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Volunteer in Sudan

HOPE Ofiriha was founded by ten widows on July 27th, 1999. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of women, young girls and children in rural communities of Magwi County Sudan by empowering women, village by village, to move towards self-reliance by creating their own long-term solutions to their problems. Our mission is to improve the standard of education, healthcare; to preserve, sustain, and develop the environment; and to create local opportunities for the women around Onura on the northern part of Magwi County. We would love to have volunteers help out in all areas. Learn more about volunteering with HOPE Ofiriha>>

Partnership with HOPE Ofiriha

Project Profile

Initially the organization assisted widows only, to identify and implement solutions to a variety of problems confronting women in Onura during the war. Local training and other projects promoting the conditions of widows were initiated. Since its inception Mr. William Ochieng and Ms. Linda Acen re-started HOPE Ofiriha in 2006. They broadened its original purpose and began to encompass projects beyond those narrowly aimed at widow’s training. The organization subsequently embarked to promote the issues affecting women, young girls, and children as a whole in the marginalized communities within Magwi County Sudan.

Mr. Ochieng and Ms. Acen have an interest in the marginalized Lofiriha people and in particular the area, the women, young girls, and school children around Onura where the organization is based. Mr. Ochieng brings a broad commercial experience to HOPE Ofiriha after having run his own business for several years in Uganda. Ms. Acen has an administrative background from Juba University. Putting together their skills has meant that the Organization has developed into an efficient and well run organization. They are realists, not idealists, and believe in giving a hand up, not a hand out!
with other organizations working in Sudan, so much money is spent on new cars, higher administrative overhead, higher expatriate salary, inefficient systems, report writing, medical insurance, monitoring, and auditor’s fees etc., and that very little money practically gets its way to the people who the donors wished to help. HOPE Ofiriha is based at ONURA and has a minimal local overhead. The organization deal directly with the local communities and it is made clear that HOPE Ofiriha helps women who help themselves. The organization often acts as a catalyst to make things happen.

Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of women, young girls and children in rural communities of Magwi County Sudan by empowering women, village by village, to move towards self-reliance by creating their own long-term solutions to their problems. Our mission is to improve the standard of education, healthcare, to preserve, sustain, and develop the environment; and to create local opportunities for the women around Onura on the norther part of Magwi County.

Hope Ofiriha is involved with education, micro credit and healthcare locally in Lofiriha community. It is also actively involved in an environment tree planting project in Onura which covers an area of 5,000 sq. km.

You can visit us at: http://. www.ofiriha.org
Our main contacts are:

Parntership History

Hope Ofiriha has been an Omprakash partner since June 2009.

Need for Material Resources

Our needs are endless and but we will start these most needed ones first.

Our organization’s primary need is donations towards pupil’s sponsorship in Uganda. It costs $452 per year to sponsor a poor boy or girl to attend primary education which covers their tuition, room and board, uniforms, medicines and books.  For those people who are unable to commit to $452 per year, we are able to match their donations as partial sponsors.  Or, we accept their donations towards our general fund which is use to help local schools purchase textbooks, and building materials, and sponsor extra pupils.

We need ongoing funding to pay the salaries of 2 additional teachers at local Onura primary school in Onura sub – village Sudan. These teachers supplement the two Government paid teachers who would otherwise have to teach the 2018 pupils on their own. We will be paying these teachers while negotiating with the government to employ them on the regular basis. Our previous 2 teachers went this arrangement.

• $50 pays for one teacher for one month

• $ 500 pays for one teacher for a year

• $1200 pays for 2 teachers for a year

Need for Volunteers

If you want to volunteer in Southern Sudan and you are looking for a life – touching experience that will benefit other people, then our volunteer programmes could be for you. HOPE Ofiriha’s programme base is located at Onura - Magwi County Sudan. You will be moved forever by the warm, friendly people at Onura sub community. Life is completely simple, yet very rewarding. This is an ideal opportunity to volunteer in Sudan.

Our project currently accepts short or long-term volunteers. You need to be very enthusiastic, proactive individual, hard-working and motivated and must be able able to work under your own initiative in rural areas. If this describes you then our programme might be good for you. You don’t need to be fully qualified teacher or medical professional to apply to join our programme although we prefer that you are a graduate from a university. Volunteers are needed in Magwi County Sudan to help with our various projects. We are looking for Environmental volunteers, nursery volunteer teachers, volunteer primary school Teachers, volunteer helpers in Aids project, volunteer nurses, and volunteer doctors. Volunteers both in southern Sudan and Uganda will be overseen by our project manager. Housing arrangements for volunteers are made on a case-by-case basis, but this can include home stays with a local Sudanese family, or stay at Magwi Lodge for $15 per night.

We also urgently need two female volunteers to assist with administrative work, and coordinating child sponsorships in Uganda by visiting schools and pupils. The volunteers will pay for water, electricity, and their own living expenses but accommodation is free. They will share one bed room and are responsible for their laundry including cooking in case they want to eat at home. In the USA we also accept volunteers who are willing to help with fundraising activities, website maintenance, or writing funding proposal with our major donors. These volunteers need to work from their homes but will be connected to our main contact person in Oslo who will be providing them with information in a weekly basis. If needed visits arrangement at project sites at Magwi County Sudan can be arranged for them once a year.

Partnership with Sevalaya

Project Profile

Sevalaya (www.sevalaya.org) is a registered Charitable Trust with its service centre functioning at Kasuv Village near Thiruninravur (42 Kms west of Chennai, Tamilnadu.) The activities of Sevalaya include Swami Vivekananda Boys’ Home and Mother Teresa Girls’ Home for the orphan, poor and destitute children (both boys and girls) (at present sheltering 160 children) Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School- Govt recognized unaided Tamil Medium School- providing quality education absolutely free of cost to 1000 village children (including the inmates of the Home) from poor families; Mahatma Gandhi Medical Centre; Swami Vivekananda Library with an impressive collection of over 15000 books; Kasthurba Craft Centre providing free training in Tailoring to the poor village women; Vinobhaji Goshala sheltering milk yielding as well as dry cows and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Old Age Home sheltering 60 destitute senior citizens.

All the services are rendered absolutely free of cost to all poor, destitute and needy persons without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, religion, language, gender, nationality etc.

For further details visit www.sevalaya.org or contact Sevalaya at sevalaya@vsnl.com / sevalaya2@gmail.com / sevalayamurali@gmail.com

If you are interested in contacting a third-party reference who has volunteered at Sevalaya, email Heike Einhorn at h.einhorn<AT>gmx.ch.

Partnership History

Sevalaya has been an Omprakash Partner since June, 2009.

Need for Volunteers

Sevalaya welcomes volunteers to stay in our campus and offer their services in the following areas:

-Teaching English/Maths/Crafts/Art to our children

-Automation of systems in office/school/library etc

-Coaching sports activities to our children

-Training in traditional music and dance to our children

Need for Material Resources

We give below a list of Donation Options through which interested donors can support us. The amounts are in US Dollars assuming the Exchange Rate as INR 50 for 1 US

Sponsor a Child’s Education for a year $120

Sponsor a Grandma/Grandpa for a year $120

Sponsor a dry cow for a year $120

Sponsor a Medical Camp $40

Sponsor the cost of workshop/training for staff for a year $40

Sponsor the monthly salary of 1 staff $100

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Further Information

Sevalaya has created a transformation in the past 21 years in Kasuva Village where it is located through Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School. The villages where 21 years ago, children worked as daily wage labourers in brick kilns can now boast of 10 of them now pursuing their higher education in Engineering Colleges. More than 100 of them have gone on to various other colleges for Higher Studies. But for the free education provided by Sevalaya’s Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School these children would have been school drop outs.

The school has secured 100% pass results in the X Std Board examinations for 5 consecutive years- 2002-2003 to 2006-2007 the only school in the district to achieve this distinction. The school has secured 100% pass results in Agriculture stream for three consecutive years from 2004-2005 in the XII Std Board examinations. The overall pass percentage in 2007-2008 is 98%. And in 2008-2009 all the 93 students who appeared for XII Std Examinations (School Final) were successful.

The results assume more significance in the light of the background of
these students. They are from poor families, broken or shattered homes. They are the first generation school goers.

TCS – Education World Awards Committee 2006 has declared Sevalaya the Best School for Innovation in Teaching among 25000 schools from all over India.

Sevalaya is able to carry on its mission of providing better opportunities to the underprivileged children, only with the support of and donations from the philanthropic public/service clubs/corporates. Sevalaya does not receive any Government grant.

Sevalaya’s Role in Rural Development:

Medical Camps

Sevalaya conducts regular medical camps for the benefit of the villagers. With a view to promoting Indian Medicine system, Siddha medical camp is conducted quarterly with the support of Kilpauk Sai Seva Samithi and doctors from Arignar Anna Siddha Medical College. Other special camps like eye, dental, camps and general medical camps are also conducted regularly for the residents as well as the villagers.

Craft Education:

Craft education is a part of the curriculum in Sevalaya school where the children learn tailoring, wire bag making, screen printing, book binding etc. The craft centre also conducts 6 months free certificate training course I tailoring for the village women. Sevalaya also organized a free Advanced Course in Tailoring in collaboration with NABARD. Many village women who were benefited by this course have started their own tailoring units.

Computer Education:

Computer education is a part of the syllabus in Sevalaya from class III onwards. In addition, Sevalaya also conducts a free one month computer course in summer for the village youth where they are trained in MS Office.

Value education:

In addition to the syllabus prescribed by the Government , Sevalaya has framed its own syllabus known as BGV – Bharathi, Gandhi, & Vivekananda – where the students are taught in a phased manner about the lives and works of these 3 great men. In addition Sevalaya also conducts statewide examinations on the lives and works of Bharathi, Gandhi and Vivekananda for all the school children with a view to spreading their message among the youth of this country for a better future.

Recently Sevalaya has extended this Programme for the inmates of Prisons in Tamilnadu. A 30 week course is designed for the inmates of all Prisons in Tamilnadu, with a view to expose them to new and positive thoughts which will help them to adapt a reformed way of living and join the mainstream when they enter the free world.

Partnership with Shriram Social Welfare Trust

Project Profile

Located in Chennai (formerly Madras), Tamilnadu, Shriram Social Welfare trust is being run by Shriram Group of Companies for the past 16 years as a part of their social responsibility. The trust is committed to serve the poor and needy children primarily focussing on Education and Care for children in need of care and protection. As part of this initiative, Ashram Children’s Home was started in the year 1993. Love and nurture with protection are the keywords of this home, which houses about 40 children now. In addition, some destitute mothers along with their children who are in need of protection also stay and look after other children in a group foster arrangement. There is an outreach programme through which Ashram caters to more than 500 children and families in the city and outskirts. Ashram also serves as a Transit Care and Foster Care centre with a Fit Institution certification under the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, by the Child Welfare Committee in Chennai, India.

The trust also runs an English Medium School for children of Quarry Workers where about 830 children are given Free English medium education. Uniforms, Textbooks, Notebooks, Field Trips, Library, Computer Lab, Montessori Environment at Pre-School Stage, etc. are distributed to children through donors. Apart from this, two other schools in Vichur village (Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu, India) and Anaikoil village ( Nagapattinam Dist Tamilnadu, India) are also supported by the trust where about 100 and 500 children study in English Medium respectively. All the children are from economically weaker sections, eager to study in these schools due to the quality of education offered there. With recognition from Indira Gandhi National Open University to set up a Community College in Chennai, the Trust is looking forward to serve the community offering Associate Degrees for students starting courses from July 2009. Our website is www.shriram.com/welfaretrust.html.

Contact info: Ms.Vidya Shankar - shriram_swt@yahoo.com (Primary Contact)
J. Murali Krishnan - mjkrishnan@rediffmail.com (Secondary Contact)

Partnership History

Shiram Social Welfare Trust has been an Omprakash Partner since June, 2009.

Need for Volunteers

We shall be very happy to receive foreign volunteers and offer them placements in our projects. We can also host them at a subsidised cost of Rs 250 per day, and they can cook their food in the kitchen available there with gas connection. We however would like to get to know the volunteer much in advance to offer a suitable placement for them, tapping into their potential for a mutually beneficial relationship. We have projects which we can take in limited volunteers, but suiting the opportunity to their skillsets.

Possible Volunteer Activities

• Field visits to places of educational interest in and around Chennai can be an opportunity of learning for children in our target schools
• Career counseling and guidance
• English courses for children
• Computer based training of Tally, DTP, Internet, etc to introduce computers as a learning tool at the high school level at our Computer centre or in target schools.
• Providing for weekly, monthly participatory reading and general knowledge sessions at our CASCADE Resource centre for children at Thoraipakkam, Chennai
• Mobilise books and resources to create library or resource center in our target schools, and use them with the children

Need for Material Resources

1. We are in need of books for school libraries in all the three schools mentioned above. Categories of books can be Fiction, Non-Fiction, subject teaching manuals, worksheet samples, and resources for students and teachers.
2. We also need books for the Mobile Library project we are planning to launch for boys clubs from Slum Communities in Chennai. Stories and resource books for children of ages 4 to 12 years are required as their reading levels are lower than other children.

Partnership with Our Lady of Divine Grace Orphanage

Project Profile

Our Lady of Divine Grace Children’s Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization established to provide a second home and parental care for abandoned and/or abused children, and/or neglected and/or orphaned children with ages 0-8 years old. The orphanage is located in the central part of the Philippines, specifically at Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. The Foundation was founded in 2004 and it was officially recognized and duly licensed by the Philippine Government through its Department of Social Work and Development in Feb. 28, 2005 to operate as a Residential Caring Institution. Its mission is to establish a shelter that will provide abandoned and/or abused children with basic food, clothing, parental care, basic education and spiritual guidance. Its major programs are: providing residential care to abandoned and/or abused children; supporting the educational needs of these children; facilitating psychological testing and therapy to children who are victims of abuse; providing medical, dental and dermatological services and responding to the recreational and spiritual needs of these children. Its website is www.cebuchildrensfoundation.org.

Contact info: All inquiries should be directed towards Lisbeth Corpuz, Executive Director. Her mobile number is 09177067983; landline number is 06324868040; email is lizre7@msn.com.

Partnership History

Our Lady of Grace has been an Omprakash Partner since June, 2009.

Needs for Material Resources

The Foundation needs P60,000.00 (US dollars $1,277.00) every month for the following expenses of the orphanage:

Food = 20,000.00 pesos
medicines = 2,000.00 pesos
salaries for the administrator, care givers and other staff of the orphanage = 32,000.00 pesos
school supplies = 2,000.00 pesos
administrative expenses (like communication and transportation expenses, permits and licences, representation expenses) = 4,000.00 pesos.

We also need clothing, books and toys for the children. You can email directly our Executive Director, Lisbeth Corpuz at lizre7@msn.com where to send them because she’s right now in the United States looking for Filipinos and other donors who can help her respond to the needs of these children.

We also need to build a bigger facility for the orphanage because with our present facility we can only accommodate 20 children. We need 3,000,000.00 million pesos ($63,830.00 US dollars) to build a bigger facility. We hope to accommodate 100 children at any given time.

Need for Volunteers

This organization is seeking a wide range of volunteers: doctors, psychotherapists specifically for abused and abandoned children, pre-school teachers (who can teach new songs, games and stories for children), and students who would like to care for children for some months. They have also requested bakers who can teach the children as well as caregivers how to bake cookies, cakes and other food which might help in sustaining the orphanage; people who can teach organic farming to make use of available land in the compound and teach the children and the staff to care for gardens so they can produce their own vegetables.

Partnership with Hogar de Esperanza

The long term volunteer program is for mature individuals, over the age of 18, who would like to serve at the orphanage for a minimum of 6months and up to 1 year. Long term volunteers are welcome to stay at the orphanage and receive the following free of charge: a comfortable room, hot shower, 3 meals a day, bottled water, internet access and use of an international telephone line, which calls most countries. Volunteers are responsible for all travel, insurance and personal expenses.

We require that our long term volunteers are Christians and attend church regularly. We are a privately run organization, using biblical principals to teach and train the children. Our staff is made up of Christians representing several different denominations. Long term volunteers are required to follow our basic rules and guidelines while they are with us, such as we are a non-smoking and non-alcohol environment.

Long term volunteers will usually be responsible for a particular program or area while they are with us. Long term volunteers are assigned to one or two of the following areas.

• Kinder Program – teaching our 3-5 year olds using our curriculum
• Pequenitos – teaching and caring for our 1-2 year olds
• School Assistant – assisting the head teacher of our on campus school and teaching several classes, which may include English, Art, Music and P.E.
• Speech / Language Therapy – carrying out the program created by our specialist
• Casita Assistant – assisting the madre tutora in daily house duties and covering the madre’s vacation days. Duties may include washing clothes, cleaning the house, helping children get ready for school, meal times, tutoring, devotions etc.)
• Kitchen Assistant – assist head cook with meal preparation and cleaning the kitchen
• Daily Programs – organizing and implementing daily programs for the children and/or weekend activities. Programs may include the following: reading programs, gardening, physical education, game time, jewelry making and crafts.
• Grounds maintenance – watering and caring for our green areas and pathways
• Cleaning Assistant – assisting our janitor with cleaning our facility
• Maintenance – fixing broken items, painting, and general maintenance
• Projects Assistant – working in alfalfa field and/or water projects
• Summer programs – organizing and implementing a variety of programs during January and February
• Special projects – as needed

Partners

Partnerships in Asia Afghanistan Circle of Women RAWA Cambodia Neary Khmer Life and Hope Association India Asha Darshan BECC Borderless World Foundation Center for Unfolding Learning Potential (CULP) CHILDS Girls Helping Girls Health-Inc. Louisiana-Himalaya Association (LHA) M. Venkatarangaiya Foundation (MVF) Movement for Rural Emancipation (MORE) My Himachal Parijat Academy Project Why Promise World Wide Rainbow Academy Rural Organization for Social Elevation (ROSE) Sevalaya Shanti Kunj Home for Destitute Women Shriram Social Welfare Trust SMILE Sphoorti Foundation Springdales Public School Theo Welfare Trust Traveling Librarian Woodstock School Nepal Bal Mandir Kindergarten Hamro Abhiyan Just One Nabhadeepti School Nepal Children’s Organization Prisoners’ Assistance Nepal Raksha Philippines Our Lady of Divine Grace Orphanage Thailand Farmer Community School DEPDC Tibet The Golok Sengcham Drukmo School for Girls Machik New Vision School Yungchin Gatsar School Tra Ling Boy’s School Sherik Namjil Long School Vietnam Xom Dua Partnerships in the Middle East Israel iVolunteer Partnerships in the United States Maine Farm Enterprise School IN Exchange

Partnerships in Africa Ethiopia Michael’s House Ghana The Global-Ghana Youth Network Kenya Education for the Future Foundation Expanding Opportunities SOTENI Liberia Children Better Way Nigeria Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation South Africa The Amy Biehl Foundation South Africa Education and Environment Program (SAEP) Sudan HOPE Ofiriha Uganda SOVHEN Uganda Youth Vision Uganda Zimbabwe Lubangwe Village Partnerships in Latin America Partnership with South American Explorers (Multiple Countries) Argentina L.I.F.E. Argentina La Montana Voluntario Global Colombia Colegio Paulino Salgado Costa Rica La Escuelita de Esperanza Dominican Republic All Nations International Ecuador La Fundacion Abuelitos y Abuelitas de la Calle (FABC) Intag Yachay Wasi Guatemala Quetzaltrekkers Honduras Las Sonrisas de los Ninos Nicaragua Hospital Escuela Peru Expand Peru Helping Hands, Cusco Hogar de Esperanza M.A.D. Volunteers Pisco Sin Fronteras Seeds of Hope

Partnership with IN Exchange

Project Profile

IN Exchange (The International New Orleans Exchange, Inc.) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the economic and social empowerment of artists and artisans living in economically developing countries and the City of New Orleans.  Our primary programmatic goal is to connect marginalized artisans, from both local and global communities, with a broader consumer market.  We achieve this through the in-store (and soon online) sales of the fairly-traded apparel, accessories, and art created by these individuals.
One may contact the Director of IN Exchange, Erica Trani, at inexchangeart@gmail.com.  Our website is inexchange.org.

Partnership History

IN Exchange has been an Omprakash partner since June 2009

Need for Material Resources

IN Exchange is seeking to raise $30,000 by January 1, 2010 in order to finance the following:
1)    Bookkeeper
2)    Graphic Designer for Creative Campaign
3)    Photographer for Creative Campaign
4)    EStore Assistant
5)    Development of Partnership with Cooperatives in Dharamsala and Delhi, India

IN Exchange is also looking for volunteers to help in the above areas, particularly design and bookkeeping.

