Journal entry by Ben, Cuba Global Volunteer and University of Iowa Student, written during his volunteer program in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. Over the course of my volunteer work in Cuba, I have tried to think of a way to explain to everyone back in America just what it was like to be in Cuba. I don’t think […]
By Stevan, Cuba Global Volunteer It has been a dream of mine of over 30 years to visit Cuba. Even though there were ways to get there via Canada or Mexico, I was just afraid and didn’t want to be a poster child for the U.S. government as to what could happen to you if […]
Lani, a 3-time volunteer and retired schoolteacher, recently returned from her program teaching English in Poland. Lani taught students from kindergarten through sixth grade. She was so touched when she opened her mailbox to a wonderful parcel from Poland. Inside were over a dozen handmade cards and a handmade wire tree! A retired teacher touches hearts […]
By the end of the school session today we were more than halfway through our week of service. By now we are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of our students. Their school teachers and earlier Global Volunteers have served them well. The students in the upper class can recognize English words that they […]
Reflections on a handshake in Cuba by Michael, Cuba Global Volunteer and Blake School Student. Oh, a handshake! The simplest connection that humans can make. Those from different languages, races, cultures, and worlds are able to feel an instant connection. What becomes even more special is the catalyst that the handshake can produce. The reaction […]
Since early 2016, Global Volunteers Crete teams have been called upon by local authorities to help meet the needs of Syrian refugees in Greece. To date, volunteers work packaging and sorting donated clothing at the port of Heraklion, and preparing filled boxes for shipping to Athens. One team’s story: More than a million refugees and migrants have traveled across […]
Today in Greece the Greeks celebrate Clean Monday ” Kathara Deftera” which marks the end of the carnival and the beginning of Great lent. It is called this because Christians begin this season with “clean hearts and good intentions”. Due to the fact that this day is also considered the first day of Spring families gather together for picnics […]
Thought for the day: “For one minute, walk outside, stand there in silence, look up at the sky and contemplate how amazing life is.” What a wonderful day meeting with Stephen, our wonderful, kind, compassionate leader, along with our fantastic team. Since there are only 4 of us on the team, we have our own […]
Volunteers prepare food for children in Peru: A journal entry by a volunteer serving at PPA, the largest children’s home in Peru. Today at the PPA (Puericultorio Perez Aranibar children’s home), we are going to help prepare food for children in Peru, and there is much to do. The staff will be fixing food not only for […]
How to have the best vacation ever in Peru, reflections on vacations by Peru Country Manager Daniel Salazar: I just came back from an amazing trip I will never forget. See, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas for my honeymoon. Just a few hours after I arrived I had two things in my […]