|
Economic Disparity Especially Hard on Brazil's Children
Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, Brazil is South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. However, highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem. In fact, according to the World Bank, Brazil had the most lopsided income distribution in the world at the end of the millennium. Today, 45 million people live in conditions of poverty. The VAST majority -- 32 million children and adolescents -- live in families with incomes of less than 40 dollars a month. In this country of 178 million, poverty pushes school-age children into the world of work and creates a breeding-ground for social ills like malnutrition, sexual exploitation, and violence against children.
Although there are no reliable statistics on child labour in Brazil, an estimated three million children under 14 work, 40 percent of them in agriculture, where the worst conditions are found and where work is generally incompatible with school attendance.
According to statistics from the UNICEF Report, Child Poverty in Rich countries, minors working on plantations cut an average of 2.3 tons of sugar cane a day, doing arduous work at an age at which their bone and muscle systems are not yet fully developed. As adults they often suffer irreversible limb and joint problems and are at risk of cardiac and respiratory ailments. Global Volunteers' new hosts in Salvadore, Brazil are addressing these conditions head on. Learn more about the Brazil Program.
back to top
|
|
Orphanage Projects Added in China and Italy
Do you know how great a difference your Global Volunteers' service program fee makes? Unlike many "volunteer vacations" organizations, Global Volunteers' service programs center on genuine human and economic development in our host communities. Together with indigenous partner organizations, we create work plans that optimize the volunteer's efforts, and make direct financial contributions on each team to support the on-going work we assist. We're committed to working in true partnership with our hosts. That means we strive to provide the optimal number of volunteers to each community each year, and to help finance large, and long-term host community projects that would likely be impossible without outside assistance. In addition to providing project funds through the service program fees that each volunteer contributes, we raise funding for special projects such as water wells, playground equipment, a "school" bus, industrial washers and dryers, baby clothing and toys and much, much more. You can feel secure that your service program fees and donations are well-spent and very greatly appreciated!
back to top
|
|
"Italian Students Reach Out To New Orleans Katrina Victim
For two weeks in October, New York volunteer Rosemary Uzzo was part of a Global Volunteers team that taught conversational English to secondary-school students in the ancient city of Ostuni, nestled in the hills in the "heel" of Italy's "boot."
Uzzo learned quickly that Ostuni isn't nearly as remote as it initially seemed, when she discussed current events - especially the human devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina - with her Italian students.
She related a story that resonates with thousands of Italian-Americans when she told the Ostuni schoolchildren the plight of New Orleans businessman Joseph Maselli. An entrepreneur and cultural leader, Maselli had created the well-known American-Italian Renaissance Museum and Library in New Orleans and restored the city's beloved Piazza D'Italia, only to see them both badly damaged by Katrina.
The Italian teens were so moved at hearing about Maselli's misfortune, they wrote personal notes of consolation and encouragement to him. Here are excerpts: From Sabrina de Ciccis: "I'm an Italian in a small city in Puglia. I'm writing to you to thank you for preserving our culture in America.You are a man with a lot of courage."
From Serena Gernone: "I know that in the past a lot of people from Italy came to America to find work and I appreciate your effort because it think it is very important for the future to preserve Italian culture in America. I'm sorry about your museum."
From Ada Baccaro: "Ms. Uzzo told me and other students your story. I'm sorry that your museum went through a terrible disaster from Katrina. I appreciate you because in the world there aren't many people like you. I approve of your ideas and I hope that you will always work to preserve your Italian culture."
Uzzo, a proud Italian-American, plans to share these notes with Maselli, in addition to the over $1,200 she has helped raise for his museum repair efforts.
"This entire experience brought me closer my roots and made me even prouder of my heritage," said Uzzo, who says she participated in the service program "to demonstrate that we are all part of the world community." Read more about our Italy Service Program.
back to top
|
|
"And The Winner is... You!" Heroic Roles Far From Hollywood
With the Academy Awards fast approaching (this Sunday night March 5), Global Volunteers invites you to take the "role of a lifetime" - as a volunteer lending a hand in communities around the world. We can't promise you a red carpet, screams of adulation or a golden statuette. What we can give you is something far more precious - the soulful satisfaction of having served your fellow human beings. Please indulge us as we offer you the following "Oscar-worthy" roles:
"The Squid and the Whale" - Volunteer in the Cook Islands where you can tutor children in reading skills, clear trails in a conservation area and help at a whale research center. Two or three weeks. Several spring, summer and fall dates available.
"North Country" - Share your English skills with new immigrants "up north" in Minnesota or help with labor projects on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana or the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
"Walk the Line" - Volunteer in Appalachia, the heart and soul of America's traditional country music and a unique mountain culture. Volunteers are needed to build new homes and repair existing homes in coal-mining towns of Fayette County, West Virginia.
"The Chronicles of Romania: - The Lil' Ones, the Wishes and the Wardrobe" - Provide vital care for vulnerable babies at a failure-to-thrive clinic in rural eastern Romania.
"Pride & Peru Justice" - Lend a hand in Lima, Peru, at the largest children's home in South America and bring hope to a very proud people.
back to top
|
|
Overcome Isolation by Adapting to Culture
Adjusting to another culture can be terrifically stressful for those of us who operate with a high level of control in our daily lives. In "The Art of Crossing Cultures" (Intercultural Press, 1990), Craig Scott says: "Many of us, not knowing which of our behaviors might be culturally acceptable, (or neutral) and which may not, err on the side of caution... moving through intercultural situations in a state of semiparalysis. We are, quite literally, not ourselves." Scott says this breeds frustration and resentment toward the culture that is requiring us to adapt. "But worst of all is the feeling...that we're losing touch with who we are." This produces a lonliness that some people assume results from missing relatives and friends, but is more likely because we feel estranged from ourselves. The antidote? Scott says understanding of the culture and a connection with the local people will quickly enable us to regain a sense of equilibrium.
back to top |
"We're links in a long chain of those who have come before
and will follow to help improve the lives of people around the world."
~ Bud Philbrook, Global Volunteers co-founder and president
|
YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO US
Do you have specific topics you'd like to see in a future issue: Send us your ideas. Since 1984, we've worked alongside local people in every corner of the globe -- laying a foundation for peace through mutual international understanding. In mobilizing thousands of short-term volunteers, we've learned valuable lessons about honoring local customs, methods and perspectives. We hope to share what we've learned with you.
Please e-mail us: linkeditor@globalvolunteers.org
back to top
|
|