Partnership with Sherik Namjil Long Boy’s School

Project Profile

The Sherik Namjil Long Boy’s School, just outside the valley town of Bha’ma, is home to 51 boys who come from impoverished homes that are incapable of paying for education. Formed in December of 2008, this young school is struggling to pay for all the necessities of maintenance, and while they wish to expand, do not even have the funds to pay the teachers, who continue to teach for the boy’s sakes.

Thaptin Mundrto, the monk who founded the school, explains that he saw a problem with the local Bha’ma government schools in their lack-luster education, apathetic teachers, and general poverty in the community. The 51 boys, aged 5-14, live and learn in a small complex near the monastery, with no pressure to become monks.

Thaptin Mundrto can be reached by phone at +1399453668 or you can email Geneva Wilgus at gmwilgus@gmail.com.

The two resident teachers provide the boys with lessons in Tibetan Grammar and hope to receive more teachers who can expand the program to teach math, Chinese, and English.

Partnership History

Sherik Namjil Long Boy’s School has been an Omprakash partner since June 2009.

Need for Material Resources

Namjil Long School is in great need of an outhouse, kitchen, and dormitories. Construction costs per square foot are 150 RMB. They also need clothing, academic supplies, computers, kitchen supplies, and medical supplies; there is no doctor in the area.

Financially, the school is in trouble. Thaptin Mundrto’s debt is over 72,700 RMB, including money owed to the cook, accountant and teachers. The boys are not able to eat enough food at meals, and are never able to eat meat because of cost. The support of one boy for a month is 200 RMB.

Need for Volunteers

Thaptin Mundrto would like to welcome male volunteers to live and teach English at Namji Long for at least one month, at any time of the year. Room and board will be free, in exchange for approximately 8 hours of class a day.

Partnership with Tra Ling Boy’s School

Project Profile

The Tra Ling Boy’s School was formed in September of 2004, by the educated monk Orgyen Kyep, the current owner and director. Located 15 kilometers outside the town of Darlag, the school is adjacent to the Tra Long Monastery, the largest monastery in the Golok region.

Orgyen Kyep established the school as a wish to preserve and protect Tibetan culture, accepting all interested boys, regardless of socio-economic status. However, the majority of the 100 boys who live and learn at Tra Ling are from impoverished families. The boys receive education in Chinese, Math, Tibetan Grammar, Poetry and Dharma.

You can contact Orgyen Kyep via the school website: http://www.xueyuzhuguang.com/english/

Partnership History

Tra Ling Boy’s School has been an Omprakash partner since June 2009.

Need for Material Resources

Tra Ling is in need of bathroom and shower facilities, clothing, academic supplies, and clean water. Currently the only clean water supply is a 2 kilometer walk away. Cost to pipe water to the home would be 30,000 RMB. The school also needs a kitchen and cafeteria, estimated cost is 300,000 RMB. To support one boy for a month, the cost is 300 RMB. Orgyen Kyep would like expand his school to include 300 boys.

Need for Volunteers

There is an invitation for male volunteers to live and teach at the Tra Ling School for at least one month at any time during the year. In exchange for free room and board, a volunteer can teach English, Art, Drama, Business, Exercise, or Life Skills for four hours a day.

Partnership with The Yungchin Gatsar School

Project Profile

The Yungchin Gatsar School, located in the farming community town of Bha’ma, was formed in March, 2006, by Teh Wang, a 19 year old monk, whose vision is to reach all needy children in the impoverished, remote areas of Tibet.

Currently, there are 21 boys and 27 girls, ages 5-15, who live and learn at Yungchin Gatsar, all of them from families who are too poor to provide them with an education. Unlike many other monk-established schools, there is no pressure from Teh Wang for the children to become nuns or monks; his only desire is to educate as many needy children as possible.

The Yungchin Gatsar School currently teaches all students Tibetan Grammar, Art, Dance and some English. (Teh Wang’s sister knows a little English). They hope to expand their subjects and teaching faculty as their funding and supports grows.

Partnership History

Yungchin Gastar School has been an Omprakash partner since June 2009.

Need for Material Resources

The school’s greatest need is for dormitories; the children sleep in the classrooms. Beyond that, the school needs a kitchen and bathroom. Construction costs per square meter are 150 RMB. Other material needs include medical and hygienic supplies, academic materials, computers, and books.

In terms of financial support, the cost to support one child for a day is 18 RMB, or 540 RMB a month. Teh Wang’s current financial obligation is a 30,000 RMB loan for the school’s inception; he is able to keep the school open with contributions by friends.

Need for Volunteers

Teh Wang extends an invitation to volunteers to live at Yungchin Gatsar School for a minimum of one month, during the six winter months of October through April. (The children are gone during summer months to harvest yartsa gunbu, or caterpillar fungus). Volunteer positions are open for Chinese and English teachers. The volunteer may be male or female, and will receive free room/board, in exchange for teaching 7 hours of class a day.

Partnership with Maine Farm Enterprise School

Project Profile-

Formed in 2009, Maine Farm Enterprise Schools (MFES) works on an intentionally small scale to help communities develop unique local visions of inter-related public education, free enterprise, and shared social responsibility, where public funding and social philanthropy seed the “multiplier effect.” By investing the same money differently, we get:

·     A replicable public school reform model

·     A sustainable economic development model

·     An integration of public, non-profit, and private funding

We collaborate with farmers, social entrepreneurs, educators, non-profits and other community partners to create 100-student public schools that produce measurably better results for students, support interdependent local economies, and do so at no additional taxpayer expense.  Using the asset-based community development model, we provide students in grades 6-12 with experiential education linked through apprenticeships with enterprise partners in Maine’s Quality of Place clusters:  Green Energy and Building, Farming and Food Security, and Arts and Culture. Our pilot project launches in the fall of 2009 and we are actively working with 4 Maine communities to establish Maine Farm Enterpise Schools in the fall of 2010.  Our website is www.mainefarmschool.org. Contact John D’Anieri at info@mainefarmschool.org.

Partnership History

MFES became an Omprakash Partner in May, 2009.  All parties look forward to exploring the many ways in which the Omprakash network can become a resource for service-learning within Maine Farm Enterprise Schools and the communities that they support.

Need for Material Resources-

Our most pressing current need is financial support. Our work over the next year is primarily start-up: community engagement, project development and grant-writing. In the summer/fall of 2009, we begin building a near-zero carbon, near-zero cost one-room schoolhouse at our pilot site; material resources will help when we finalize a design.

Need for Volunteers-

Our schools will accommodate a variety of volunteers in both education and green economy roles beginning in the fall of 2010.  See our website for more.

Partnership with Pisco Sin Fronteras

Project Profile: Pisco Sin Fronteras (PSF) was formed in August, 2008, the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the coastal regions of Peru. The town of Pisco was one of the most affected places in the region with up to 85% of homes destroyed. The aim of PSF is to help individual families affected by the earthquake in reconstructing or providing houses. The primary service to offer was free labor for construction to people who needed but could not afford it, and a secondary provision of acquiring building materials for certain projects. Sanitation and educational facilities are also high on the priority list for PSF in helping the community aid them selves and lead as normal a life as current conditions allow. More can be found at www.piscosinfronteras.org or in the  PSF presentation.

Contact info: Email ryansessel@hotmail.com, piscosinfronteras@googlemail.com, and piscosinfronteras@hotmail.com

Partnership History: PSF has been an Omprakash Partner since May, 2008.  PSF was introduced to the Omprakash network by Vance Walstra, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Vance at vance.walstra@gmail.com to learn more about PSF.

Need for Material Resources: Historically we have only been able to provide labor for construction through the participation of our volunteers. More and more pre-project assessments suggest that we can start to accomplish more for those really in need if we were able to source materials for particular projects.

This has led to an effort to put processes in place to obtain building materials for those families who cannot afford them and have the real prospect of living in a tent for the foreseeable future. One enabling method is donations of any kind and sponsorship of specific projects, tools, materials and facilities. The mission of PSF is that any support we receive, translates straight to the community through the services we are providing.

General requirements are for bags of cement, sand/aggregate, bricks, prefabricated modular houses and general upkeep and purchasing of tools needed to carry out the work. More details can be found on our web site www.piscosinfronteras.org We are also in need of initial admin costs as we are currently restructuring the organization. We are, currently, experiencing transportation problems as our truck is not operational and is in desperate need of some major repairs. In all honesty, in the long term it will have to be replaced in entirety.

Need for Volunteers: The participation of our enthusiastic volunteers is key to the success of the work being carried out in Pisco. People from all over the world have volunteered here and we are looking for more.  We welcome you to join our cause; no formal experience is required to participate. Any skill, trade or knowledge in any discipline you are able to contribute would be beneficial to us and more importantly the community of Pisco. PSF provides not only the opportunity to get involved in construction but also a chance for volunteers to gain a greater understanding of how the organization functions in totality. Teamwork is an essential element of all successful projects and volunteers will get  to  experience a team environment as well as being able to express their leadership skills.

Thank You For Your Support!

Google, Inc.

Microsoft, Inc.

Forest Foundation

PBO Foundation

LKC Foundation

Aristotle Fund

Empathy Foundation

Tibet Fund– Khaachen Assistance Program

Robby and Christie Harteveldt

Keith and Rose-Lee Reinhard

Tom and Kate Gomprecht

Ed and Beth Brunswick

Robert and Susan Cotter

Mike and Birdie Anderson

Bill and Kemi O’Donnell

John and Eva Morrill

Ed and Pat Kfoury

Moose and Boo Stroud

Alan and Renee Levi

Tom and Sera Reycraft

Ken Fields

Ed and Kathy Craig

Fred and Sharon Klingenstein

Sue and Steve Mandel

Marc and Mimi Tabah

David and Peggy Tanner

Mel Chodosh

Peter and Susan Lawrence

Ted Johnson

Robert and Susan Cotter

Mary and Gerald Irving

Pierce and Ashley O’Neil

John and Peggy Heller

Sally and Mike Martell

Mr. and Mrs. James Klau

Tom and Nancy Klingenstein

Will and Judy Heins

Nancy Simpkins

Annie and John Burleigh

Scott and Traci McClelland

John and Eva Morrill

Bill and Didi Wigton

Robby and Christie Harteveldt

Topsy Post

Peter and Jo Ziesing

Ed and Beth Brunswick

David and Peggy Tanner

Ned and Wendy Brokaw

Lucille Carothers

Rob and Kit Rohn

Lisa and Bob Schultz

Rick Wilson

Steve Le

Brian and Susan Stern

Sissy and Rick Weinberg

Ed and Cathy Craig

MIchael and Kathy Ladra

Sean and Ginny Day

Dick Cashin

Bill and Elizabeth Davis

Kate Schnur

Liz Losch

Lorraine Brooks

Peggy and David Tanner

William Davis and Linda Saarnijoki

David Daniels

Donna Adams

Al and Diane Gaulzetti

Earl and Sally Gaertner

Lorna Thompson

Douglas Canter

Auburn and Nancy Bell

Mira Lane

Ngawang Legshe

Jason Beck

Vance Walstra

Beth Saunders

Terry Beyna

Pradip Sethi

Virginia Golembiewski

Hough Street School Chess Club

John Mann

Margaret Andrews

John Mann

John Graham and Lori Lear

Gregory and Cheryl Burrell

Patricia Burrell

Mark and Donna Schwing

Timothy and Margaret Beaumont

Michael Burrell

John and Hanna Burleigh

Tyler O’Neill

Hampapur Ajay

Kidder Smith

Philip and Mara Taft

Karin Ecroyd

Michael Kleiser

Karen Armstrong

Robert and Marion Wullf

Jocelyn Frank

Wallace & Carole Bye

Greg and Martha Newlin

Anthony Walstra

Carol Smith

Andrea LeJeune

Michael and Deborah Dunn

Sarah Davidson

F.W. Clelland

Ajay Mehta

Tanisha Keshava

Francis and Judith Dillon

Alan Rosner and Eda Malenky

Kenneth Roberts

Taylor Moore and Julia Thies

Gerald & Deborah Huth

Marieka Fagundes

Michael and Elissa Mahon

Joyce Hebron

Lena Hahn Schuman

Cecille Gannon

Helmut Albrecht

Alvin & Shirley Briskie

Linda Siskind

Karen Butler

Margaret Gruber

Lynne Deshler

Samuel Read

Carl Iovine

Tony Lintz

Matt Mccallum

Partnership with M.A.D. Volunteers

Project Profile

M.A.D. (Make A Difference) Volunteers is a grassroots organization founded in Pisco, Peru in October of 2008. We are mainly focused on the reconstruction of houses that were destroyed in the 7.9 earthquake that devastated Pisco in August of 2007. We have helped to rebuild a school, Virgencita de Fatima, with future plans to install a playground there, and aided UNICEF in digging trenches for newly installed toilets. We are also strongly focused on “Intercambio” which is a language exchange program set up to teach people of all ages English, opening up future employment opportunities with a higher pay. Two future projects we hope to achieve are, firstly, a skate/BMX park for the younger people of Pisco, and secondly a mobile cinema that would help bring economic growth to newly opened shops. Our mission is to not only provide our skills and tools to families seeking need, but to encourage families to work together in supportive efforts to help each other rebuild their houses. Leaving behind a more self-reliant, sustainable community that, in the future will be less dependent on governmental aid. For more information on past, present, and future projects please look at our website www.madvolunteers.org.

Contact madvolunteers@gmail.com to learn more.

Partnership History

M.A.D. Volunteers has been an Omprakash Partner since April, 2009.  M.A.D. was introduced to the Omprakash network by Vance Walstra, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Vance at vance.walstra@gmail.com to learn more about M.A.D.

Need for Material Resources

As of right now our main need for material resources would be funding. There are still hundreds of families living on dirt floors without proper sanitation. The standard issued modular, bought by residents of Pisco following the earthquake, is a 5×3 meter one room “house”. The cost of pouring a concrete floor for these families to live in can be broken down like this:

$34 US (107 soles) for 2.5 cubes of Ormegon (the sand and rock mix)

$54 US (162 soles) for 9 bags of cement

$3.30 US (10 soles) for delivery of materials

In total a 5×3 meter floor costs $91.30 US (273 soles).

Another area of funding that is extremely important is for M.A.D. to be able to sustain itself in Pisco. Areas where funding would help include:

$300 US (900 soles) per month in rent

$400 US (1200 soles) combined, per month for food, travel, cell phone, living expenses etc… for myself and my co-director to sustain our living here.

$120 US (120 soles) per month for a part time translator to help in making sure the decisions M.A.D. makes are ones that will truly benefit the community of Pisco. And also to help in any projects involving the community, to help spread the word. This would also provide a source of employment for one of the residents of Pisco.

Future Funding

One of our future projects that we hope to gain funding for is the “mobile cinema” which we would need a projector, a DVD player, and two speakers. The idea behind this is that M.A.D. could show movies, once weekly, on the outside of newly opened tiendas (we would change the location every week), and that the families who run them will benefit, economically, by having people sit outside their shops and buy snacks, while also providing the locals with a new form of entertainment.

$549.99 US (1650 soles) Epson – SVGA Multimedia Projector Model: EX30 (from Best Buy)

$40 US (120 soles) DVD player from Pisco Market

$120 US (360) combined for 2 speakers bought from Pisco Market

The second idea M.A.D. has come up with, but still needs a bit more planning in order to get the financial parts figured out would be to build a skate/BMX park for the children. The first phase of this project involves M.A.D. buying a tiny piece of land to build upon. We plan to have the young people of Pisco help us design aspects of the park they would like, and with the help of some architect friends of ours in Lima, we will build a skate park that can hopefully open up more land development opportunities in the area.

Need for Volunteers

Volunteers from all over the world are an integral part of this organization. The basis for our project “Intercambio” mainly focuses on language exchange, but whenever the chance presents itself we like to have a cultural exchange as well. This can be as simple as games played to food made from a different country, or can be taken to a completely different level of volunteers and residents actually learning, first hand, the histories and current situations affecting people all over the world.

We welcome all types of volunteers. We need people willing to form a co-operative environment, as well as people who can see what needs to be done and have the initiative to step up and do it.

Qualities we look for: Positive Attitude, Self-motivated, Empathy, Sense of Humor, Strong Working, Self-Reliant, Willingness to learn new skills as well as teach what they know.

Skills that are helpful (but are not necessary for volunteering wit M.A.D.): Bilingual, General Construction, Environmental, Artistic, Organized

There is no minimum length of stay required, however there is a suggested stay of at least one week. The volunteers stay in a house provided by M.A.D. and we ask for a 10 sole ($3.30 US) per night contribution to cover overhead costs of running the organization. Breakfast is included, along with beds, hot water, bathrooms, electricity, and a full kitchen.

For more information, including pictures of our house and projects, please look at our website www.madvolunteers.org .

Partnership with New Vision School

Project Profile

New Vision English Language School opened in November, 2007, to offer free education to 30 students from different parts of Tsedang Prefecture. Read the story of Tashi Yang, the founder and director of New Vision>>

To learn more, contact willy@omprakash.org and tashiyangzoom@yahoo.co.uk.

Partnership History

New Vision has been an Omprakash Partner since April, 2009.

Need for Material Resources

In the long term we need to find ways to funds teachers’ salaries, rent and purchase of stationary supplies. We would also like to have computers and a printer at the school.  If we get more desk computers then we will teach computer skills by the English language.

Need for Volunteers

I am going to improve this school, and I will to find like foreigner teacher and bigger classroom.  If some one like to be our foreigner English teacher, then it will be improve our school, because many students like to study English with foreigner teacher, and also their parents have suggested that.

Please be aware of the following warning on the State Department website (www.travel.state.gov):

“Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.  A travel permit for Tibet can be obtained through local travel agents. Permits cost approximately renminbi (RMB) 100, are single-entry and valid for at most three months.  Most areas in Tibet are not open for foreigners except Lhasa City and part of Shan Nan.  Foreigners can be fined up to RMB 500, taken into custody, and deported for visiting restricted areas.  For information about entry requirements and restricted areas, travelers may consult the Visa Office of the Embassy of China (PRC) at Room 110, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20007, or telephone (202) 338-6688 and (202) 588-9760.”

Partnership with My Himachal

Project Profile:

My Himachal was formed in 2006 as a charitable, non-profit, non-governmental organization, made up of people of Himachal origin and friends of Himachal Pradesh worldwide. Its primary goal is to help the poorer and deprived residents of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India by assisting in rebuilding their material lives and/or improving their health, living and educational conditions without any distinction of, race, religion, sex, and opinion. And also to preserve Himachal culture, promote, support and expand social and economic interests of Himachal Pradesh and its people worldwide.  Visit http://www.myhimachal.com to learn more.

Read My Himachal Newsletters>>

Our Aims:

1. Bring child health care, nutrition education to rural areas and support community health care.
   
2. “HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS” based on socio-economic and merit status.
3. To showcase Himachal culture and strengths via news, tourism, lectures and presentations across the globe(Via our blog, http://himachal.us and personal appearances).
4. Raise awareness about environmental issues, such as global warming, and to help preserve the natural beauty of HP working with rural village communities.
5. To bring IT/technology to rural belts of HP and work with Colleges/Institutes/Government for research and development in various sectors.

Each year, My Himachal joins hands with Indian and foreign physicians to provide child health care and nutritional education in remote villages of Himachal Pradesh.

We run our health program with JIBHI CHAI (Community Health Action Initiative) clinic of Lady Willingdon Hopsital of Manali. So far 2000 children have been provided with basic health care.  Training of  31  women health and nutrition workers have been provided with LWH help. These volunteer women from the villages are trained to intervene in the lives of the malnourished children by regular follow up, nutritional advice and growth monitoring.

We also conduct street theater in local language to bring awareness about health care to villagers and school children.  My Himachal also provides scholarships to poor and deserving students every year.  So far we have provided more than 100 scholarships to deserving students all across Himachal based on their need, merit and government scholarship.

Please check our health camp video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMvY1M9ILSg

2008 Scholarship video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbH8k2xEkCA

If you are interested in contributing either human or financial resources to My Himachal, we encourage you to visit our website.

Need for Volunteers

My Himachal needs volunteers with experience and training in health care and nutrition education including Doctors.  My Himachal is developing a sustainable eco tourism project for remote Himalayan regions and would need volunteers to train local youths in tourism related activities.  For the hand loom sector of Himachal we need volunteers who can help with education to weavers, quality control and marketing of the products.

Need for Material Resources

We encourage membership and donations which supports our child health care and scholarship programs.

Every year for health camp we need medicines and nutrition supplements.

