Trevor Cobb, AM’s Community CoordinatorTo understand what the fabled Día del Niño was all about in Potrero, one had only pay notice. The story of the weekend was written on the faces of the children — dribbles of ice cream and ketchup mixed with giddy smiles; colorful flowers, spiders, hearts, and butterflies painted on cheeks and foreheads. Clues also rang out in elated screams, and through the cheers that accompanied well-oiled dance routines. In the words of one boy who tugged at Lindsay’s arm after the festivities had come to an end: “this was the best party ever!”It was certainly a great day to be a kid. Upon walking into the salon, the tendency was to freeze solid. Colorful balloons and streamers lined rows... Read More

 

 

If This Field Could Talk September 25, 2012 Abriendo Mentes, Costa Rica By Becca HurlimanIf this field could talk, it’d tell you about the tears it soaked up when the goalie on the opposing team broke his wrist. It would excitedly tell of all the different soccer games that have been played upon it – stories full of victory and defeat, determination and humor. It would also probably mention daily soccer practices that locals watch from the coveted seats available on the few benches at the sidelines.It’d proudly tell of the view it has of the night sky, and of its prickly grass upon which you can lay to gaze up at the universe.It would tell you about the buses that make their faithful loops around it only to come to a stop near the bridge out of town near... Games in the Plaza Read More

 

 

City Girl In A Different World September 25, 2012 Abriendo Mentes, Costa Rica AM volunteer Jaida gives her first impressions on transitioning to life in Potrero, Costa Rica.By Jaida Moore“Thankfulness is the soil from where joy grows.” -UnknownI wake up every morning to the sun shining and a tropical oasis outside my window. I can walk out of the house and have my pick of fresh fruit off the tree: mango, star fruit; whatever I can reach. More importantly, the walk to a beautiful white sand beach is only five minutes away, and I can take my pick of which one I want to visit that day. While at first glance it looks like paradise, there are definitely some things I have had to get used to:No ACThe average temperature is 82 degrees, yet being so close to the equator makes it... Read More

 

 

El Hoy En Positivo- Por Natalie Ortiz September 25, 2012 Abriendo Mentes, Costa Rica En Potrero todos los días nos hacen vivir el presente, nos conectan, nos tocan, nos despiertan y nos invitan a disfrutar el ahora. Es Potrero, sí, el lugar definitivamente tiene su magia: el pueblo es sencillo por su gente y extravagante por su naturaleza. Pareciera tener una perfecta combinación de energía donde aunque todo parezca tranquilo nada es monótono, donde en momentos en que pudiéramos pensar que entramos en rutinas algo nuevo pasa y donde los sentidos parecen abrirse cada día más a apreciar las cosas simples y espontáneas.Un simple viaje en bici de la casa a la plaza nunca va en línea recta, tal vez así lo puedo explicar mejor: el olor a tierra mojada, o a boñiga, o a cocina de leña; los movimientos, el zigzag en... Read More

 

 

Daktari Art September 24, 2012 Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage, South Africa Last week some volunteers decided to do art with the children. Each of them was given a drawing that they could color in. This was a great success as the kids really put an effort in it and they couldn't wait to see the end result with all of their pictures merged together :-)Thanks again to all of you who have donated pens and pencils for the kids! Comment on this story

 

 

National Geographic Interviews Jim Killon about Changes for New Hope September 20, 2012 Changes for New Hope, Peru      August 2012 was a most encouraging month that brought us to new developments and experiences. Our friend and sponsor Richard brought us several cases of materials for the children. Toys, clothes, school supplies, personal hygiene items and so much more. Having made a few special trips to Peru specifically to help us, Richard and his family have demonstrated what putting "Compassion in Action" means. We are most grateful.  The first ever, Changes for New Hope Art Exhibition was held at the local Archeological Museum in Huaraz Peru. The artwork, paper mache sculptures and photography was exhibited and there was a reception to bring the children together to celebrate their successful show. Their confidence and self esteem were supercharged and they are  already preparing for their next exhibition.  Jim Killon's article,"Volunteering with your Eyes Wide Open" was published in The... Read More

 

 

Same Program, New Style September 18, 2012 | 1 comment Asociacion CREAR, Costa Rica Greetings from La Asociacion CREAR. We have been really busy in the last few months and it is all for the best! We have updated and changed our program and are offering a more structured curriculum to the local students in Samara and El Torito.Our new program consists of a monthly theme, followed by different sub categories each week. (Please see the schedules below). At the end of each month we will hold a graduation party for the students, and for those that have attended the program consistently will also receive a certification of their completion of the month. In December we plan to hold a party showcasing all of the students and their achievements.Sept:AnimalsWeek1: Land MammalsWeek2: BirdsWeek3: Reptiles and AmphibiansWeek 4: InsectsOct: Earth ScienceWeek 1: Seeds &... Read More

 

 

Our New Addition to the Kid's Program.. Teenagers! September 17, 2012 Healing House, Peru  For a long time now we have been inviting the local peruvian children into the Healing House and offering free activities such as yoga, art, music, dance, snack and much more!  This has been a very successful program with over thirty childern attending each week... So, we decided to add more to our kids program and we now have been inviting the local teenagers in to our house as well.  We do similar activities such as yoga, art and we discuss feelings and write about them their personal journals.  I have had the privilage of working with these teenagers and it has been such a gift!  They are so excited to be at the House and we are so excited to share with them and help them to  recognize and... Read More

 

 

Teachers’ Day at DEPDC/GMS, Mae Sai September 17, 2012 DEPDC/GMS, Thailand Thursday 14th June was a very exciting day at DEPDC/GMS Mae Sai as everyone celebrated Teachers’ Day. The students had spent days preparing for the special day by learning songs, dances, and preparing flower arrangements.Teachers’ day is an opportunity for students to show appreciation, gratitude and respect to their teachers. To have had that one great teacher or many great teachers in your childhood is often something we reminisce about as adults. An inspiring, caring, and skilled teacher is fondly remembered by their students.The morning began with a traditional dance performance, using fans, by five students wearing traditional Tai Yai dress. It was clear that a great deal of hard work and practice had gone into the performance. The students then sang songs they had... Read More

 

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