Current News, Field Reports and Volunteer Voices

Several times each week, we post stories about work we do in our host communities – through the voices of our partners, volunteers, and those we serve. Subscribe using the form below to receive updates in your inbox when they’re published. If you’re looking for deeper insight into service in a specific country, on a particular type of project, how you can share your unique skills or volunteering as a family or a group, you can find a wealth of information here. Use the categories next to the posts here or on any page (below right column) to explore more stories that suit your interests.

We welcome your ideas on topics you’d like to see here. Please contact us at marketing@globalvolunteers.org. Enjoy our blog!

Volunteers and teachers with new mural and renovated exterior of early childhood development Center #1 in ecuador

Development Impact Peru

School Environments Improve With the Service and Resources of Volunteers

According to UNESCO, half of Latin American fifteen-year-olds can't achieve minimum reading proficiency. That is, they're able to read, but fail to understand what they read. This is one of many sad outcomes of inadequate infrastructure, lack…

International community development

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Reaching Children’s Potential in Tanzania: Welcome to Fathanida Kimbavala

Every month, Global Volunteers’ caregivers in the Ukwega Ward of Tanzania meet with families who wish to participate in the Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Demonstration Program. The goal of RCP is to eliminate childhood stunting…

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Welcoming the New Year as a Volunteer in Cuba

Six-time Global Volunteer Ann Sweeney has served in Cuba three times - including twice for New Year's celebrations, where she enjoyed Cuban graciousness and tradition. She writes of making connections and nurturing friendships as the focus…

International community development

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

International Community Development Profile: Emola Mbata Family in Tanzania

In this series, families in the Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Demonstration Program in Tanzania explain how their participation improves their lives. Global Volunteers' RCP Program engages short-term volunteers to help parents deliver…

child is happy being praised by volunteer in Greece

Conversational English

Youth and Adults Learn English Language Skills from Generous Volunteers

It's easy to underestimate the importance of English to the 95 percent of the world population who aren't native speakers. But the volunteers who teach English to children and young adults in classrooms, small groups and language camps directly…

global volunteers tanzania staff

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Dedicated Ipalamwa General Clinic Staff Committed to Excellence

Global Volunteers' Ipalamwa General Clinic (IGC) was built as the centerpiece of the Reaching Children's Potential Program (RCP) in the Ukwega Ward of Tanzania. The nucleus of professionalism at IGC is a staff of nine: the clinic manager, doctor…

volunteering in Africa

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Tanzania Service Program is Source of Inspiration for First-Time Volunteer

First-time volunteer Marsha Dixon, a retired benefits consultant from New Hampshire, reflects on teaching youth and meeting parents in Ipalamwa, Tanzania. In this interview with Volunteer Engagement Manager Maggie Bjorklund, Marsha describes…

News and Updates

Why I Give: Donor-Advised Funds Simplify Giving

Donor-advised funds are one of the ways that volunteers and donors financially support Global Volunteers' work in communities around the world. Read on for details on what they are and how they can be used. Passionate about the work…

News and Updates Montana

A Heart Song for this Holiday Season: Community Partner Sends Message

From the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana on the Blackfeet Reservation, our community partner Brother Dale Mooney sends Christmas greetings, with a reference to the comfort we seek in times of trouble. In a community suffering…

Children in Peru dancing at the Sagrada Familia children's community with volunteers during Christmas season

Cultures and Traditions, News and Updates Peru

Children With So Little Share Big Love With a Weary World

In the midst of all the challenges of 2020 and a seemingly never-ending pandemic, our community partner in Peru, Sagrada Familia children's home, sends a Christmas video message to all Global Volunteers alumni and supporters. by Peru…

transformation through service

Family Volunteering Cuba

My Transformation Through Service

First-time volunteer Mary Horstman remembers her December, 2019 "alternative holiday" in service in with her husband, Tom, and sons, EJ and John, as an opportunity to put her faith in action. A nurse and college professor, she spent a week…

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Happy Healthy Birthdays for These RCP Children in December 2020!

The Reaching Children's Potential (RCP) program of the Ukwega Ward in central Tanzania measures its success by the growth and development of the children in the program. Read about 38 girls and boys who reached their first, second, third, and…