Partnership with Michael’s House

Project Profile:

Michael’s House is a registered 501(c)3 project that aids the destitute elderly in the developing world. We formed in 2003 with a mere $15 to begin feeding the elderly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We chose the elderly as our identified population because this is a group that is not serviced specifically by other world aid organizations, as they give no return on investment to a developing nation. Many of them were productive citizens who spent all their funds to help their own children who subsequently died of HIV/AIDS. Often they cared for their grandchildren until agencies removed them to further assist the children. Now these elderly are left totally alone, aged and infirm, homeless and hungry. Our mission is to give them some comfort, dignity and a sense of community in their remaining days. We have a community center, medical center, provide a daily hot meal, hygiene facilities, handicraft supplies, overnight housing for 40 of the most infirm, participating relationships with local charities including Mother Teresa’s, and we fund cataract and fistula surgeries. We have urban and farm/rural facilities and we are in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda so far. Our web site is www.michaels-house.org.

Material Resource Needs:

We have found shipping actual supplies to be impractical due to the high expense but we have a number of programs and their costs identified on our web site. A few examples are $30 for a cataract operation, $90 for a fistula operation, $120 for the “141K” program (one for one in kindness– a program that enables you to sponsor an elderly person for a year), unspecified monetary donations to help defer our monthly funds that we send for all our programs including food and medical– we have grown from $15 month to $5800 per month!

Volunteers:

We always welcome volunteers and that is a part of our program that is young and developing. We are working out housing arrangements. I have traveled there personally and spent 3 weeks. The skills needed were a willingness to work, serve meals, clean up, and be empathic and friendly. Our elderly simply love companionship and knowledge of the language isn’t needed to share a smile and love. We have an on site manager who is fluent in English.  If you are interested, please contact Lynda Richards at Lynda@lyndarichards.com or by telephone at 301 774 5626.

Partnership with R.O.S.E.

Project Profile

The Rural Organization for Social Elevation (R.O.S.E.) is a non-governmental, non-profit voluntary organisation located in the village of Kanda in Uttarakhand in Northern India. Formed in 1983, our primary goal is to resolve the socio-economic and ecological problems of the local community, restricted availability of educational facilities, high unemployment and environmental degradation. The eco-village tourism is playing the major part in the fulfilment of these goals. Tourist volunteers from different parts of the world have the opportunity to come to Kanda to live with the Verma family, experience local culture as well as assist financially and manually. R.O.S.E. has created an opportunity to the volunteers to benefit from their experience by acquiring new skills as well as enormous contribution towards the improvement of the local community.  Our major programs involve building construction by using  local low cost material – house/toilet/water harvesting tanks/soil conservation, organic farming, education,training, awareness, income generation, employment generation, and eco-development.  Visit www.rosekanda.org to learn more.

Primary contact: Jeevan Verma, Volunteer Director

Rural Organisation for Social Elevation (R.O.S.E.)
Address: Sunargaon, Kanda, Bageshwar-263631
Uttarakhand, India
E-mails: jeevanverma@rosekanda.org & jlverma_rosekanda@hotmail.com
Telephones: +91-5963-241081 (Office) and +91-9412167186 (Mobile)

Partnership History

R.O.S.E. has been an Omprakash Partner since April, 2009.

Need for Volunteers

R.O.S.E. seeks volunteer teachers, health workers, computer programmers, construction workers, manual laborers, carpenters, engineers, fundraisers, organic farmers, social workers/activists, and eco-developers.  Volunteers can stay for as long as 25 weeks, depending on their visa situation.  Volunteers need patience, a sense of humor, respect to our culture, proper dress, adjustable, and honest.

Affordable housing arrangements can be arranged for volunteers.  Volunteers should be prepared to pay a registration fee of Rs. 3900 (about $100) and daily food/lodging expenses of Rs. 500 (about $13).

Partnership with South Africa Education and Environment Project

Project Profile

SAEP is a small, award-winning US 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and youth in South Africa’s disadvantaged township communities through educational support at every level of academic development. SAEP aims to help children and youth build their academic and life skills, obtain productive employment, and contribute as leaders to the economic and social development of their communities and their country. SAEP’s work began in Cape Town in 1994; a sister non-profit organisation was registered in South Africa in 2003.

SAEP’s programs include an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme that enables severely under-resourced township pre-schools to become quality ECD Centres; a High School Programme that provides a series of educational support and enrichment interventions to under-performing township schools; a Gap Year Programme for promising township high school graduates that focuses on academic, leadership and life skills acquisition; and a Tertiary Support Programme assisting former Gap Year interns both financially and otherwise to facilitate their success at tertiary level. SAEP’s web site is www.saep.org.

Partnership History

SAEP has been an Omprakash Partner since Arpil, 2009.

Need for Material Resources

Financial donations are most appreciated due to difficulties with post in this part of the world. Areas in which SAEP is most in need of donations include:

Need for Volunteers

SAEP’s work is carried out largely by volunteers. We recommend they come for as long as possible, ideally for 6 months to a year. Volunteers who are able to stay for at least 2-3 months can make a significant contribution, but we ask short-term volunteers to raise funds to help cover SAEP’s project costs. SAEP also takes small groups for special service projects. We especially need volunteers who can (1) work in pre-schools and (2) tutor and mentor high school students and graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering at SAEP>>

Partnership with CHILDS

Project Profile

CHILDS (Vathsalya Vanam) is an orphanage located in Andhra Pradesh, South India; specifically, it is located in Madanapalle (Chittoor District), a town of 200,000 people. It was started in April 2002 by P. Nageswara Rao, a veteran journalist of 16 years, a former teacher in a child labor school, and yoga instructor. It currently serves 36 children but its mission is to take in three times more after the purchase of 2 acres of land from the local government and the construction of its new building are complete- projected by December 2010. A playground, mud huts for meditation and a guest house will be built in addition to the 2 story orphanage-school. Nageswara Rao teaches yoga and meditation which are helping the children to live virtuously. Presently, there are 2 full-time teachers and one part time teacher but the goal is to have 5 full-time teachers with each specializing in a given subject- English, math, science, etc.  Learn more at http://sites.google.com/site/childsorphanage/

The Collector of Chittoor District, Mr. M. Ravi Chandra, recently said “I am with you” and has agreed to provide teachers and funds for food; these efforts are finally being made by the government and will go a long way; however, there are still some needs to be met, as are described below.

Contact info:  Mr. Nageswara Rao

Address: 2-282-A5, P & T Colony

Madanapalle, Chittoor District

A.P., India 517325

Tel: (91) 08571-200708

Mobile: (91) 944070703863

Email: childsorgmpl@yahoo.com

Need for material resources

Total costs for the orphanage at present amount to about 26,300 INR or about $525 USD per month. This does not take into account the cost of acquiring the 2 acres of land at $2,000 USD each nor the cost of construction of the new site. In addition, costs will go up at least 3 times given that the capacity of the orphanage will increase three-fold starting in 2011.

Books

CHILDS has a need for childrens books (aged 8-15) and is in the process of building up a stockpile which will then be put in a library at the new location.

Clothing

Presently, the cost of clothing (2 pairs per child and per year) totals 1500 INR per year, or $30. These are locally stitched so all that would be needed are funds.

Please note that upon moving to the new location, the needs and the types of needs for funds will change drastically. For example, 3,000 INR ($60 USD) is spent per month on firewood for cooking but this will be replaced by gas at the new location.

Construction

The design is complete and it calls for 2 floors to fit 2 separate dormitories for girls and boys, a dining hall and classrooms. This is clearly the highest foreseen cost and any financial help to build rooms will be much appreciated. Cost estimates are being created now.

Need for Volunteers

CHILDS will open its doors to volunteers from other countries to do extra-curricular activities and simply just to interact with the children. Food and accommodation will be provided and in line with Omprakash’s philosophy, no fees will be charged. They will be able to stay in the guest house at the site. Skills like teaching English, origami, juggling, gardening, carpentry are sought. Prospective volunteers should email their resumes (CVs) and a brief explanation of what activities they would like to hold. The children speak Telugu and know little English, so the language barrier should be kept in mind; nonetheless, the volunteer and the children will have a rewarding experience.

In addition to volunteers who interact with the children, there is a need for volunteering to help with the administration to help in preparing reports, writing letters and updating information/files on the kids. Realistically, one to two volunteers at a given time could help with both sets of tasks- teaching and administration.

Other info

http://picasaweb.google.com/Brinco2719/OrphanageSri?authkey=Gv1sRgCOjky6a3ip-ETA&feat=email#

Volunteer with Asha

Volunteer in South India

-CHILDS (Vathsalya Vanam) is an orphanage located in Andhra Pradesh, South India; specifically, it is located in Madanapalle (Chittoor District), a town of 200,000 people. CHILDS is looking for volunteers to teach and interact with the children. Learn more about CHILDS>>

-Sevalaya- Chennai, Tamilnadu

Located just west of Chennai (formerly Madras), Tamilnadu, Sevalaya administrates an orphanage, a secondary school, a craft center, a library, and an old age home. All services are rendered free of cost, and Sevalaya seeks volunteers to assist in many areas. Learn more>>

-Sevasadanam School– Madhira, Andhra Pradesh

Submitted by John Kanukolanu– johnkanu@yahoo.com

Volunteer in Northwest India

-Neerja Modi School and Nischay Girls School– Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Neerja Modi School (www.nmsindia.org), a high-school in Jaipur, wants volunteers to help with their English, Math, Environmental Studies, Science, Arts, Music, and Drama programs. Teaching experience and certifications are not necessary; the school’s main goal is simply to add an international dimension to their educational setting. Volunteers are welcome to visit for any amount of time, and room and board will be provided. Also on the premises of the Neerja Modi School is the Nischay Girls School, an elementary school offering free education to poor girls. This school was started with twenty students in 2004, and now hosts over 500 young girls. Email us for more information on the Nischay Girls School. Volunteers at the Neerja Modi School will also be welcome to help at the Nischay Girls School, and vice-versa. Contact us or Pragya at pragya@nmsindia.org to learn more about this excellent volunteering opportunity!

-The Center for Unfolding Learning Potential (CULP)– Tonk District, Rajasthan

CULP is a well-established educational NGO based in Jaipur and operating throughout the Tonk district of Rajasthan. CULP brings educational services to over 700 adolescent girls, and needs volunteer English teachers to help them in village schools.  CULP has specifically requested volunteers that can serve for 4-6 months.

If you are interested in volunteering with CULP, please contact us or a CULP representative at culp@datainfosys.net.

Learn more about CULP>>

-Datta´s Library– Jaipur, Rajasthan

Submitted by Soumana Datta– dattaslibrary@yahoo.com

Datta`s Library is a private initiative. It has 3 rooms and one toilet and an open patio where people come to read and participate in activities. During summer months children come to learn computers also, so i have a basic computer there. Volunteers can teach some basic computer skills to kids also. We also show some interesting nature cds and films to students. We need to find a math and science tutor so that he or she can teach these subjects to weak students.  Please contact us or Soumana to learn more about this opportunity!

Volunteer in Northeast India

-Promise World Wide– Calcutta, West Bengal

This small school for underprivileged children is looking for volunteers capable of teaching drawing and painting for at least a month. Learn more about Parijat Academy>>

Volunteer in North India

One of the pioneers of educational reform in Ladakh, SECMOL can use volunteers on its own campus near Leh and can also help direct volunteers to needy schools throughout Ladakh.  SECMOL can use volunteer teachers year-round for cultural exchange or to teach English and environmental skills to youth from remote villages. It is fully solar-heated and solar-powered, and can also use volunteers with architecture or engineering skills for solar design. They would especially like a volunteer to teach ice skating in January in a youth camp for kids who would otherwise not be able to afford skates or equipment. Please check out www.secmol.org and contact us or Becky Norman (becky@secmol.org) to learn more.

Working to promote “Health, Education, and Welfare in Himalayan Communities,” the dZi Foundation is currently seeking volunteers to assist with some of its dental and vision clinics in the Leh region of Ladakh. Other volunteer opportunities may also be available. Check out www.dzifoundation.org to learn more about dZi, or click here to learn about these particular volunteer opportunities. Please contact us or Lisa Raleigh at lisa@dzifoundation.org to learn more.

Partnership with Paulino Salgado

Project Profile

During the 2008-2009 school year a group of high school students and faculty from Francis Parker School (www.francisparker.org) in San Diego, CA, began to develop a relationship with a Colombian school named Colegio Paulino Salgado. After sending a student envoy to Colombia in February 2009, operations are underway to establish Paulino Salgado as the first official Francis Parker sister school and to create a mutually beneficial program of exchange between the two institutions. Francis Parker’s mission is to improve the educational opportunities of the 650 students who attend Paulino Salgado through school re-building projects and educational supplementation programs.

Paulino Salgado is an elementary, middle, and high school located in the slums of Barranquilla, Colombia. Sixty percent of the children who attend this school come from Afro-Colombian families displaced by the Colombia civil war, a violent conflict between Colombian paramilitary and local guerrilla groups. Afro-descendants are the most hard-hit by internal displacement in Colombia, a country that has the second-highest internal displacement rate in the world after Sudan, with estimates ranging from 1.9 million to almost 4 million, or about 6 percent of the population. In the cities Afro-Colombians are commonly subjected to discrimination and ethnic stereotyping leading to a denial of their cultural values.

Occasionally, the on-going civil war hits the international spotlight when guerrillas release hostages or paramilitaries give up their weapons, but on the whole, not much has changed for millions of people caught up in the crossfire. Leaving behind their land and everything they know and own, most Afro-Colombian families who make the journey from countryside to cramped city slums slide down the social scale into poverty that’s virtually impossible to escape. In this culture of violence, discrimination and inequality, things are only going to get worse, as another generation of displaced children grows up too poor to get a good education.

Parker is working to reverse this trend for the students at Paulino Salgado through a sustainable partnership. If you would like to help, or if your school is interested in partnering with Francis Parker and Paulino, please contact:

Alex Gomez: agomez@francisparker.org (Francis Parker representative)

Milia Fisher: miliafisher@yahoo.com (Francis Parker representative)

Steve Le: steve@omprakash.org (Omprakash representative)

Partnership History

Paulino Salgado has been an Omprakash Partner since January, 2009.  Soon afterwards, Omprakash awarded a Volunteer Grant to a Francis Parker student named Milia Fisher.  Milia used this grant to travel to Colombia and jumpstart a sister-school relationship between Paulino Salgado and her own school. Milia shipped 10 computers to Paulino Salgado and is working with Francis Parker to pay for the school’s monthly internet access. She will continue raising money to pay for internet access and other amenities for the school and hopes to one day develop a sustainable source of income for the Paulino Salgado community.

Need for Material Resources

Due to the widespread discrimination against the Afro-Colombian community, the Colombian government has for many years neglected Paulino Salgado, and the school is in desperate need of many amenities.

The school is currently in need of:

1. Two small refrigerators to store food

2. TVs and DVD players

3. One copier and fax machine

4. A projector

5. A laptop computer

6. Fans (Barranqilla is located on Caribbean, and the temperature rarely dips below 80⁰ F)

7. Teachers’ desks

8. Shelves/cabinets

9. 30 child-sized plastic chairs

Francis Parker School has secured an Export-Import License for Paulino Salgado, so all items donated can be safely shipped to the school.

All earmarked donations may be made out to either Francis Parker School or Omprakash Foundation.

Need for Volunteers

Students planning to travel in order to volunteer to teach at Paulino Salgado must contact Alex Gomez for arrangements. The principal of the school is willing to house three students at her own home. They will be guided in Barranquilla by the staff of Paulino Salgado. During the summer, during the month of July, Alex Gomez will be in Barranquilla and can also serve as a guide for any student who wants to visit the school. The first group of students will be heading to Colombia in February, as part of the Parker interim program.

Partnership with Education for the Future Foundation

Project Profile

The Education for the Future Foundation (EFF) sponsors secondary school educations for students in need in Kenya, East Africa. A registered, not-for-profit organization, the EFF works closely with local schools and communities to provide capable students with access to education.   At present, high school in Kenya is prohibitively costly for the average Kenyan student, and thus many students drop out of school after the 8^th grade.  Students who do complete high school are generally eligible for government loans to attend the university.  The EFF helps needy students attend high school so that they may have a chance to further their educations.  The EFF was created in 2003, and currently provides help to students from all regions of Kenya via three programs; 1) our main sponsorship program sponsors male and female students throughout Kenya, 2) Kila Nafasi is a special project aimed at sponsoring just Maasai girls, and 3) Bodo Initiative provides help to students from Bodo Village in Coast Province of Kenya.   Our organization’s website is www.educationforthefuture.org

Need for Material Resources

Our organization’s primary need is donations towards students sponsorship.  It costs $450 per year to sponsor a high school student, which covers their tuition, room and board, uniforms, and books.  For people unable to commit to $450 per year, we are able to match donations as partial sponsors.  Or, we accept donations towards our general fund, which is used to help schools purchase textbooks, sponsor extra students, or conduct student trainings.

Need for Volunteers

Our project currently accepts short or long-term volunteers.  Volunteers are needed in Kenya to help with administrative work coordinating sponsorships, such as visiting schools and students.  Volunteers in Kenya will be overseen by our EFF-Kenya director, in Nairobi.  Housing arrangements for volunteers are made on a case-by-case basis, but can include home stays with a Kenyan family.  In the U.S, we also accept volunteers who are willing to help with fundraising activities, website maintenance, or writing for newsletters.

Contact Information for EFF

Co-Founders/Co-Directors:  Courtney Gallaher and Amy Wehrman

cmgallaher@gmail.com or aewehrman@gmail.com

Education for the Future Foundation, P.O. Box 14414, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Partnership with Life and Hope Association

Project Profile:

The Life and Hope Association (LHA) envisages a Cambodia that is a peaceful and cohesive society, with equal rights and equal opportunities, built on a basic foundation of love, kindness and compassion.  We believe illiteracy (ignorance) is the cause of all suffering. We aim to strengthen quality of life and to awake all classes of people to a meaningful life by sharing with each other.

Our goal is to improve the lives of the impoverished people of Cambodia especially vulnerable children, girls and women in Siem Reap, in order to give them HOPE in LIFE and the prospects of a better future.

LHA is a Cambodian non-profit, non-governmental, non-political organization. It was established in May 2005 by the monks of Wat Damnak and friends. Website: www.lifeforhope.org www.watdamnak.org or our new official website www.lifeandhopeangkor.org

Download our leaflet>>

Our major projects:

LHA runs five types of projects:1) An orphanage - children’s development village provides a happy life, a safe and healthy place for physical and mental growth to orphans and vulnerable children 2) A Junior High School - provides further education opportunity to children of Angkor Thom areas who hardly have any access education 3) A vocational sewing training center - provides housing and an opportunity to vulnerable girls and women to transform their future 4) PAGE (program advancing girls’ education)- provides boarding house for girls’ education, as an unbiased path for young girls of Cambodia to achieve the highest possible level of education and 5) Food for education project - provides food and school materials to impoverished children in exchange for their attendance in school.

Need for Material Resources:

As LHA is an education focused organization, we do need all sorts of education materials such as books, pens and of course financial assistance is even more important as every year (during August and September) we need extra funding at least $6,500 to buy school materials for our kinds and students. $13 for each school kit which consist of pens, pencils, books, uniforms, bag, pencil sharpener etc, and the number of our caring kids is increasing every year (current kids are over 500), so it is even burden on our responsibility to providing them their educational needs.

Need for Volunteers:

We need various skills of volunteers such as teaching skills, health education, IT experts etc. These people can be as many or months as they can. Each year, we also need a long-term volunteer (at least 10 months) to oversee daily operation of LHA, this person holds the position of co-program manager, as this position is a middle management job, the qualification is required (more information is provided if needed). LHA can afford only around $200/mth for living expense of co-program manager, the place to stay is optional.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact lifeandhopeangkor@gmail.com.  Be sure to share your volunteering experiences on the Omprakash Message Board!

Other information:

You can also go to Youtube, type Somnieng on its search, or Facebook at Somnieng or slideshow at Somnieng.

Volunteer in Israel

The National Council for Voluntarism in Israel (iVolunteer) is an umbrella organization advancing voluntarism as a professional field among the three major sectors in Israel– private, public and non-profit.  Learn more about iVolunteer>>

Volunteer in Guatemala

Quetzaltrekkers is an all-volunteer run non-profit trekking organization offering exciting and challenging excursions in the highlands of Guatemala. Quetzaltrekkers is always looking for  new volunteers in order to help continue its mission. A three-month minimum commitment is required of all incoming volunteer guides as well as working knowledge of Spanish, first-aid, and guiding experience.  Learn more about Quetzaltrekkers>>

Volunteer in the Dominican Republic

All Nations International is looking for teachers, doctors, nurses, medical staff, event planners, or anyone who has the desire to help those in need. They are looking for volunteers to work in the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Contact Ronald Rogers at rrogers@allnationsintl.com for additional information. Learn more about our partnership with All Nations International>>

Partnership with All Nations International

Project Profile:

All Nations International was formed in 2003, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The organization has several projects in Latin America, Africa, and the United States. Our Mission is to promote, sponsor, and assist local individuals and organizations in developing and expanding programs that provide opportunities to enhance overall wellness, stability, and quality of life. We provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, education, and shelter; tools and support that enable those seeking a better life to escape poverty and abuse. We strive to increase public awareness on the nature of our mission.

