My experience of my first day is Cuba is what I will be sharing… my thoughts, feelings, judgments. I KNOW that I can easily focus on the details (Varying room temperature, food surprises, loud noises at 3 am, lukewarm coffee, unrelenting heat) or I can experience the “Gestalt” (or, the whole) of this time here. […]
Anna Goshua says the historic timing of her July Crete Service Program added significance to her volunteer contribution. As the Greek government negotiated austerity measures with the EU, Anna focused her personal efforts on daily English lessons – to encourage her adolescent students to plan for their futures. It brought into focus, she said, the importance of a steady […]
On the barren hillsides of Alto Progres, Peru, you can magnify your volunteer efforts by assisting families in need! Within the district of Pamplona – one of 150 destitute communities districts of Lima – Alto Progreso’s 350 families survive amidst extreme living conditions. Within a sea of more than one million people, children and youth grow up with intermittent electricity, no […]
Report from Cuba – By Pam Cromer, Team Leader Global Volunteers’ historic first volunteer team is doing important work – not only meeting the community’s labor requests, but building long-lasting relationships. This is the foundation of every successful program – important, directed work, and compassionate, open-minded volunteers. When combined, long-term change can occur. Each volunteer teaches English in the […]
Last views of Ciego de Avila – very sad to be leaving. My pal, Ramon: a short build of a man always smiling very willing to teach – quite skilled – yet so gentle, willing to share his lunch – a fried fish sandwich with the tail sticking out the bread. Best meal in Cuba […]
Today, some of us go to the English class at the Community Center. Everyone else goes to their assignments. Sandy tells me that the workers at the Church pulled 50 – 2 x 12 x 18” cement blocks up to the second floor dorm to build a new wall. Gail was there to help with […]
Once again, I had tears in my eyes as I saw how the hotel kitchen staff shows their love for us. They had decorated our table with two bouquets of handmade long-stemmed paper roses – one for each tem member. They had also gotten some individual packages of strawberry jam for us. I have no […]
“I continue to be blown away by how hospitable and kind our hosts have been. In the South we have something called ‘Southern Hospitality, ‘ but I can confirm that Cuban Hospitality is another beast entirely. It is one thing to say you are glad to have us here, but to actually show it, and […]
You might expect that our English classes at the Community Center on Day Five would be routine. No – every class has its surprises with new students and endearing returnees. Randy, Lou and Marietta introduced our classes to “This Little Light of Mine.” It brought smiles all around. Glenda got all of us moving and dancing in […]
“I knew I wanted to experience Cuba as a volunteer, ” said Sue Surma – long-time Global Volunteer team member and leader. “As soon as my best friend Holly signed up for the first team, I told her I’d go with her.” Sue and Holly try to volunteer together as often as Holly’s work schedule […]