Our current focus is the Dominican Republic. All Nations International is seeking donors and volunteers to participate in its Batey Community Development Project providing development support in publically owned bateyes. The purpose of this project is to increase the standard of living for residents in selected batey communities. This will be achieved through integrated development activities focused in the sectors of health and education while affording environmental protection, and leveraging additional support in other sectors such as economic growth and agriculture.
Website: www.allnationsintl.org
Blog: http://allnationsintl.com

Partnership History:

All Nations International has been an Omprakash partner since March 2009.

Need for Material Resources:

All Nations International is in the need of the following resources:
1. Children are unable to attend school without a school uniform. Provide school uniforms for 150 kids. The cost per child is $40 per year.
2. Pay school teachers working in batey schools. The salary for a teacher $200 mo. Pay the school rent, $200 mo. Sponsor snacks for students, $200 mo.
3. Sponsor the rent for the vocational school, $150 mo. Need $50 mo. for supplies
4. Family Sponsorship Program: To sponsor a family of any size is a financial commitment of $30.00 a month. We will choose the most basic needs for the family first. We will keep you informed if there is a need that requires a larger donation. This sponsorship is for one year. It is a pilot program to help set up a vocational school to train street kids in a trade. The goal is for them to be able to provide a better living for their family. If you would like to extend one year or cancel prior to a full year commitment, we can make adjustments. The participating families have a responsibility to the surrounding area of the central community. They will participate in cleaning, rebuilding, painting or anything they can do to better the community and the vocational school. Lack of participation must be for medical reasons; otherwise they could jeopardize their monthly sponsorship. This helps validate to the neighbors that they are “earning” the money, not just a handout.

Need for Volunteers:

Join our team! We have ongoing needs for volunteers with different backgrounds. The men and women who join All Nations International reflect the rich diversity of a global community in race, ethnic background, age, and religion. Our volunteers come from different personal backgrounds and unique perspectives, yet all are united by their common desire to help others. We have ongoing needs for teachers, doctors, nurses, medical staff, event planners, or anyone who has the desire to help those in need. We are looking for volunteers to work in the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Contact Ronald Rogers at rrogers@allnationsintl.com for additional information.

Partnership with iVolunteer

Project Profile

The National Council for Voluntarism in Israel (iVolunteer) is an umbrella organization advancing voluntarism as a professional field among the three major sectors in Israel– private, public and non-profit. iVolunteer was founded in 1972 as an external body of the government responsible for encouraging volunteering to reduce social gaps. iVolunteer began operating independently in 2001 and is currently Israel’s central body whose mission is to advance and professional voluntarism in Israel, recognizing voluntarism and civil society’s potential to positively impact social change and build communities in Israeli society. iVolunteer’s unique approach maintains the following goals:

• Develop and implement a national doctrine of voluntarism as a high priority and value in Israel
• Recruitment, placement and retention of volunteers on a national basis
• Initiate and operate national and international voluntary projects
• Serve as an informational resource center on voluntarism-related subjects
• Representation, recognition and awarding of volunteers and volunteer organizations in Israel
• Establish and advance cross-organizational and cross-sector coalitions
• Expand and strengthen voluntarism among diverse and new sectors in Israel

Learn more at http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/eng/>>

Partnership History

iVolunteer has been an Omprakash partner since March, 2009.  By profiling this organization on our website, we hope to help more potential donors and volunteers contribute to iVolunteer’s impressive work in Israel and beyond.

Major Programs

Online Resource Center for Voluntarism

The “Volunteering in Israel” portal (www.ivolunteer.org.il) is an essential tool that allows volunteers to access information about different volunteer organizations in Israel and abroad, the need/opportunities for volunteers, different types of volunteering, the volunteer code of ethics, forums, volunteer news, events, and volunteer honors and acknowledgements. The online Volunteer Match-Up program helps volunteers find placements in fields of their choice, matching their personal details with volunteer options they fit best. The portal also acts as a liaison between volunteer organizations where they can learn from their common experiences, coordinate their activities, discuss volunteering issues in forums, learn about different events, conferences, and courses available to them, and publicize their volunteer opportunities. The portal is updated on continuously in order to provide its readers with the most recent and relevant information available. The portal includes Hebrew, English, and Arabic pages, targeting different sectors in Israel and internationally.

Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program: Lending a Hand to Those in Need

After the Holocaust, all survivors were guaranteed certain rights and benefits by the Israeli government. Unfortunately, Israeli bureaucracy hinders the efficient, correct assignment of these benefits. iVolunteer initiated a project where it sent volunteers to meet with Holocaust survivors and help them fill out surveys on whether or not they received their full benefits. This project raised awareness of the issue and prompted decision-makers to enact measures ensuring Holocaust survivors receive the benefits and rights they are legally entitled to.

Public Defenders – Legal Aid for Underserved Sectors

iVolunteer trains volunteers as public defenders who file cases on behalf of people who are unable to afford legal counsel. Volunteer public defenders work in small claims courts to secure the democratic rights of weaker sectors in Israeli society. They are also placed in community centers, social service organizations, municipal welfare departments, municipal courts, and the Israel Consumer Council to provide information services to members of the general public.

Professionalizing Voluntarism through Capacity-Building and Support Services

• Capacity-building: iVolunteer operates training programs and workshops for volunteer organizations to increase professional, efficient operations. Courses led by experts in the field focus on non-profit management, media relations, financial management, fundraising, building effective websites, and using innovative technological tools to communicate messages to target groups, among many other subjects.
• Coalition-building: iVolunteer’s inter-organizational forum enables the organization to act as a coalition-builder, establish connections and build forums between organizations with similar goals, and encourage them to pool resources and carry out joint initiatives. Forums focus on specific issues such as environmentalism, welfare, and collaboration between different branches of government.
• Conferences, study days and trainings: iVolunteer collaborates with academic, municipal, and national institutions to carry out annual seminars and conferences targeting volunteers, directors of volunteers, and representatives of volunteer organizations to bring several hundred participants to each event. The events focus on different subjects and developments in the field of volunteering in Israel.

International Volunteer Ambassadors Promoting Voluntarism in Israel

iVolunteer sends youth volunteer representatives abroad to publicize volunteering in Israel, bring people to volunteer in Israel, and strengthen connections with international communities and voluntarism organizations. 15 volunteers have already been sent abroad. They represent Israel overseas and highlight non-profit activism and voluntarism in Israel, stimulating collaborative efforts and cooperative relationships between iVolunteer and international volunteer organizations.

Need for Material Resources

iVolunteer needs financial resources to support its programs.

Online Resource Center for Voluntarism

The total cost for this project for one year covers the online portal, programming, English and Arabic portals, technological maintenance, regular content updates, and staff, with a total of 105,000 USD.

Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program: Lending a Hand to Those in Need

The costs of one year of this project is 140,000 USD, which covers training courses for volunteers who meet with Holocaust survivors, identification and communication with Holocaust survivors, survey composition, evaluation of survey results, and printing and dissemination of outreach materials raising public awareness.

Public Defenders – Legal Aid for Underserved Sectors

The Legal Aid Training Course with 120 intensive hours of training for 35 participants costs 20,000 USD. In addition, volunteers complete two enrichment courses each year with 70 hours of study that cost 12,000 USD.

Professionalizing Voluntarism through Capacity-Building and Support Services

The cost of one year of enrichment training and activities, guidance for volunteer directors, forums and conferences, and volunteer services is 127,000 USD.

International Volunteer Ambassadors Promoting Voluntarism in Israel

The cost of one year of this project which sends 17 Israeli volunteers abroad is 7,000 USD. This covers communications with international organizations and volunteer centers, identification of potential partners, training and enrichment courses for Israeli volunteers before they travel overseas, program coordination with partner organizations, evaluation after volunteers return to Israel, and recruitment of overseas volunteers to come to Israel.

Need for Volunteers

Through its English volunteer portal and international outreach, iVolunteer actively encourages volunteers from other countries to volunteer in Israel with its own projects and those of other civil society organizations. The qualifications of volunteers needed would be determined by project needs on a case-by-case basis and iVolunteer welcomes all applications.

Other Information

News and updates about iVolunteer’s work can be viewed here:

English link

http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/Eng/Index.asp?CategoryID=95

Hebrew link

http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/Index.asp?CategoryID=702

Highlights of iVolunteer’s Programs: Sri Lanka Aid Initiative

After the tsunami of winter 2005 hit Southeast Asia, the region’s young people faced the task of rebuilding entire communities. Israel was one of the first nations to come to their aid and iVolunteer was among the many organizations that sent volunteers to the region as part of the IsraAid campaign, providing tools and enrichment strengthening youth efforts to redevelop their communities. iVolunteer’s volunteers helped establish reading clubs for children, study groups teaching reading and writing in regional languages as well as English, libraries providing students with secure places to study, mobile libraries reaching youth living in temporary camps, and reading groups for adults. This initiative was designed to promote reading, education, and academic study as tools for progress, especially important in rebuilding societies not built on literary tradition and ensuring their success in the modern world. Information about the initiative as well as photos are featured on iVolunteer’s website: http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/Index.asp?CategoryID=324

Partnership with Hamro Abhiyan

Project Profile:

Hamro Abhiyan is a non government organization led by female recovered drug addicts to promote drug addiction rehabilitation, education and women’s empowerment. Its primary focus is to reduce stigma and discrimination related with female drug addicts in society through conduction educational programs and community outreach. The center serves as  a drop in center for community members to learn about drug addiction and recovery. Hambro Abhiyan  also offers HIV/ AIDS outreach to community members. They offer programs, such as vocational trainings and opportunities for higher education, to recovered female drug users, in order to help them foster an independent and drug free lifestyle.

Mission Statement: To ensure a dignified and productive lifestyle for female drug users in society and offer a supportive environment where drug affected females can access their rights to equality without any fear of stigma and discrimination.

Hamro Abhiyan
Address: Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal; tel: 01-2290294
email: hamroabhiyan@gmail.com

Programs:

1. Promote and encourage the moment of female drug user’s seeking recovery in society.
2. Empower and enhance the skills and knowledge of the female drug user community through providing them with necessary training and health care.
3. Provide drop in centre facilities with a familiar and stigma free environment.
4. Provide outreach to addicted female drug users and maintain their confidentiality.
5. Provide them with needles and syringes to encourage safer practices while providing educational outreach about HIV/AIDS.

Partnership History

Hamro Abhiyan has been an Omprakash partner since 2009.  Hamro Abhiyan was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about Hamro Abhiyan.

Need for Volunteers:

Hamro Abhiyan is looking for volunteers interested in community health, drug addiction and recovery and HIV/AIDS awarness to assist their program at the center. Please contact Eliza at hamroabhiyan@gmail.com if interested.

Volunteer in Honduras

Las Sonrisas de los Ninos

Las Sonrisas is a youth center and day care in rural Honduras seeking volunteers to help with all of its activities.  Learn more>>

Partnership with Las Sonrisas de los Ninos

Project Profile

Las Sonrisas de los Niños is a small program near a poor village in rural Honduras, located about 25 kilometers outside of the city of La Ceiba.  Our goal is to provide the youth in our area opportunities beyond what they might normally experience.  This includes play and recreation, nutritional support, reading, arts and crafts, exposure and instruction in English, sports, music, and overall a chance for kids to act like kids.  We are somewhat a mix of a day care center and youth center, and the ages of the children that attend range from infancy to teens.  We first opened in May 2007.  Visit www.lasonrisa.info to learn more.

Contact: lassonrisasdelosninos@gmail.com

US Contact: Matthew McCallum; (412) 720-9519; mattjmccallum@gmail.com

Partnership History

Las Sonrisas has been an Omprakash Partner since March, 2009.

Need for Material Resources

1) We have been very fortunate to have volunteers and visitors bring us many material items, including clothing, toys, crafts materials, balls, board games, toothbrushes, and dolls. We have gradually received enough books in Spanish that we now have a good variety for story time (we also use kids books in English for story time), independent reading by the kids, and more recently a rudimentary lending library. Nevertheless, we are always trying to enhance our library and are continuously in the need for both children’s books and books targeted at teenagers (both fiction and non-fiction) in Spanish. We also would love to have sturdy and durable toy cars and trucks (metal or heavy plastic), mid-sized to large, which are not available for purchase and large quantities of effective but mild shampoo/lotion to treat lice (we discontinued using the locally available lotion because it was too harsh).

One of our mid-range plans is to establish a small carpentry school for the consistently idle adolescents (a significant cultural problem) so that we will eventually seek donations of both hand and powered woodworking tools.

Shipping items is a very difficult proposition for all the local projects. We have recently learned of a charity whose function is to ship at low cost items to Honduras and other countries, though we haven’t been in touch with them yet.

Need for Volunteers

A major goal since inception of Las Sonrisas de los Niños has been to encourage volunteerism, with a philosophy of making our project very accessible to volunteers. We have had great success in this regard, with volunteers spending as little as a day or two with us to as many as 4-5 months. Sometimes we are in communication with them months in advance and we’ve also had people simply show up. Our volunteers have come from the US, Canada, and many countries in Europe. There is no cost to volunteer with us, and we’ve had several repeat volunteers (one person has been with us 5 times). We initiated and developed a low cost ($25 a week for the first 4 weeks then $15 a week thereafter) hostel-type facility located a short walk from the project in a little colonia (neighborhood) where we rent our house. We are always interested in new volunteers and have found they bring enormous benefit to our kids and believe without exception they have very rewarding experiences.

Besides regular volunteers we are seeking a mature person or couple to act as an on-site manager, both in our absence and perhaps at times in our presence. Our pattern since we opened in May of 2007 is to operate the project for a period of time (typically 4 months or so) then shut it down while we return to the US to take care of our business here, rest, spend time with our family, etc. Ultimately we would like to be able to leave it open in the hands of a capable person or couple. The on-site manager(s) would serve as supervisors to our local employees and regular volunteers, do all the shopping for the project, plan and direct the program activities (this can be partly delegated to long-term regular volunteers), ensure the maintenance of the land and buildings (including the volunteer housing), act as the primary focal point for interactions with the community and, most importantly, ensure the safety of the kids. Qualifications include at least functional Spanish, abilities in basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and small engine repairs, simple accounting, driving a manual transmission vehicle, and of course the ability to interact positively and directly with children. We are looking for a commitment of a year and cannot promise at this point much beyond basic room and board.

Partnership with Quetzaltrekkers

Quetzaltrekkers is an all-volunteer run non-profit trekking organization offering exciting and challenging excursions in the highlands of Guatemala. Quetzaltrekkers was founded in 1995 as a self-sustainable, grassroots fund-raising organization for Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC), a school for street children in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. With the financial support provided by Quetzaltrekkers, the EDELAC program has been able to provide over 200 children with low-fee comprehensive education including reading, writing, mathematics, computer classes and art classes.  Additional funding provided by Quetzaltrekkers has allowed for the creation of a free dormitory offering a safe and abuse-free environment for Quetzaltenango’s children in need.

Quetzaltrekkers is always looking for  new volunteers in order to help continue its mission. A three-month minimum commitment is required of all incoming volunteer guides as well as working knowledge of Spanish, first-aid, and guiding experience. For more information on Quetzaltrekkers mission, available treks, and volunteer programs please visit www.quetzaltrekkers.com.

Primary Contact:  Charles Thomas Krause at kindctk@hotmail.com.

American contact: Christina Neel at christina@pbase.com

Download a specific funding request from Quetzaltrekkers>>

Partnership with SOTENI

A group of American and African volunteers created SOTENI International, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in 2002. Passionately committed to preventing HIV/AIDS and to reducing its effects, they decided to put public-health theory into practice in Kenya, which has been ravaged by the epidemic. Their mission: to prevent another generation from succumbing by empowering orphans of AIDS to lead the fight against AIDS. SOTENI is an acronym for Sustainability, Opportunity, Training, Epidemiology, Networking and Interdependence. Our website is www.soteni.org.

SOTENI Kenya (a registered NGO) was formed in 2003. The group developed the model of “Villages of Hope,” whose goal is to establish a sustainable, grass-roots community led by a locally elected management committee that supports orphans and other children affected by HIV/AIDS, especially those heading families. Each village selects the programming most important for that community: a health center in Mbakalo, a school in Mituntu, a day care/feeding center in Ugenya, and farming in Kuria, as well as sponsorship of orphans and other vital programs. SOTENI continues to work on:

·    Bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots, particularly through sustainable, data-driven programs, training, networking, and interdependence.

·    Acquiring diverse sources of funding as well as technical and other support that helps us sustain and expand our successes. Our major funders have ranged from individuals in the United States to the U.S. Agency for International Development, Kenya’s National AIDS Control Council, the World Bank, the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, World Vision, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

·    Strengthening the fight against HIV/AIDS by sharing lessons, resources and inspiration, and by mobilizing the caring power of individuals, groups, communities, and governments. More than 20 volunteers from five continents have learned from and advised Kenyans at our four Villages of Hope.

·    To create a flexible, effective model for the empowerment of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) so they and their communities can lead in the fight against AIDS. SOTENI operates four rural Villages of Hope that help educate orphans and other vulnerable children.  In the Villages, grassroots management, training, and income-generation provide the foundation for autonomy as well as resources for supporting OVC and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Need for Material Resources

There are a variety of ways—both big and small—that you can contribute to SOTENI.

In SOTENI Village of Hope-Mituntu, an Academic Center of Excellence is under construction. This school will benefit OVC (orphans and other vulnerable children) who cannot afford to go to high school. Classrooms, an office, and a power house have been constructed. Money is needed to build the dormitory and latrine, as well as to finish the well so farming can begin.

In SOTENI Village of Hope-Mbakalo, SOTENI’s rural Dispensary health center needs to move out of its current building within the year. A new building must be constructed to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to members of the community, who have come to rely on SOTENI’s delivery of services.

In SOTENI Village of Hope-Ugenya, the community has identified a day care/feeding center as a major need. SOTENI currently has land where bananas are being farmed. A caretaker is needed to care for the bananas as well.

In SOTENI Village of Hope-Kuria—SOTENI’s youngest Village of Hope—plans are being developed for a demonstration farm and a community center to educate members of the community.  Funding is needed to take these plans to the next step.

In Villages of Hope Mituntu and Mbakalo, the very successful AIDS Barefoot Doctors need funding for the upcoming year of service. Combining the Chinese tradition of the barefoot doctor with the Kenyan idea of “harambee” (communal effort), ABDs act as community doctors, performing home based care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. These communities have come to depend on the ABDs and we hope to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services in 2009. Villages of Hope Ugenya and Kuria are eager to begin their own ABD programs as soon as funding is available.

Material items are always needed, including but not limited to: laptop computers, medical supplies, vitamins, aspirin, and skymiles.

An $18,000 donation would allow SOTENI to ship a 40’ container to Kenya filled with school supplies, furniture, hospital and medical supplies, books, clothing and other items valued at about $200,000.

A $2000 donation would allow SOTENI to buy a motorbike for a Program Coordinator in one village. A motorbike vastly improves the quality of care provided to sponsored children as well as quickening project progress.

A $225 donation will purchase a digital camera for one of SOTENI’s Sponsorship Facilitators, providing more frequent and comprehensive information about status of sponsored children.

A $600 donation provides comprehensive sponsorship of one orphan or vulnerable child for a year.

A $75,000 donation will allow SOTENI to complete construction of a new Dispensary health center and provide uninterrupted coverage to the residents of the community.

A $130 donation buys a wireless modem for fast, reliable communication in areas with no internet access and airtime for one year.

SOTENI welcomes a variety of additional donations. Please feel free to contact Randie at randie@soteni.org with information on your items and ideas for possible donation drives.

Need for Volunteers

SOTENI has a number of volunteer opportunities available:

Our Professional Volunteer Program is designed for health-related specialists or professionals such as teachers, engineers, architects and accountants who can address conditions in developing countries. SOTENI will work with professionals to best utilize your abilities in our Villages of Hope.

If you are a professional and would like to volunteer here in the U.S., contact us to explore the best ways to use your skills and time. If you are a professional and would like to volunteer in Kenya, we’d like to know more about you so we can try to match your interests and skills to our needs.

SOTENI Internships are available at our U.S. office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Interns will work closely with the Director and assist with office work and organizational development. Scheduling is flexible.

The SOTENI Bridge Program is designed to train volunteers to work in rural and urban settings in Kenya, where they will learn to provide essential HIV/AIDS prevention services, especially to AIDS orphans. The interns also learn about the rich cultures of Kenya while sharing their own gifts, experiences and insights. SOTENI’s goal is to enable interns to be AIDS-prevention advocates in both Kenya and their home countries. Above all, the program demonstrates the principle of Interdependence. Interns work side-by-side with Kenyans to achieve the goals set by the four Villages of Hope, and have previously stayed for between one and seven months.

The first step in securing an internship is to submit a resume (curriculum vitae). Also, to help us get to know you better, please respond to the statements below. We are open to ideas from you about how to best use your skills, energy and resources!

Please complete the following statements.

1.  I want to work with SOTENI because:

2.  I would like to spend my hours doing:

3.  This experience would help/transform me because:

4.  I bring these qualities/experience to the position:

5.  My availability for volunteer work with SOTENI is:
(Please indicate period you are available, how long you are interested in volunteering/interning, and indicate if you are interested in working in Kenya or the United States.)

A $25 non-refundable application fee must accompany the answers to the above questions and your CV. Please mail to: SOTENI International, 2366 Kemper Lane, Cincinnati, OH  45206

Please include contact information with your response. SOTENI will confirm by e-mail receipt of your application. An interview by phone or face-to-face may be requested. SOTENI, a small non-profit organization, is not able to offer paid internships in most cases. To intern abroad you must be at least 18 years of age.

Requirements

·   Enthusiasm

·   Commitment

·   Responsibility

·   Flexibility

·   Kindness

Major Steps in Process

·   Prospective intern submits application letter with resume to SI with non-refundable application fee

·   SI reviews application answers and resume

·   SI interviews applicant by phone or face-to-face

After acceptance:

·   SI finalizes dates and cost of internship

·   Applicant returns signed of Letter of Agreement and deposit

·   SI orients intern in Cincinnati

·   Intern departs for Kenya

Expectations for Interns Working in Kenya

·   Undergo orientation at SI Headquarters. During this period, the intern will learn more about SOTENI history, strengths and limitations

·   Take one large box of donations to Kenya

·   Learn the basics of AIDS prevention strategies

·   Learn essential skills for functioning in Kenya villages

·   Report to SOTENI Kenya staff on the progress of their projects and work while in Kenya

·   Write and submit a detailed report, toward the end of experience, to SOTENI International and SOTENI Kenya on projects and work, outcomes and experience

·   Complete and return an evaluation form on the internship program

·   Participate in debriefing in Cincinnati

·   Be an ambassador for SOTENI organization and mission, as personal time allows

Fees

SOTENI is unable to offer paid Internships in most cases. Fees are based on your length of stay. Please note these fee examples are approximations and actual figures will vary due to exchange rates and cost fluctuations:

·   3-week internship — $1350

·   6-week internship — $1850

·   3-month internship — $3100

Responsibilities of Intern

·   Fees – the total covers international airfare, SOTENI administration, training, supervision, housing and food

·   Letter of Agreement (submitted with deposit)

·   Transportation to and from Cincinnati

·   Necessary immunizations

·   Visa

·   Insurance (as intern decides may be necessary above provided insurance)

·   Personal items — toiletries, bottled water, souvenirs, entertainment

·   Personal communication by telephone, e-mail, post, etc.

Responsibilities of SOTENI International

·   Orientation and training vis-à-vis international development, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, community mobilization, epidemiology, cross-cultural experience, and other pertinent areas

·   Housing and food while in Cincinnati for orientation and debriefing

·   Travel arrangements to Kenya and travel insurance

·   Overall supervision of all activities related to internship

Responsibilities of SOTENI Kenya

·   Room, board, and hospitality during work in Kenya

·   Orientation and training of vis-à-vis Kenyan history, culture, politics and anthropology; local HIV/AIDS epidemiology; safety and other pertinent areas

·   Supervision of all activities related to work while in Kenya

·   All work-related transportation

Please contact Randie for more information at randie@soteni.org, or check out our website at www.soteni.org.

Partnership with Prisoners’ Assistance Nepal

Projects: PA Nepal provides a home for children who would otherwise be in jail with a convicted parent.  We have two children’s homes, one in Kathmandu, and one in a village 20 km away called Sankhu.  There are currently 30 children living in the home in Kathmandu, and 65 living in Sankhu.  With GEN (Girls Education Nepal), we are supporting an additional 50 girls and their families in Eastern Nepal.  PA Nepal has developed its own school, called Junkiri – an alternative mainstream approach to education that aims to bring out the unique potential in children and that is compatible for a village Nepali environment.  We run Junkiri schools in each of our children’s homes, and have a third in Eastern Nepal.  We have also recently opened a day care centre in Biratnagar for children who are still living in prison with their mothers, and are too young to be separated.  PA Nepal is active in its support for the children who remain in jail and for the prisoners, particularly the prisoners in the female central jail. We are currently running skills training and income generating activities in the female jail. We are also running a project that is looking at the needs of the mentally ill in prison.

Contact: Indira Ranamagar- p_a_nepal@yahoo.com; PCN 363, PO Box 8974, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone (office): 436-4896
Phone (mobile): 985-1040-833
http://www.thequietrevolution.net/panepal/history.htm

How to Volunteer: If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, please contact PA Nepal through any of the addresses listed above.  Applications will then be considered by Indira. Successful applicants will need to be willing to undergo some training and supervision whilst at the home. Please contact Indira at p_a_nepal@yahoo.com.

Partnership with Shakti Samuha

Project Profile: Shakti Samuha has been working in Nepal since 1996 and is focused on the issues of sex trafficking, dignity, equity, and empowerment women who have survived trafficking. Equal opportunity and empowerment through education and training are its main platforms. Its mission statement is to establish a progressive society, devoid of trafficking and other violence against women. Its objectives are to work for the rights of trafficking survivors, to deliver services to the survivors and their families, and to generate community awareness in favor of the survivors’ rights to live in society with dignity and respect.

Contact: Shakti Samuha P.O. Box 19488 Gaurighat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4494815
e-mail: shakti@sumuha.wlink.com.np
website: www.shaktisamuha.org

Partnership History: Shakti Samuha has been an Omprakash partner since February, 2009.  Shakti Samuha was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about this organization.

Programs:
Awareness Program
-       Organize and mobilize  adolescent girls
-       Oriented interaction program in slum areas, carpet factories and schools
-       Training programs in related fields
Empowered to Survived Trafficking and Children
-       Capability development program
-       Leadership training
-       Emergency help ( food, health transportation) for the victims
-       Legal advise
-       Reference for rehabilitation centers
Lobby/ Advocacy
-       Video exhibition in anti- trafficking
-       Street drama exhibition
-       Publication of booklet related to rehabilitation
-       Home visits/ Survey

Needs: Shakti Samuha is looking for hard working and open-minded volunteers to assist with the running of their various programs. Volunteers with an interest in human and women’s rights are preferred. Volunteers will work with the staff of Shakti Samuha to assess how their strengths and previous experience could best benefit the progress of Shakti Samuha. If interested please contact shakti@samuha.wlink.com.np. The volunteer program has no fee; however, housing and meals are not provided.

Partnership with Raksha

Project Profile: Raksha Nepal (www.rakshanepal.org.np) is a NGO that serves to re-habilitate women of the sex trade, empowering them through education, therapy and skill training.  When women first come to Raksha, they are aided with shelter, food and  necessary health care. Raksha then provides a series of vocational training programs (driving, cell phone repair, beautician skills, hair cutting, knitting ) so the women can support themselves through various means of employment. This NGO is small and warm, creating a supportive and family like environment for these women in recovery. They also put on screenings of documentaries involving human trafficking and the sex trade around Kathmandu to create awareness within the community about this pressing issue.

Partnership History: Raksha has been an Omprakash partner since 2009.  Raksha was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about Raksha.

Needs: Raksha is constantly looking for support to continue their vocational skill training courses for their clients. Furthermore, educational materials, such as books and paper are always welcome.

Volunteer Program: The three women running Raksha Nepal are excited at the possibility of opening their home to volunteers who may be interested in working with Raksha. Raksha is seeking volunteers with computer, networking, and grant-writing skills.  For a small housing stipend ( for food and water) volunteers could live in the office flat and be fully immersed in the day top day happenings at the main Raksha office (meetings, group sessions, vocational trainings, organizing events, etc).  Please contact Raksha for more information.

Partnership with Just-One

Project Profile: Just-One (www.just-one.org) has been working at the grass-roots level since 2004.  Just-One provides improved access to educational opportunities for disadvantaged children who are otherwise denied such benefits. The three main programs Just One facilitates are counseling and rehabilitation for former street children, educational assistance through the forms of scholarships and school placement, and family support and empowerment. Furthermore, Just-One’s school assistance initiative is being developed along a similar theme of empowerment and sustainability.  Through this particular work, Just-One seeks to improve the overall quality of education offered by the schools they work with, rather than merely providing scholarships for the individual children receiving our direct support. By providing assistance in areas such as teacher training and the provision of basic resources and infrastructure, their presence is felt throughout the whole school community and provides benefit to all children in attendance.

Partnership History: Just-One has been an Omprakash partner since February, 2009.  Just-One was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about Just-One.

Needs: Choosing to donate financially to the work of Just-One is certainly one of the easiest ways of helping us to make a difference, but it’s not the only way. The staff of Just-One aims to further develop relationships between people interested in getting involved with their work. Current opportunities for volunteering are somewhat limited but do exist - especially in areas that would directly benefit Just-One’s on-going capacity building and staff training efforts. Teacher training, counselling and therapy, organizational development, administrative support and IT systems are just a few of the specific areas which the dedicated team of local staff working with Just-One are always enthusiastic to learn more about. Any experienced professional who feels his or her specific skill set could be of benefit to Just-One’s continuing efforts is kindly invited to email the founding director, Declan Murphy, at dmurphy*at*just-one*dot*org with a brief proposal detailing the specific skills on offer and how these could be successfully shared with the Just-One team.

Partnership with Nabhadeepti School

Bhatbatenni, Kathmandu

Contact: Setting up contact for this specific organization is complicated because they do not have an website or a e-mail address, however we are working on this to establish something. This is a great organization.  If anyone is interested their primary contact person is Daniel Coyle, a Fulbright fellow in Nepal who will be working at the school until July, 2009. Contact him at coyledaniel@gmail.com

Project Profile: The Nabhadeepti School ( Hem’s Tennis Academy) is a non- government school serving 150 orphan children currently living at the Nepal Childrens Organization home in Naxal. They come each day from 9-30 am to 4 pm for school. The schools founder, Hem, is a renowned Tennis player in Nepal, who uses his Tennis Academy businesses to fund this tuition- free school.  His house, the Tennis Academy and the school are all on the same premise, located in Bhatbatenni, central Kathmandu. The children who attend the school are also taught tennis as a way to promote self-discipline and sportsmanship. The school is small and family- run, providing a wonderful atmosphere for the children.

Needs: The Nabhadeepti School is looking for basic donations such as educational supplies, computers, and books.

Volunteer Needs: Hem and his family love to have volunteers, local and foreign, who come to teach and spend time with the children at the school. They are looking for committed people who are wiling and flexible. Volunteers can arrange a program with Hem about what educational or other programs/ classes they wish to implement.

Volunteer Specifics: There is no fee to volunteer at the Nabhadeepti School. In return for your teaching, Hem and his family will provide you with lunch and snacks every day. The location of Nabhadeepti School is central and a twenty-five minute walk from areas with lots of guesthouses. Hem and his family are also willing to help arrange local home-stays for their volunteers.

Partnership with Bal Mandir Kindergarten

Project Profile: Bal Mandir Kindergarten is the kindergarten school on site of the major office and group home of the Nepal Children’s Organization. The school serves as the kindergarten classroom for the orphans living at this group home. Bal Mandir, the largest and oldest national children’s organization in Nepal was founded in the 1950s and was initially heavily supported by the royal family. In subsequent years, Bal Mandir developed an extensive base with projects at nearly 100 locations throughout Nepal. Bal Mandir headquarters are at an ancient palace building in Kathmandu. The building now houses an orphanage for 250 children and an early childhood center and Kindergarten, as well as the national offices of the organization. Bal Mandir has been at the forefront of efforts to integrate the latest successes from around the world into their culturally appropriate practices on behalf of children. Their early childhood program reflects the latest thinking in children’s growth and development and incorporates highly effective practices that best serve the orphaned and displaced children cared for in the program.

Bal Mandir, Naxal, P.O. Box 6976 Kathmandu, Nepal; Tel: 977-1-4411202

Major Contacts: Kiran Shrestha: kiran_me98@hotmail.com; Bal Krishna Dangok (Deputy Director): balkrishadangol@gmail.com; Asha Shrestha (Sponsorship and Planning Section): shrestha_asha2000@yahoo.com

Website: www.nconepal.org

Partnership History: Bal Mandir has been an Omprakash partner since 2009.  Bal Mandir was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about Bal Mandir.

Needs: The Bal Mandir Kindergarten is in need of basic education supplies, books and medicines for their children. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.

Specific requests:
Bandaids
Glycerin
Anti- bacterial soaps
Lice treatment kits
Cotton swabs
Pencils
Erasers
English books
Crayons

Volunteer Needs: The Bal Mandir Kindergarten in looking for volunteers to commit to a period of time when they will be teaching and working closely with the children. They are looking for volunteers with a specific interest in education and child development, as some of the children are emotionally disturbed or disabled. Experience in a teaching or education setting and in working closely with children is preferred. The process of becoming a volunteer at the Bal Mandir kindergarten is the same as its mother organization, the Nepal Childrens Organization. To register as a volunteer for NCO there is a $25 program fee. Furthermore, members of the NCO staff are willing to help volunteers find local Nepal host families if that is what they desire. The cost of this is small, around $50 per week, and includes meals. Another option for volunteers coming to Nepal is to stay in a guesthouse, most commonly in Thamel, a fifteen-minute walk from NCO and Bal Mandir Kindergarten. Here, you can find housing ranging from $1-5 daily depending on your preference and length of stay. The Kathmandu Guest House and the Excelsior Guest House offer cheap and clean rooms rented out by the week or month. Another option is to rent a room in a house upon arrival.

Partnership with Nepal Children’s Organization

Project Profile: NCO (www.nconepal.org) is a national organization committed to improving the lives of children throughout Nepal, enabling them to survive and succeed. It was established in 1964 as an autonomous non-government organization. It has the most extensive programs for childcare and development with extensive geographical coverage in the Himalayan Kingdom. NCO focuses on child care and education for orphaned, abandoned and conflict affected children; rehabilitation of dependent children of prisoners; promotion of children’s rights; national and international adoption of children; educational support to children from low income families; and strengthening the capacity of its nationwide network.

Bal Mandir, Naxal, P.O. Box 6976 Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4411202

Major contacts: Kiran Shrestha- kiran_me98@hotmail.com; Bal Krishna Dangok (Deputy Director)- balkrishadangol@gmail.com; Asha Shrestha (Sponsorship and Planning Section)- shrestha_asha2000@yahoo.com

Website: www.nconepal.org

Partnership History: NCO has been an Omprakash partner since February, 2009.  NCO was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about NCO.

Programs:

-Establishing and improving children’s programs throughout the country in all the 75 districts through District Branches

-Operating childcare centers for the orphaned, abandoned, conflict affected and dependent children of prisoners

-Providing quality child care at the child care centers and guidance to the families by conducting early child care, kindergarten and toddler’s educational programs

-Assisting orphaned and abandoned children to become competent and productive members of society

-Training teachers, care mothers and professionals on best practices for working with children

-Providing health services, educational support and distribution of nutritional food items to children and low-income families

-Conducting child rights advocacy programs through training and education

- Implementing activities to promote the participation of children in creative and developmental activities

Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide a thorough foundation for a secured and dignified future of orphaned, abandoned, conflict affected and dependent children of prisoners by collaborating with individuals and organizations throughout the world to strengthen the nationwide network and augment the capacity to provide them the best available care and support.

Needs: NCO is looking for support on a variety of levels. One need is for basic materials for the children (clothing, basic health care supplies, books and toys for the children). NCO is also in need of a more developed and funded nutrition program. They are also looking for sponsors for their educational sponsorship program- more information on this on their website ( there are 4 different levels of sponsorship). Donations of supplies of funds for the educational sponsorship program are greatly appreciated (and needed) at any level.

Need for Volunteers: NCO is looking for volunteers for a variety or programs and levels. They want to work with volunteers to help develop programs which fit the interests of the volunteers and the needs of the children. As a volunteer, you have many options. You could work with the administration to create a specific project (a nutrition project, a book drive, etc). Volunteers are also greatly needed at the group home located on site which houses 200 children. Volunteers are needed to spend time with the children doing basic things (like caring for infants, and helping to keep the children feed, bathed and clothed).  You could also choose to teach in either the Bal Mandir Kindergarten or the government school that is on site. NCO is greatly in need of positive, flexible people willing to do anything to make the lives of these children a little better.

Volunteering Specifics: To register as a volunteer for NCO there is a $25 program fee. Furthermore, members of the NCO staff are willing to help volunteers find local Nepal host families if that is what they desire. The cost of this is small, around $50 per week, and includes meals. Another option for volunteers coming to Nepal is to stay in a guesthouse, most commonly in Thamel, a fifteen-minute walk from NCO and Bal Mandir Kindergarten. Here you can find housing ranging from $1-5 per day, depending on your preference and length of stay. The Kathmandu Guest House and the Excelsior Guest House offer cheap and clean rooms rented out by the week or month. Another option is to rent a room in a house upon arrival.

Partnership with Borderless World Foundation

“for one great human family…”

Project Profile

The Primary aim of BWF (www.bwfindia.org.in) is to implement developmental projects in geographically remote and disadvantaged areas. At present, BWF has launched its rehabilitation work in the valley of Kashmir and intends the same to the whole of the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the near future.

Basera- e- Tabussum: An Abode of Smiles (BeT), the first of its kind in the state of J&K and started by a Pune based NGO, provides long-term residential care to children throughout the state. Ranging in age from infants to teens, these children have borne a great deal of hurt and face many challenges in their recovery. Though the victims in their situations, they are the ones who must leave familiar surroundings and make a life among strangers.  Today BeT is a home to 100 girls from the age group of 2-18 years.

It is the intention of BWF for each girl to be afforded a main stream education in the public school system whenever possible. When such participation is not possible or feasible due to either academic problems or behavioral difficulties, the girl is then educated in BWF (BeT) on grounds school program. Many of our students have had fragmented education and have been out of the education system for long periods of time. BWF’s emphasis is on providing a safe and nurturing environment that will encourage and support the students to re-engage in the process of learning.

Some of the activities that BeT carries out are as follows

1. Teaching skills. Girls are taught positive social skills within the program through the use of a cognitive behavioral approach that rewards positive behavior, imposes consequences for negative behavior, and teaches alternatives to negative behavior.

2. Building healthy relationships. Staff interact with the girls with warmth, compassion, and genuine positive regard to develop relationships that are non-exploitive and that preserve personal dignity and a healthy sense of interpersonal boundaries..

3. Supporting moral and spiritual development. Staff foster spiritual growth to help girls grapple with the moral decisions they must make every day regarding friendships, families, sex, and their own self-worth.

4. Creating a family-style environment. A positive and healthy family unit is emphasized because families are an important part of a child’s composition and are considered critical to treatment success.

5. Promoting self-government and self-determination. Girls are empowered to make responsible and meaningful decisions about their lives, with the guidance and teaching of well-trained and caring staff.

In addition to making the environment like a family, BeT organizes the entire ecology of the child through positive peer, school, and neighborhood support systems. This approach helps support and reinforces the child’s positive behaviors, lessens factors that put children at risk, and increases the factors in their life that will protect them.

Partnership History

BWF has been an Omprakash partner since January, 2009.  During our Book Distribution Project of summer 2008, BWF received seven boxes of books.

Need for Volunteers

BWF needs volunteers to devote their time, knowledge, expertise, and dedication to the children of Basera- e Tabussum and with the organization.  BWF especially needs volunteers who can work as a tutor, computer trainer, counsellor, social worker, vocational trainer, or medical informer. Volunteers should contact Mr. Mohan Audhi (audhi@vsnl.com) & Mr. Adhik Kadam (bwfindia@gmail.com).  Other contact information:

Borderless World Foundation, Block F, Nikhil Pride Phase II, Next to Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalay, Tilak Road, Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030
Phone No- +91-20-24464404 Tele Fax- +91-20-24464403.
Cell No- 9422323569,9823023660
Website- www.bwfindia.org.in

1. The Project Basera- e – Tabussum is growing day by day. The helpless are approaching BeT on daily bases however due to space crunch the staff are unable to help and with heavy hearts have to put down their requests. Today , BeT needs monetary support inorder to construct its own building.  Every year Bet has to shift to a different home as the project is being carried out in rented buildings.  This causes a great amount stress both for the children and especially for the staff because many factors have to be kept in mind before they look for a new house and environment as the home deals with girl child e.g safety and security, its location, distance from the school and the town etc.

2. The number of resident girls in Bet is growing very fast. The organization is largely dependent on its present donors for the overall care and development of these children. We need to increase the list of our donors and sponsors who can support a child and her education till she completes her graduation.

3. Donations in kind are always welcomed.

4. We welcome suggestions and expertise of people for our existing projects and our upcoming projects.

Future Plans

· Invitation for participation in different workshops: Developmental Workshops organized by different organizations and institutions both for the children and staff. Today, the children and staff need to come at par with the outside participation is such programs will help widen their thought process and strengthen their skills and abilities.

· Health Care

· Education

· Rural Development

· Rehabilitation of Orphans & Widows

· Senior Citizens

· Migrants & Refugees

· Economic Development

· Environment

Actions

· Rehabilitation of girl -orphans by providing a Home

· Empowerment of widows

· Distribution of free Medicines

· Relief aid to migrants and refugees

· Efforts directed towards making a provision of market outlet for Kashmiri Handicraft goods

· Providing necessary equipment & technical know-how for sports activities

Upcoming Project- Vocational Education

Project Description

The project will provide a package of informal, need-based education, training in vocational skills for girl children from minority muslim community who do not have access to school or have dropped out of school. The project will works with girl between the age group of 10-18 years.

1. The language of learning will be Urdu.

2. A facilitating and need based curriculum has been evolved by experts after extensive consultations..

3. The center will provide a creative, enabling environment, thus enhancing the confidence and self-esteem of girls.

4. Basic life skills training will help them to identify their problems and find solutions to those problems. Some of the older girls will also be offered vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, beauty care, mehendi designing etc.

Objectives of the upcoming Vocational project would be

· To develop community acceptable methods to provide educational interventions to girl children.

· To enhance self esteem, self reliance and leadership qualities in girls by exposing them to a wider world view.

· To motivate the community towards education both by creating awareness about the importance of education as well as by involving the community in the implementation of the program

Health Project

· Emergency Ambulance service here in Kashmir

· Regular Community health check up camps

· Coordination of Care: assisting families with services needed in the community or state

· Monetary aid to families that have Aid patients

Volunteer in Costa Rica

La Escuelita de Esperanza is an after-school arts and literacy program serving needy children in San Jose, Costa Rica.  La Escuelita is always in need of volunteers.  Learn more>>

Partnership with La Escuelita de Esperanza

Project Profile-

La Escuelita de Esperanza, founded in June of 2005, is an after-school arts and literacy program serving children in the impoverished community of Proyecto Cristal in San José, Costa Rica. Proyecto Cristal, a former squatters’ settlement located along the train tracks, is made up mostly of Nicaraguan immigrants. Children there go to school for only about three hours per day, and their parents generally work long hours for little pay, which means that there is often no one to offer supervision and help with homework when children arrive home from school. Generally speaking, most people in Proyecto Cristal do not graduate from high school, and many have not completed education past the third grade.

The Escuelita seeks to offer a safe space for children to play, learn, and get help and support with their homework. In addition, the Escuelita offers the only library in the area. The Escuelita offers two sessions per weekday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and serves about 120 children per week. Two women from Proyecto Cristal run the program, and the Escuelita also gratefully accepts both long-term and short-term volunteer help from abroad. To read more, go to http://laescuelitadeesperanza.googlepages.com

Partnership History

La Escuelita has been an Omprakash Partner since January, 2009.

Need for Material Resources-

La Escuelita de Esperanza can always use Spanish-language books, particularly picture books, as well as art supplies. Spanish-language picture books are not generally available in Costa Rica, and can be mailed relatively cheaply via media mail from the U.S. Please contact laescuelitadeesperanza@gmail.com for more information about sending in-kind gifts. However, it is possible to buy most things in Costa Rica, and the Escuelita is in need of funding in order to continue functioning and to complete some of its long-term goals.

Currently, it costs $700 for one month of programming at the Escuelita. Rent and utilities are $200, and the director, who is from Proyecto Cristal, receives a small stipend of $300; her assistant receives a stipend of $200. Volunteers from abroad are asked to raise their own funding.

La Escuelita de Esperanza currently operates out of a small rented house, and is in great need of a permanent facility. Such a facility would cost about $25,000 to build (a plot of land costs about $10,000), and would allow the Escuelita to realize some of its other long-term goals, such as a permanent program for adolescents, a lunch program, and a computer lab.

Need for Volunteers-

La Escuelita de Esperanza is always happy to receive volunteer help both from within Costa Rica and abroad. Competency in the Spanish language is extremely helpful, as most people in the community speak perhaps only a few words of English. If you have a bit of competency in Spanish and are looking to solidify your language skills while working with kids, this is a great place for you. Teachers are especially needed, particularly those with a background in English as a Second Language, art, and music education. However, such special skills are not necessary; if you enjoy working with children, you will be very much appreciated!

Both short-term and long-term volunteers are accepted. If space is available, the Escuelita does have one bed at the moment for volunteers. If space is not available, arrangement of a home stay in the community is possible, and there is a cheap, nice hostel a short, 40-cent bus ride away from the Escuelita.

Because Proyecto Cristal is located in a rugged, unpaved community on the side of a mountain, it is necessary for volunteers to be in good health and able to walk relatively long distances.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email laescuelitadeesperanza@gmail.com

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Partnership with Machik

Project Profile:

Machik, registered in 2001, is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities on the Tibetan plateau by seeking to develop new opportunities for education, capacity-building, and innovation in an area comprised of largely subsistence-farming and nomadic families. Machik strives for innovative and solutions-oriented approaches to the challenges of community revitalization and sustainability and is committed to micro-level, grassroots work. Our goal is to establish a portal for developing new partnerships and synergies that can help create alternative pathways toward a strong, healthy, and more sustainable future on the Tibetan plateau. Our projects are centered around rural education, environmental conservation, social entrepreneurs, and women’s empowerment, all with an ultimate goal of strengthening Tibetan communities within Tibet. To read more about our history and mission, please visit us at www.machik.org.

Need for Material Resources:

Machik is always in need of both material and financial donations. Two major programs currently in need of funding are the Chungba Middle School Capital Campaign and the Machik College Fund. Chungba, located in the heart of the Kham region in Sichuan province, is a mountainous area on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. Machik opened the Chungba Primary School (CPS) in August of 2002 and a new Chungba Middle School (CMS) in August of 2008, but funding is still desperately needed.

We are also in urgent need of donations to create a well-stocked library and a computer lab for the Chungba campus. $100 will buy nearly 60 books for the campus libraries. $650 will buy one desktop computer for the CMS Digital Media Lab. $200 will support one CPS student for one year. $250 will support one CMS student for one year. $4000 will pay for a student to rarn a four-year Bachelor’s degree. Donations can also be used toward the funding of solar water heaters, solar cookers, a new CMS greenhouse, a Tibetan Women Writers Conference, and much more.

Donations can be made online by clicking here. You can also send a check to the Machik DC office at:

Machik, 308 D Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 USA

Need for Volunteers:

Machik began as an all-volunteer organization. Dedicated volunteers from the US, Canada, and abroad (including volunteers from Tibet) have helped build this work over many years by volunteering in Washington DC. Our growing network of volunteers plays a vital role in public outreach and fundraising efforts and we are always excited to get more individuals involved.

Machik would be deeply appreciative of any and all volunteers or potential interns interested in offering their help. Experience in areas such as international education, community development, media and technology, conservation, fundraising, communications, and public health would be especially welcome. We also welcome support in areas such as marketing, graphic design, and web development.

Machik also runs a Summer Learning Program at its Primary and Middle Schools in Chungba. We often recruit international volunteers for this program; however, these volunteers will need to contact us directly to learn of the qualifications for different positions.  Volunteers will live on the Chungba campus and become closely involved with the daily lives of the Chungba students. This is primarily a service position but one that also offers an excellent learning opportunity for the volunteers in a part of the world that is not easy to access in this way!

To learn more about volunteering with Machik, please email us at info@machik.org.

Resources for Volunteers

This page contains information that might be useful to potential volunteers as they plan trip logistics.  We encourage you to contact us if you know of more information that we should add to this page.  Also please explore our area-specific Reading List>>

Before You Go

You should probably be able to answer the questions listed below before embarking on your trip: 

What are my goals for embarking on the experience?  What are my expectations and assumptions?

What sort of support will I have on site?  What sort of safety and emergency support can I expect?

How do I obtain a passport and/or visa?

What special documents do I need to enter the country even if I will be there only for a short time?

What sort of medical facilities are available to me abroad and do I have insurance to cover me while I am abroad?

What are the health and safety issues I will be facing abroad?

How will I access funds abroad?  Do I have a back-up plan if my wallet/purse gets lost or stolen?

How will I stay in touch with family and friends and how will they stay in touch with me?

What are the cultural issues I will be facing?  Will I need to alter my dress or behavior?

What will the weather be like?  How do I pack accordingly?

Is there a departure tax for this country?

Flights/Travel Assistance

International Student Travel Confederation.  

http://www.istc.org

STA Travel.  

http://www.statravel.com/

Travelocity.  

http://http://www.travelocity.com

Travelzoo.  

http://www.travelzoo.com

Kayak.  http://www.kayak.com

Travel Cuts.  http://www.travelcuts.com

Orbitz.  http://www.orbitz.com

Courier Flights:  Google “Courier Flights” for more information 

Health Insurance

iNext Travel Card.  Full coverage insurance offered by CIEE at a Basic or Premium level.http://www.inext.com/inextweb/guestpages/

More Information

(From The Sojourn Abroad Guide, Brown University)

Working Abroad.  International jobs, internship programs, and au pair placements, teaching English opportunities. http://www.workingabroad.org/

JET Programme.  Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme; grass-roots international exchange.  http://www.jetprogramme.org

SIT Graduate Institute.  Master’s programs in International Education, Language & Culture, NGOs and Civil Society, Peace and Conflict Transformation, Socially Responsible Management, Sustainable Development, Teacher Preparation.  http://www.sit.edu/graduate.htm

Peace Corps.  Volunteer organization serving in 74 countries.  http://www.peacecorps.gov.

BUNAC.  Short-term visas for Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Cambodia, and others—some for working, some for volunteering, some for teaching.  http://www.bunac.org

CIEE.  The Council on International Educational Exchange offers teaching abroad programs in Chile, China, Spain, and Thailand. http://www.ciee.org/teach.aspx

Psychosocial.org.  Action Without Borders international volunteering site.  http://www.psychosocial.org/

U. S. Department of State:  Careers Representing America.  Foreign service careers and student programs.  http://careers.state.gov/

US Department of State Student Internships

http://careers.state.gov/students/opportunities.html 

EF Education (Scroll to bottom of page for link to international opportunities) http://www.eftours.com/Careers/jobs.aspx

Transitions Abroad.  Website and magazine for working, studying, and living overseas.  http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/index.shtml

Idealist.org.  Non-profit affiliated with Action Without Borders designed for people and organizations to share ideas, look for jobs and internship opportunities.  http://www.idealist.org

DIY Expat.  Information on living and working in Europe, jobs, visas, EU green cards, work permits etc.  Often updated, uses sources in multiple countries.  More information is available as book by Joe Freeman.  http://www.diyexpat.com/

Overseas Security Advisory Council.  Up-to-date safety information and news regarding safety and violence around the world.  http://www.osac.gov/

Monster International.  Portal to job-seeker website Monster.com’s international sites.  http://www.monster.com/geo/siteselection.asp

University of Michigan International Center.  Information on studying, working, and traveling abroad, as well as immigration, visas, Peace Corps and other opportunities, etc.  http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/

Harvard Office of Career Services:  Global Opportunities.  Detailed site with information for students regarding going abroad, funding, opportunities, etc. http://www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/global-opportunities.htm

Middlebury Career Services:  International & Foreign Languages.  Teaching, short-term work, service organizations, graduate schools, internships, and more overseas.  http://www.middlebury.edu/administration/cso/careerlibrary/foreign.htm

Wesleyan Career Resource Center:  International Resources.  Job opportunity links organized by continent or region.  http://www.wesleyan.edu/crc/explore/international.html

GoingGlobal.com.  International career guides, job/internship listings, networking, employers, country guides.  http://online.goinglobal.com/

OverseasJobs.com.  International job search engine and recruiting site.  http://www.overseasjobs.com/

CIA World Factbook.  Detailed reference information (maps, flags, profiles, various ranking critera) of every country.  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

Expatriate Websites.  A long list of useful sites for those living abroad.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/resources/expatriatewebsites.shtml

 WorkPermit.com.  Global immigration advice site.  http://www.workpermit.com/

 Brown University Sojourn Abroad Guide. http://www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP/sojourn/

Globally Engaged.  Information from the University of Maryland on working, interning, teaching, and volunteering abroad, as well as resources and advice. http://www.international.umd.edu/ge/

Electronic Embassy.  http://www.embassy.org

Articles & Books

Monster.com Work Abroad Articles.  Advice and information on finding work abroad, moving abroad to work, international careers, etc. http://international.monster.com/workabroad/articles/

Idealist Guide to Non-Profit Careers.  Book available as .pdf download.  http://www.idealist.org/en/career/guide/index.html

Work Abroad:  The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas.

http://mainecat.maine.edu/search/t?work+abroad&backlink=http://phebe.bowdoin.edu:80/search~S1?/twork+abroad/twork+abroad/-3%2C0%2C0%2CB/browse/indexsort=-

“Europe Wants You:  Opportunities for Working in Europe are Expanding for Non European Citizens.”  Joe Freeman. 

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/articles/working_in_europe_new_opportunities.shtml

Work Abroad Articles.  A variety of interviews and articles on working, studying, interning, and volunteering abroad.   http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/index.shtml#work_abroad_overview

Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers.  Available to order or as a free .pdf download.  http://www.idealist.org/en/career/guide/firsttime/fullbook.html

“Ask the Expat Q & A:  Finding Work Overseas.”  Volker Poelzl.  Advice from someone who has lived and worked in ten countries on the best ways to find and keep different types of work overseas.  http://www.transitionsabroad.com/tazine/0808/finding_work_overseas.shtml

“Ask the Expat:  The Visa Challenge.”  Volker Poelzl.”  Overview of types of visas available and required in different countries or regions.  http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0707/ask_the_expat_the_visa_challenge.shtml

Study Abroad Providers

These providers and programs may offer internships or job opportunities.

CIEE  http://www.ciee.org

Arcadia  http://www.arcadia.edu.abroad

IFSA-Butler  http://www.ifsa-butler.org

School for Field Studies  http://www.fieldstudies.org

SIT  http://www.sit.edu

IES https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/home.html

Disclaimer

The information on this website is being provided as a general resource for individuals planning to travel and volunteer abroad.  The Omprakash Foundation and/or its representatives assume no liability based on the information contained herein in the event of accident or illness, or for damage or injury to person or property of any nature whatsoever.

Volunteer Grant Recipients

Vance Walstra, from Portland, Oregon, graduated from University of Montana with a degree in Anthropology. After receiving an Omprakash Volunteer Grant in September, 2008, Vance spent the winter and spring of 2009 volunteering for Helping Hands in Cusco, Peru. In preparation for his trip, Vance collected shoes and medical supplies to be sent to Cusco. He also organized a benefit concert that raised over $1200 for Helping Hands. While in Peru, Vance expanded the Omprakash network by helping a number of new grassroots projects become Omprakash Partners. He also spearheaded a fundraising effort that brought over $5,000 to Helping Hands– enough to help the organization purchase a piece of land and begin construction of a new classroom building. Back in the United States, Vance continues to contribute to our network by delivering presentations to high-school and college communities in an effort to help more people support our diverse partners. Read Vance’s blog on the Message Board>>

Sara Adamak is from Stevens Point, WI and graduated in 2008 from University of Wisconsin. She received a Volunteer Grant from Omprakash to volunteer with Development and Education Program for Daughters and Community (DEPDC) in Mae Sai, Thailand. This is her second time working with DEPDC. Learn more about DEPDC>> or read Sara’s post on the Message Board>>

Sarah Zellweger is from Rye, NY and is a graduate of Pitzer College. For five months during 2008-2009, Sarah volunteered at a number of different educational projects in Nepal. She spent the most time with Nepal Children’s Organization in Kathmandu. This was her second time volunteering in Nepal. While in Nepal, Sarah dramatically expanded our network by inviting seven new organizations to become Omprakash Partners.

Geneva Wilgus a college student from coastal Maine, received a grant to serve for three months at the Golok Sengcham Drukmo Home for Girls in Qinghai Province, China (Tibet). Before departing for her trip, Geneva taught a series of lessons to two classes of fifth-grade students in Brunswick and Wiscasset. While Geneva was in Tibet, these students followed her blog and wrote books about themselves and their lives in Maine. These books will eventually be sent to Golok Sengcham Drukmo, and the students there will complete similar books to send to Maine. In addition to creating this book-exchange project, Geneva also conducted a series of presentations and fundraisers in her home community. Read Geneva’s blog>>

Ian Pounds is a former Professor and Crisis Counselor from Vermont. His extensive experiences working with troubled youths, students, and writers around the world led him towards our partner in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ian received an Omprakash Volunteer Grant in January of 2009, and headed to Kabul in April. Before leaving, Ian delivered a number of presentations to raise money for his trip and for our partner’s orphanage, and to help spread the word about the volunteer opportunities available through Omprakash. Ian also visited an elementary school class in Maine and helped students explore and rectify stereotypes about Muslims. Learn more about RAWA>>

Milia Fisher, a senior at Francis Parker High School in San Diego, California, received a Volunteer Grant in January, 2009. She used this grant to travel to Colombia and jumpstart a sister-school relationship between our partner Paulino Salgado and her own school. Milia shipped 10 computers to Paulino Salgado and is working with Francis Parker to pay for the school’s monthly internet access. She will continue raising money to pay for internet access and other amenities for the school and hopes to one day develop a sustainable source of income for the Paulino Salgado community.

Pat Metz, a Purdue University graduate from Cincinnati, OH, received a Volunteer Grant to spend the summer of 2009 serving SOTENI International in Kenya. Capitalizing on his degree in Biochemistry, Pat will assist with a number of projects focused on stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS. Specifically, he will be giving talks about the disease at secondary schools around SOTENI’s four Villages of Hope and will be working to create a pen pal system between Cincinnati’s St. Xavier HS and the students he meets through his work. Follow Pat on the Message Board>>

Alan Burns, a multimedia student from Cork, Ireland, received a Volunteer Grant to serve Just-One in Kathmandu, Nepal during summer 2009. Alan will be using his multimedia skills to help members of the Just-One team design, publish, and distribute newsletters. He is also conducting a number of fundraisers in Ireland, and is working to connect Just-One with local Irish high schools. Read Alan’s blog>>

Steph Dawes, a graduate of Michigan State University, received a grant in May, 2009, to help subsidize her travel and living expenses during a six-month internship for Education for the Future Foundation in Kenya. While serving EFF, Steph will not only work with the day-to-day responsibilities associated with EFF, but will also conduct research on the education system and prepare plans for the construction of a new secondary school. In addition, she will be working to connect high school students in the United States and Kenya through a pen pal and blog system that will facilitate cross cultural and service learning on both ends. Check out her blog at http://stephdawes.blogspot.com/ and her thread on the Message Board>>

Dominique Johnson, a student at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She received a grant in May, 2009 to pay for her travel and living expenses while volunteering during July and August at La Escuelita de Esperanza in San Jose, Costa Rica. Before departing for her trip, Dominique will begin working with a number of high-school and middle-school groups in Baltimore. She plans to initiate several collections of supplies needed at La Escuelita, and eventually to start a pen-pal exchange between students at her alma mater in Baltimore and the students in Costa Rica. Check out her blog at www.dominiquejohnson.wordpress.com and read her thread on the Message Board>>

Emma Cape, Emma Cape, a student at Bowdoin College and originally from Illinois, received a grant in May, 2009 to pay for three months travel and living expenses while volunteering with the South Africa Education and Environment Project in Cape Town, helping them to develop a new program. The new environmental clubs program will provide students with education about local environmental issues and community organizing, and allow them to become leaders in community service and community action projects targeting environmental problems that affect the quality of life in their neighborhoods. It will also provide hiking hiking fieldtrips to local natural areas, which many of the students have never had the chance to experience. Additionally, while in Cape Town, Emma will work to expand the Omprakash network through connecting with other South African chartiable organizations. Read Emma’s posts on the Omprakash message board>>

At Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Maine, four students and a Spanish teacher received a Volunteer Grant to travel to Quito, Ecuador, during July 2009 and serve the Yachay Wasi Intercultural Community Education Center. In preparation for their trip, the group is delivering presentations and conducting fundraisers on behalf of Yachay Wasi at several locations in the Brunswick community. The group seeks to make Yachay Wasi a sister-school of Brunswick High School, and is working to support Yachay Wasi through a number of projects involving topics as diverse as knitting, soccer, and science. Check out the group’s blog>>

Volunteer in Afghanistan

RAWA

RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (www.rawa.org), runs a number of schools and orphanages in Pakistan. RAWA is eager to host volunteers who can offer their help in any way. We strongly believe that supporting education and cross-cultural contact in this part of the world is a critical step towards undermining some of the roots of hate and prejudice. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with RAWA. Learn more about our partnership with RAWA>>

Circle of Women

Like RAWA, Circle of Women works to promote the education of women and girls in Afghanistan.  The organization is looking for volunteers who are interested in its cause and can support its fundraising efforts in the US or its efforts at the Wonkhai School in Afghanistan, a 600-student institution currently under construction. Volunteers can get involved through the Circumference Program by starting a new Circle of Women project, starting a Circle of Women branch, or supporting Circle of Women’s existing programs. You can support an existing program by volunteering your time, sharing your network, or by sharing your ideas, expertises, or resouces. If you are interested joining the circle, please contact info@circleofwomen.org to learn more about its Circumference Program.  Learn more about our partnership with Circle of Women>>

Partnership with RAWA

Project Profile

The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan runs a number of schools and orphanages in Afghanistan and Pakistan. RAWA is eager to host volunteers who can offer their help in any way.  We strongly believe that supporting education and cross-cultural contact in this part of the world is a critical step towards undermining some of the roots of hatred and prejudice.  Visit www.rawa.org to learn more.

Partnership History

-In June, 2007, we donated $5,010 to support some of RAWA’s education initiatives in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  These funds paid for one year’s stationery and reference books for the 445 children at RAWA’s nine orphanages in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and one year’s worth of stationery, reference books, and textbooks for 58 students at RAWA’s school for Afghan refugees in Peshawar, Pakistan.

-In November, 2008, we awarded a Volunteer Grant to an American man who was willing to commit himself towards serving RAWA’s needs in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Partnership with Yachay Wasi Intercultural Community Education Center

Project Profile

Located in Quito, Ecuador, Yachay Wasi is a community school that provides local indigenous youth a full academic education including a multi-disciplinary education in the history, language, traditions, culture, and cosmovision of the Andean-Amazonian indigenous peoples. Yachay Wasi educates over 80 students that range in age from 5 (kindergarten level) to 13 (7th grade). The cost to attend the school is highly subsidized for all students, and is based on the financial situation of each family. Almost all students pay less than $6 dollars monthly, with many students paying nothing at all.

Through limited assistance from the Ecuadorian government (one of the few sources of aid the school receives), the school offers both a healthy snack and a large lunch. At Yachay Wasi, education is not limited to what is gained through books and lessons but includes all inputs in one’s life, including food. Therefore, the students are prepared traditional Kichwa food and all the vegetables and fruit are fresh and organic, and much of the produce is provided by the school’s own large chakra, or garden, where students and community members, grow traditional Andean crops such as maize, squash, beans, and potatoes. Chickens are raised on premise, and the school recently received a donation of three llamas that will be raised to give wool for artisan weaving.

Besides serving as a formal school for kindergarten-7^th grade, Yachay Wasi serves the role of a community center for the local indigenous population, many of whom are recent immigrants from outlying rural communities. Yachay Wasi hosts community celebrations and social events, an after-school program for high-school students that includes natural medicine classes and English classes, and an adult literacy/alphabetization class at night for illiterate adults.

Mission of Yachay Wasi Intercultural Education Center:

Besides offering a heavily-subsidized education to humble indigenous youth, the mission of the school is to teach students and local community members to be in harmony with nature. As part of this, Yachay Wasi emphasizes the importance of biodiversity of animals and plants, conservation, sustainability, and organic farming/consumption practices. Both traditional Andean practices and modern conceptions of conservation are incorporated.

Secondly, Yachay Wasi strives to promote and revitalize the indigenous Kichwa culture, wisdom, and language. The Kichwa language is taught to all students, and the school follows the Kichwa calendar, including celebrations and agricultural planting dates. The school believes that educating Kichwa youth and their families about their identity is important for the validation of and pride for this historically marginalized and subjugated culture. Within the present socio-political situation, indigenous people along with Afro-Ecuadorians make up an overwhelming percentage of Ecuadorians that live in poverty, and extreme poverty. Many lack access to basic resources such as food, safe water, health and education. Through education, organizations like Yachay Wasi have made significant progress in making changes to social and political structures in Ecuador. Yachay Wasi is a positive source of inspiration and validation of the beauty that is the Kichwa nation and its culture. Yachay Wasi is one of the many players working toward the dream of a future, diverse society that considers a variety of ways to see the world.

Need for Volunteers:

Yachay Wasi welcomes volunteers who have an interest in helping out with the activities and classes of the school. Teachers from various countries have come to teach classes or share their culture and world visions. Having a degree or teaching experience is not necessary. Rather, what is more important is an interest in making a positive impact on the lives of children eager to learn all types of knowledge. Many of the teachers have been college students, who before, did not have experience nor formalized training in primary education.

Members of other cultural groups and/or indigenous tribes, speakers of different languages, artists/artisans, musicians, scientists, and social scientists could lead exceptional classes on their knowledge. Recently, Yachay Wasi has been fortunate to have regular English classes from a native speaker, a program the school would like to continue year round. There are also general service and maintenance projects such as helping out in the kitchen, farming, being a teaching assistant, leading sports, and repairing infrastructure that volunteers could help with. If you are studying abroad, living in Ecuador, visiting for more than a few weeks, or interested in working on service projects abroad where you will develop your Spanish speaking capabilities, Yachay Wasi would love to have your presence at the school. You will learn about a new culture and become part of the Kichwa-Ecuadorian community.

Sister School Initiative:

Yachay Wasi also is interested in developing partnerships with other schools throughout the world. As sister schools, Yachay Wasi and its partner schools would exchange letters, photos, artesania (or art), updates about the schools, and didactic materials. In the letter exchange, non-native Spanish speakers could write in Spanish, improving their Spanish language fluency, while Yachay Wasi students could respond in Spanish or English (or another language if the students have developed a capacity in that language). Although it is certainly not necessary nor required of this partnership, if a partner school was interested in donating monetary funds for the school, school supplies, textbooks, sports equipment, used computers, or used electronic devices such as radios/cd players schools, Yachay Wasi would be grateful for the support and solidarity.

Need for Material Resources

The school relies completely on donations from private individuals and indigenous organizations in Ecuador for the majority of its costs, which include but are not limited to: teacher salaries, books, school supplies, and sports equipment. The money used from student matriculation fees is only enough to cover the electricity, water, and toilet paper for students.

Yachay Wasi would be grateful to receive any kind of monetary donation or donation of school supplies, books, and athletic equipment. A little goes a long way for the students and their families who do not have the financial ability to pay more than a few dollars a month on education costs.

“Sponsor-a-Machi” Program-“Machi” is the Kichwa word for friend/companion and is the word used to refer to both the teachers and students. “Sponsor-a-Machi” is a program that would provide funding to sponsor a student’s entire education costs. This small donation of $10 a month would allow one student to continue to attend Yachay Wasi for free.

Contact Information:

1. Laura Santilian-Director of the School

Address: Laura Santillan

Escuela Yachay Wasi

Francisco Matiz E 14 265 y Jose Xironza

El Barrio San Jose de Monjas de Puengasi, sector: La Arboleda

Quito, Ecuador

Phone number: (593) 02 3 194-529

e-mail address: sinchiachik@yahoo.es

2. Adam Weiss-Student Volunteer/English teacher

Address: Adam Weiss

1105 Briarcliff Drive

Arlington, TX 76012

Phone number (U.S. Phone number): cell (817) 287-1653

Home (817) 795-2529

e-mail address: adam.h.weiss@duke.edu

Partnership with Seeds of Hope

Project Profile

The mission of Seeds of Hope is to support all the children who live in extreme poverty in Peru and to provide vocational training for those without economic means. We aim to achieve this through the objectives below:

• Provide the children with a strong education, founded on the values and principles which will improve their prospects for the future
• Aid them with medical assistance as required (in conjunction with other organizations)
• Teach them to practice personal hygiene.
• Provide them with clothes, shoes and school equipment.
• Give them the emotional support they need whilst they are part of the organization.
• Fight for the rights of the children and provide them and their families with legal assistance where needed

We currently operate from one center in Huaraz.

Our website: http://www.peruseeds.org.

We recently opened the Seeds café and agency (http://www.peruseedsadventures.org/) in order to generate a more stable income for the Seeds children.

Read the Seeds of Hope October 2008 Newsletter>>

Read the January 2009 Newsletter>>

Partnership History

Seeds of Hope has been an Omprakash partner since November, 2008.  Seeds was introduced to the Omprakash network by Vance Walstra, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Vance at vance.walstra@gmail.com to learn more about Seeds.

-In April, 2009, we donated $500 to Seeds of Hope to support an emergency hunger-relief program.

Need for Material Resources

1. We want to provide the children on a regular basis with:

Clothes, shoes and school equipment for 1 child (per year):  250 US dollars

Food (daily contribution towards a balanced diet) for 1 child (per year): 120 us dollars

1. We organize fundraisers for specific projects (mainly from our network of ex volunteers), for instance:

Building basic housing for 1 family      1500 us dollars

1. We have a sponsorship program where one kid throughout the year receives help with school material, uniforms, and school fees.

Sponsor a child (per year):   350 us dollars

To learn more about our current projects or the sponsorship program, mail to seedsofhoperu@hotmail.com

Need for Volunteers

We welcome international volunteers from all backgrounds and with a positive outlook and enthusiasm to work in our projects. Our previous international volunteers have come from the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Belgium and Japan and are usually professionally trained in a variety of areas from teaching to engineering. They usually come to us whilst travelling in Peru, on a gap year, during retirement or simply for a working holiday.

We have opportunities working with the children or behind the scenes and currently need teachers, social workers, psychologists, project co-ordinations, medically trained people, language professionals, marketing and fundraising professionals.

The time volunteering depends on the volunteer: we have had people volunteering from anything between 2 weeks up to 2 years.

We ask for a monthly fee for volunteers choosing to live in the Seeds of Hope house to cover your accommodation and food, also included are Spanish classes. The fee is used to cover basic costs for the center first, everything after that goes directly to the children (food, school material, specific projects).

Alternatively, if you have your own lodging and food covered, we ask a contribution –as you see fit- into a current project.

Huaraz volunteer information booklet>>

Some of the daily activities we conduct are:

• Helping children with their homework and ensuring it is completed by the end of the session.
• Working with children to build up their basic reading, writing and arithmetic to a level appropriate for their age, so they can enter school.
• Ensuring all children understand the importance of personal hygiene, including brushing their teeth, and washing their face and hands, especially after using the bathroom.

When needed, we also bring in trained professionals for other matters, including:

• Sexual education, with the aim of reducing teenage pregnancies and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV and AIDS.
• Legal advice to protect the rights and integrity of children and their families.
• Psychological support for children that come from broken families with a high incidence of violence and/or parental negligence, often due to economic conditions or alcoholism.

In the future we also hope to be able to offer workshops which will teach knitting, t-shirt printing, card making and ceramics so that we can start micro-businesses including the exportation of goods, creating jobs and providing income now and in the future.

Partnership with Expand Peru

Expand Peru (www.expandperu.org) operates multiple education and community-development projects in the city of Huancayo, about 350 kilometers outside of Lima.

Partnership History: Expand Peru has been an Omprakash Partner since 2009.  Expand Peru was introduced to the Omprakash network by Vance Walstra, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant.  Contact Vance at vance.walstra@gmail.com.

Please download the files below to learn more about four of Expand Peru’s projects:

Escuelas Rurales- Volunteers are needed to teach computer, art, and English classes in formal schools. Learn more about Escuelas Rurales>>

Hogar de Bebes- These centers offer special care and developmental support to poor children between the ages of six months and three years, and also offer services to their mothers. Volunteers are needed to assist in all programs. Learn more about Hogar de Bebes>>

Proyecto Especial- This project offers informal education and other forms of support to families living in extreme poverty, focusing especially on children between six and twelve years of age. Learn more about Proyecto Especial>>

Manual Orfanatos y Aldeas- This project consists of a chain of orphanages offering residence, nutrition, education, and general support to abandoned children and adolescents.  Volunteers are needed to help teach and mentor these children. Learn more about Manual Orfanatos y Aldeas>>

Volunteer in Nicaragua

Hospital Escuela

Located in Leon, Nicaragua’s second-largest city, this hospital is in need of volunteers with some background in Spanish and the practice of medicine.  Learn more>>

Partnership with Hospital Escuela

Project Profile

The Nicaraguan government constructed the Hospital Escuela Dr. Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello in 1979. The hospital’s staff strives to assist the ~200,000 people living in the Léon (the nation’s second largest city), as well as the surrounding communities. The hospital is also partnered with the nation’s largest medical school, so it also aims to educate Nicaragua’s future doctors. The hospital deals with all aspects of medicine, with two notable exceptions: cancer specialties and advanced radiography (the hospital only has an x-ray machine). Although the hospital’s doctors all work incredibly hard, a continuous lack of medical supplies, current medical technologies, and training in new techniques and technologies make standard patient care difficult.

The hospital does not have a website, though the affiliated medical school does have a page: http://www.unanleon.edu.ni/ .

Need for Material Resources

There is an overwhelming need for both daily medical supplies as well as long-term items, however the following is a list of critical items:

-Antibiotics (typically prescribed for ~1 week)— $4 buys a 30-day supply (enough to treat four patients with bacterial infections)

-Multivitamins (for children, pregnant women, and the elderly)— $5 buys a three-month supply

-Glucose Monitors—$13 buys a glucose monitor that will help the hospital’s doctors to quickly identify, monitor, and treat patients with diabetes.

-Pediatric Ventilator—$450 buys one machine (these machines are essential for pre-mature babies)

-Non-Electric Operating Room Table—$3,500 buys one table (Note: the hospital’s OR tables all do not currently function properly and a non-electrical tables is needed as ).

The hospital also gladly accepts all medical equipment and supplies that are no longer in use at other hospitals or medical practices. Please note, however, that the equipment should be in usable condition, as the shipping costs are quite expensive.

Need for Volunteers

The hospital needs volunteers (preferably, fully trained nurses or doctors) from all medical specialties to help with daily work. Because the hospital lacks many new medical technologies, the hospital especially needs doctors who own medical instruments and can use these tools to help patients as well as educate the hospital’s current doctors.

Spanish proficiency is highly recommended, as it will make patient care and professional interactions easier, however, many of the hospital’s doctors do speak some English and translators are available for any kind of training that a volunteer may want to provide in English.

Stays of longer than 2 weeks are preferred, however any help that can be given is greatly appreciated. In Léon, homestays are very easy to find, as the city is rife with people who want to rent rooms within their homes (~$60/month). Cheap hotels are also easy to find (~$10/night for a decent room) as well as apartments (rates vary according to accommodations). The organization may help you to find rooming accommodations, upon request.

Contact information:

Partnership with Voluntario Global

Asociación Civil Voluntario Global

Personería jurídica Número 0000 515-

REPUBLICA ARGENTINA

Project Profile:

Voluntario Global is grass roots organization working directly with and in impoverished districts and shanty towns in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Within the community centres that we use we know each and every person and their specific needs. This is our greatest asset, our greatest strength.

Our programmes are especially for those people looking to see, from the inside, the other side of Buenos Aires, what social exclusion really is, and those seeking to initiate change.

Our main objective is to promote a lasting change in the lives of the families that live there.  Voluntario Global creates volunteer work programmes that match the skills and interests of volunteers to the local social organizations like us. We are an investor in people and their training, and we also communicate and join forces with other organizations so that we can create appropriate volunteering programmes. We always start by getting to know personally the people from each organization with which we operate, and with that knowledge and understanding we are able to improve and focus our programmes.

Longer stay volunteers choose from a variety of programs depending on their level of interest, available time and language level. Spanish fluency isn’t required in order to volunteer but certainly a rudimentary knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful.

Some programmes:

Computer Class: Adult Continuing Education.

Communication and Media: adult continuing education.

English Class and tutoring: elementary and secondary school children and adolescents.

Radio Broadcasting: Assist at a community radio station located.

Culinary Arts: Assist in the community centre kitchen, preparing traditional meals for students and staff.

Clinical Assistance Health: Working with local hospitals will serve the poor residents of communities by providing preventive health care and education.

Contact: Valeria Gracia (Coordinator)

Email: info@voluntarioglobal.com.ar

Website: www.voluntarioglobal.org.ar

Phone: 0054 – 911 – 6206 - 9639

Need for Material Resources

Voluntario Global can only survive by means of private monetary donations from the volunteers who work with us. The donations are used for administration, promotion and to purchase necessary equipment for the programmes and the community centres out of which we operate. Furthermore, a percentage of the money collected contributes to a “Banco Solidario” (a small no-interest loan fund for individuals in the communities we serve to access).

Low donations:

4 week:              150  American Dollars

2 months:           200  American Dollars

3 months:           250  American Dollars

After 3 months helping and working with us, volunteers will not be required to make further donations. You can continue helping with your time and your presence as your availability permits.

Partnership with Intag

Project Profile

The eco/agro-tourism Project of San Antonio comunity, Intag, was formed in December 2007.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of San Antonio, while conserving the delicate cloud forest ecosystem in which we are privileged to live. We aim to provide a safe, comfortable and friendly environment in which tourist, students, scientists and volunteers can enjoy the experience of visiting a remote cloud forest community. Our website is www.intagtour.com

Contact us at contacto@intagtour.com.

Mas informacion sobre Intag en Espanol>>

Need for Material Resources

We would like to construct  at least one refuge for visitors within the Nature Reserve that borders our community. We need funds to buy 1200 roofing tiles, cost $180 approx, and to purchase basic furniture and equipment for the refuge. For example, rubber boots ($ 7 a pair), Waterproof ponchos ($10 each), Blackboard, table and chairs ($ 150 approx), gas stove ($ 55), educational materials such as bird and plant identification books etc.

Need for Volunteers

We would like to received volunteers able to help in the following areas.

A) To help  develop the community´s ability to received tourist and other visitors. For example, we need training as guides, cooks and hosts adequate to the needs of national and international visitors.

B) To help teach English to the children of the community.

C) To participate in small-scale sustainable agriculture, and to give and receive knowledge of that subject.

D) To carry out plant and/or animal surveys in the community cloud-forest and in the edge of the nature reserve.

Volunteers would require a good basic command of Spanish and the ability to cope in an isolated, rural community. It is anticipated that volunteers would stay initially in the community  guest-house , and once ready, would stay with a local family. There is no minimum length of stay. Help with Spanish is available.

Partnership with SMILE

Project Profile

SMILE is a registered charitable organization founded in the year 1997. SMILE works with three target groups children women and senior citizens. SMILE’s mission statement is caring enough to share what surplus or little we may have with the deprived and encouraging others to do the same. SMILE’s most eminent project is the children ‘s project focusing on the education upto graduation and post graduation level, health and all round development of the child. For the women we run vocational training classes in addition to monthly programmes on awareness and medical camps. For the senior citizens we have launched a mobile van service titled ‘SMILE at Every Mile’. This project for senior citizens is gaining momentum. The senior citizens have expressed joy at the thought of having SMILE start a project specially catering to their problems of loneliness and frustration.  Please visit www.smile-ngo.org to learn more.

Need for Financial Resources

in Rs.

Need for Volunteers

SMILE is looking for volunteers who can commit at least two months to its program.  Please contact Zeena at smileorg@mtnl.net.in to learn more!

Partnership with Theo Welfare Trust

In 2004, I had the opportunity of visiting the beautiful states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, South India. While enjoying the main temple in the city of Madurai, I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Edwin Issac and Brother Paul. Brother Edwin told me of an orphanage (ISA Children’s Home) he had founded, and was currently running on the outskirts of the city. He invited me to visit, but I was ill and declined his offer.

Exchanging addresses, we parted ways.

Upon my return to California, I sent a care package to ISA (clothes, school supplies, ect.), later receiving heart-felt photos of the items donated, as well as the people who had so benefited from them. The light bulb went off: It is possible to make a difference. Thus began my desire to work on-going w/ Brother Edwin and Brother Paul.

All sharing a passion to contribute, we created a Trust to formalize our relationship; Theo Welfare Trust was established in 2006.

Strategic goal of Theo Welfare Trust:

* Positively impact the tribes of Thandikudi, located within the mountains of Kodaikanal, 125km Northwest of Madurai.

Tactics to achieve the Trust’s goal:

* Maintenance Plan - As donations permit, compile and distribute funds and material goods (clothes, school supplies, medical supplies) to the Trust’s Madurai headquarters; these reparations will then be transported to our tribal contacts in Kodaikanal.

* Schoolhouse Plan - Construction of a one-room schoolhouse in Thankdikudi.  Brother Paul is in the process of selling a parcel of land on the outskirts of Madurai. The Trust plans to utilize these funds for the purchase of a 2 acre parcel in Thandakudi suitable for the schoolhouse.

I will continue to update the site as the schoolhouse plans gain momentum.  Please donate to the Trust at your convenience, specifying whether you want the funds immediately disseminated to the tribal people (my contacts visit one time/ month with donor-sponsored reparations), or you prefer them secured for the schoolhouses’ building materials.  I estimate the schoolhouse will cost approximately $12,000 to construct, of which we already have $1,000.  Every dollar counts.

When donating, please make the check payable to, “Omprakash Foundation”; in the memo area of the check, please write, “Theo Welfare Trust”, and send donations to:

Theo Welfare Trust, c/o Jason M. Beck, 11 Smith Farm Road, Weston, CT 06883

I will deposit your donation in the Trust’s bank account in the U.S., and wire your contributions to our Trusts’ headquarters in Marurai. Please provide me a mailing address; I will send a receipt which can be utilized for your tax deduction.

Any donations, however small, will make a fundamental difference in the lives of these people.

In Humble Service,

Theo Sadowski Beck & Jason Marcus Beck

Theo Welfare Trust

Partnership with BECC

Vision

“To build a community based on the values of Love, Justice, Equality and Peace”

Mission

“To help the marginalized and needy improve their quality of life by providing financial, educational and life skills inputs”.

Project profile

Located in Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, Bandra East Community Centre (BECC), established in 1st September 1974, is a registered voluntary social work organization (NGO, Regd No: BOM-42/76 GBBSD) catering to the socio-economic development of the slums and pavement dwellers. This centre has three storeyed infrastructures with 25 staff and more than 15 volunteers. The activities reach out to street children project, handicapped programmes, community development programmes, clinic for poor slum dwellers, Senior citizens programmes, educational trade courses for the slum youths, nursing room for the street and handicapped children etc.

Web site and contact info: www.beccindia.org ; beccdirector@yahoo.co.in

About the Project

Over the period, the street children project arbitrates to tackle the issues of streets children in Mumbai City with an Integrated Programme. In 1991 an Integrated Programme for Street Children started, under this project it runs 24 hours drop-in shelters and provide food, clothing, shelter, non-formal education, recreation, counseling, and guidance and referral services for children. The other components of the programmme include enrollment in schools, vocational training, occupational placement etc. At present the project look after about 55 street children in BECC shelter home.  We work to ensure that every street child is entitled to adequate nutrition, medical care, education, housing, and recreation and is to be protected from all forms of negligence and cruelty from hardened exploiters for their selfish gains.

Need for Volunteers

1. This could be an exchange programme with our staffs and the volunteers. Perhaps volunteers may be get  inspire to do more work and also our staff may benefit by exchanging views.
2.  We have number of children they can take classes for them.  I am also worried these children from the road and don’t have proper upbringing as a result qualified volunteers may find it difficult to go to their level.
3. Most of the time children are occupied because children are going  regular classes.
4. As you are aware each child has it own back ground and story to tell each child should be handled accordingly.
5.  Five children are mentally or disable children.
6. We have senior citizen/drop out school girl  under our guidance and care  it would be nice to listen to them but volunteers may have language problem.
6, To stay a great problem we do not have rooms.  If they are willing to stay with the children we can accommodate for two week maximum.  Again volunteers may not like the set up.

Partnership with Asha Darshan

We are proud to be working with Asha Darshan, a community-based organization working in Assam in NE India. Learn more about Asha Darshan or check back soon for more information!

Read Asha Darshan’s 2007-2008 Annual Report

Volunteer in Pakistan

RAWA

RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (www.rawa.org), runs a number of schools and orphanages in Pakistan. RAWA is eager to host volunteers who can offer their help in any way. We strongly believe that supporting education and cross-cultural contact in this part of the world is a critical step towards undermining some of the roots of hatred and prejudice. Please contact us or RAWA (andeisha@rawa.org) if you are interested in this volunteering opportunity.  Learn more about our partnership with RAWA>>

Letters

We invite you to browse through our archive of past newsletters.

January 2009

April 2008- Letter to Webb School

July 2007

January 2007

June 2006

August 2005

February 2005

Volunteer in Uganda

-SOVHEN Uganda is looking for volunteers to help them with nutrition and enviromental health education. The volunteers work with 29 staff members (2 fulltime and 27 part-time) and a pool of an additional 120 volunteers (35% out-of-school and 65% in-school) and live together in the rural areas of Mpigi, Masaka and Rakai and in the urban slum areas of Kampala. Learn more about our partnership with SOVHEN Uganda>>

-Youth Vision Uganda is currently accepting application letters from creative, talented, passionate and innovative youth to work with orphaned vulnerable children under its early childhood development education model centre of Bright Destiny Academy or its Sports for Development program.  Learn more about our partnership with Youth Vision Uganda>>

Partnership with SOVHEN Uganda

Project Profile

Supporting Orphans & Vulnerable for Better Health, Education and Nutrition in Uganda (SOVHEN Uganda) is a student founded legally registered Voluntary Not For Profit and Non Governmental Community based Organization, founded on 15th August 2001 to organize orphans and other vulnerable groups living in difficult circumstances in urban slum and rural areas of Uganda, build solidarity and cooperation among the target group, promote their economic and social development and improve their organizational ability.

Our mission is to struggle for a better quality of life and increased life expectancy for orphans and other vulnerable groups living in difficult circumstances. We will serve in purpose through community dialogue with the rights holders/claimers and duty bearers at individual, household, community, government, local government, religious, higher institutions of learning, private sector, media and international level building on existing community channels, their structures and networks, their resources and opportunities. Contact sovhenuganda@gmail.com to learn more.

Partner History

SOVHEN has been an Omprakash partner since summer 2008.

Need for Material Resources

Institutional building: USD $ 6,000 is needed to purchase a truck for transport of SOVHEN Uganda duty bearers in our 4 districts of service for rights holders/claimers group formation, village organization and creation of a federation through community dialogue.(hiring is not cost effective)

The objectives of institutional building programme are to: create solidarity and cooperation among duty bearers and rights holders/claimers with particularly emphasis on orphans and their households participation: build the capacity of group members for sustainable development: encourage groups towards collective action to use natural resources for income generation, support individual groups in conflict resolution, problem solving and development so that groups can manage their activities independently, and enable the orphans and their households to participate in the national development process.

Eduaction:
- Adult literacy program: $1000 per year fully sponsors Adult literacy program
The objectives of the Adult literacy program (ALP) are to provide surviving parents and other orphan care caregivers in their groups with an opportunity to: learn how to read and write their names and addresses: understand group dynamism; understand the importance of child education and help their children in basic education.

- Non Formal Pre- Primary Education: for $15 per month you can sponsor an orphan living in difficult circumstances in households: separated from their siblings, widow and child headed, impoverished and abusive, institutional care, old and frail grand parents, orphans who have become children street children, refugees or internally displaced, HIV+ orphans, orphans who are being used as child laborers by meeting his/her pre primary education, scholastic materials, feeding, clothing, medical care and other essentials. What is required is a start up fee of $50 and then a monthly support fee of $15 thereafter. Detailed information, photographs and background of the boy/girl pr child will be provided to his/her sponsor

-Non Formal Post Primary Education: for $30 per month you can sponsor an orphan living in difficult circumstances in households: separated from their siblings, widow and child headed, impoverished and abusive, institutional care, old and frail grand parents, orphans who have become children street children, refugees or internally displaced, HIV+ orphans, orphans who are being used as child laborers by meeting his/her post primary education, scholastic materials, feeding, clothing, medical care and other essentials. What is required is a start up fee of $100 and then a monthly support fee of $30 thereafter. Detailed information, photographs and background of the boy/girl per child will be provided to his/her sponsor

Books: SOVHEN Uganda is in constant need for books for our mobile reading tent with an aim to develop life long reading skills and culture and to encourage literacy. The mobile reading tent targets less advantaged children in our rural and urban slum areas of service in order to inculcate the reading culture and introduce them to libraries at an early age.

Clothing: We are in constant need of clothing to improve on the health and well being of the rights holders that we serve. They are 400 children below 18 years who have lost one both parents. Their numbers include orphans in households: separated from their siblings, widow and child headed, impoverished and abusive, institutional care, old and frail grand parents, orphans who have become children street children, refugees or internally displaced, HIV+ orphans, orphans who are being used as child laborers.

Shelter: For $6000 we can have a home for the suffering hard to place children who include orphans who have-not been successfully traced, handicapped children, and groups of siblings. The home will enable us create a safe loving and nurturing environment for these rights holders/claimers as we plan to accommodate more. They will be provided with health diet and good education while in the home. While in the home, these children will undergo discipline and behavior change before they are released back into the community. In the long run, we shall have these children growing up as God fearing and as the future generation of leaders who will have a value system that stops war and prevents diseases. When they are released back into the community as health, educated and well-adjusted adults they will surely play their part in re-building their country into a positive and prosperous nation.

Need for Volunteers

As duty bearers entrusted by society to fulfill the human rights of rights holders/claimers namely orphans, persons with disability, elderly, women, children) living in difficult circumstances in urban slum and rural areas of Uganda, we are in constant need of volunteers ( individuals and institutions ) both formal and informal from other countries to jointly play our parts as duty bearers with a responsibility of ensuring that the rights of orphans and other members of the society, especially those most vulnerable are attained.

Together with the volunteers we will build on existing community channels (groups and organizations), their structures and networks, their resources (manpower, funds, materials and structures) and opportunities in addressing prioritized issues of concerns for the rights holders/claimers in the areas of Institution building: Self Generating Fund: Education and Awareness Raising: Environmental health and nutrition.

The volunteers in collaboration with our 29 staff members (2 fulltime and 27 part-time) and our pool of 120 volunteers (35% out-of-school and 65% in-school) will live together with the rights holders/claimers and their surviving duty bearers in our villages of service in the rural areas of Mpigi, Masaka and Rakai and in the urban slum areas of Kampala. This arrangement provides another opportunity for the volunteers to assimilate the foreign culture and is important for their integration into the local community. The host family provides support, a sense of belonging and serves as a reference point to help orient the volunteers in their foreign environment.

We do not charge any participation fee. As stated in the volunteer brochure, administrative expenses, airport pickups and drop offs, in-country orientation, 24 hour x 7 days a week staff  support, publicizing and other general support of the volunteer program are catered for by Sovhen Uganda.

We have managed to secure land (4 acres) through community dialogue in
all our districts of operation. We hope to set up accommodation
cottages and gardens as well to cater for the meals of the volunteers
as well as the rights holders/claimers that we serve.

Download a brochure about volunteering>>

See more photos of SOVHEN>>

Volunteer in Nigeria

CHRIFACAF is seeking short-term volunteers to make an impact on the lives of their community. They accept volunteers with various backgrounds and skills. The volunteer would spend one to three months with CHRIFACAF and  there would be available accommodation with the host communities or inns nearby. Learn more about our partnership with CHRIFACAF>>

Partnership with Nigerian Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation

Project Profile

The Nigerian Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation (CHRIFACAF) is a non-profit humanitarian organization whose primary focus is to provide free health care and humanitarian services to the surrounding rural communities and beyond. To liaise and partner with local and international humanitarian service providers in the identification of target communities for the operation of the foundation’s in the actualization of her aims. To print free Christian tracts and engage in free Christian education to all interested member of the Christian community. We are dedicated to working with old people, young people, widows, disabled, women, orphaned and vulnerable children, families and their communities in Imo State, Nigeria, to reach their full potential by tracking the causes of poverty and injustice.  Learn more at http://www.chrifacaf.org or email Clinton Ezeigwe at info@chrifacaf.org.

Partnership History

CHRIFACAF has been an Omprakash partner since summer 2008.

Need for Volunteers: We welcome volunteers with various backgrounds, skills and age such as: Accountants, actors, agriculturalists, artists, auto mechanics, carpenters, computer scientists/programmers/teachers, construction workers, consultants, dentists, electricians, engineers, farmer, foresters, homemakers, nurses, nutritionists, painters, pharmacists, physicians, plumbers, students and teachers.

Volunteers can help in the following areas:

1. Teaching children and adults conversational English and other subjects such as the science, computer literacy and mathematics.

2. Caring for disable and abandoned children at orphanages and other facilities.

3. Providing health care services, education and counseling.

4. Assisting with community infrastructural development and construction such as building tables, chairs, desks, etc. for schools, erecting community centers and health clinics, constructing latrines, drilling wells, etc.

We provide volunteers an opportunity to gain a genuine, first-hand understating of how local people in other culture and countries live out their day-to-day lives and, in the process, to present local people with a more authentic impression of people from Developed countries really are. Our aim is to enable volunteers to experience life in a rural community. The learn from the local people with whom they work and they become familiar with the human and economic conditions of developing countries. As a result, each volunteer has an opportunity to dramatically alter his or her perspective of the world and how he or she relates to it. By working with and learning from each other, both local people and volunteers can initiate inter-cultural friendships and understanding.

Gift in Kind (Need for Material resources):

Gifts of the following items are greatly appreciated. They will be distributed among communities and individuals that Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation support. Items can be new or used; we’ll gladly accept both:

• • Crayons, Pencils, Pens, Coloring Books, Books, Art Supplies

  • Educational materials / Stationeries/ teaching aids / posters (for classrooms)

  • Mathematics Flashcards

  • Infant and toddler clothes

  • Toothbrush (new)

  • Soap (new)

  • Shoes (Children’s)

  • Prescription Eyeglasses

  • Backpacks

  • Toys

  • Computers/laptops, printers, and fax machines

  • Bicycles (Bikes)

  • Sports equipment and recreational items

  • Furniture (include office, h/hold and school furniture’s).

  • Medical supplies and equipment (include hospital beds and furniture’s).

1. Youths Computer House: An innovative computer education program for young people. The program would focus on youth literacy on computer technology such as building of youths computer house where youths from under served communities comes to explore their own ideas on the world of computer age.

1. Provision of primary Health care by construction a health care center in Nzerem: The construction of a new Health Center in Umuchoke-Nzerem who are living in a poverty stricken community where they travel 20 kilometers before location a health facility. The project will focus on improving survival and health for the most vulnerable children and women and poor villagers as well as promote community health awareness on nutrition, childhood illnesses and reproductive health and sanitation.

1. Provision of a Backpack with HIV and AIDS prevention materials: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 39.5 million people in the world are HIV infected. More than 24 million of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. As part of our HIV and Aids prevention awareness campaign in Nigeria, CHRIFACAF would like to provide children with awareness activities, backpacks, and educational materials. For $25, you can make sure one child receives the backpack and lifesaving information. Our goal is to raise $37,000. so that many children can be helped.

4. Education sponsorship for low-income children: CHRIFACAF sponsors individual children by helping to cover the costs of basic living expenses (medicine, food, and education) of children of families affected by HIV. We also help children from families who can’t afford the costs of school fees, uniforms, and books. Typically, it costs between 250-300 / annually per child to meet these costs.

Partnership with Circle Of Women

Project Profile:

Circle of Women: Reach and Teach Across Borders was founded in 2006 as a nonprofit organization to promote education for girls in the developing world through collaborative school building projects. Its mission is to equip girls with self-reliance, knowledge, and increased capacities to both enhance their own lives and to become active, contributing members of their changing societies. Circle of Women also raises public awareness about these girls’ education and interests to facilitate a global exchange of information and resources.  If you are interested in contributing either human or financial resources to Circle of Women we encourage you to visit their website, http://www.circleofwomen.org, or email an inquiry to info@circleofwomen.org. If you have a question for Circle of Women’s contact with Omprakash please email nick@omprakash.org.

Partnership History:

Circle of Women created a partnership with Omprakash in July, 2008.  The partnership was created in light of shared goals and similar efforts at the proliferation of education. Like Omprakash, Circle of Women believes that the world houses an increasingly global community, which features a circle of exchange: exchange through dialogue, through support, through actions, through admiration, and through understanding. Circle of Women strives to create a channel for positive cross-cultural exchange. Therefore, they look to find both financial and volunteer support through the Omprakash network.

Need for Volunteers:

Circle of Women is looking for volunteers who are interested in its cause and who are looking to help add momentum to the organization and its goals. Volunteers can get involved through the Circumference Program by starting a new Circle of Women project, starting a Circle of Women branch, or supporting Circle of Women’s existing programs. You can support an existing program by volunteering your time, sharing your network, or by sharing your ideas, expertises, or resouces. If you are interested joining the circle, please contact info@circleofwomen.org to learn more about its Circumference Program.

Need for Material Resources:

Circle of Women is looking for financial support for the construction and maintenance of the Wonkhai School in Afghanistan and the subsequent education to girls that it will provide.  “Project Wonkhai” is Circle of Women’s first project.  It involves the construction of a 600-person girls’ school and a health clinic, the maintenance of school supplies, and the support of supplemental salaries for teachers in Wonkhai, Afghanistan.  In total, the project will cost $115,000. Fahima Vorgetts, a board member of Women for Afghan Women, collaborates with Circle of Women by serving as an in-country contractor during frequent trips between the US and Afghanistan.

$ 15 buys a blackboard for a classroom.
$ 20 pays the lead teacher’s salary for one month or buys 15 textbooks.
$ 50 buys 150 desks.
$ 100 covers the cost of educating one girl for one year or buys access to healthcare for 10 girls on the school site.
$ 200 covers the annual cost of bus transportation for the girls or the training of one teacher.
$ 600 buys lunch for all the girls for one day.
$ 1000 buys the school supplies for all 600 students for one year.
$5,000 covers the cost of an electrical power generator and internet access.
$15,000 covers the construction costs of a women’s healthcare clinic.

Partnership with Sphoorti Foundation

Project Profile: SPHOORTI (http://www.sphoorti.org) is a simple grassroots organization working for underprivileged children - homeless, orphaned, abandoned and other at-risk groups. It was formed in Aug 2006.  Its mission is to change lives of children belonging to such underprivileged groups by providing them with long-term care and skills, and transform them into responsible citizens.  Children at SPHOORTI are in their complete care and custody and SPHOORTI is committed to impacting their lives 24×7, 365 days a year.  To learn more, please contact willy@omprakash.org or srivyalv@yahoo.com.

Partnership History: SPHOORTI has been an Omprakash partner since June, 2008.

-In June, 2008, SPHOORTI received 15 boxes of books as part of our India Book Distribution Project>>

Need for Material Resources:

-Educational expenses for 53 children - $5600 per annum

-Furniture requirements – Iron racks (12) - $600 buckets (12) - $400

-Water containers - $160

-School bags - $600

Need for Volunteers: SPHOORTI is searching for a volunteer who can help improve its website.

Learn more about SPHOORTI: www.sphoorti.org/gallery.html; www.sphoorti.org/testimonials.html; www.youtube.com/group/sphoorti

Photos

Videos

Partnership with MORE

MORE

The reconstruction path of MORE includes (a) Education (b) Health (c) Livelihoods and (d) Leadership Development.  It focuses on the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of society with a view to include them in all spheres of development process.  The organisation believes that inclusive growth and development will be a reality only when the most marginalised sections occupy the centre stage of development. This is possible only by community based approaches with a “bottom-up” orientation. Community based reconstruction or Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is the philosophy of MORE.

MORE keeps constant touch with marginalised and vulnerable people such as Persons with Disabilities (PWD), Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, dalits, religious and ethnic minorities, women and most importantly children. Through CBR means MORE aims to bring an end to discriminatory attitudes within communities and help develop an inclusive society.

Since inception MORE has b