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!

Volunteer Voices Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam and Beyond

On our first full day in Dar Es Salaam we woke up to the gorgeous view of the bay right outside our windows. We ate a quick but filling breakfast and headed out to explore the city. The previous night we were able to see some of Dar Es Salaam,…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.

Finally, the long awaited rains have come, Portugal is grateful for them! As Kei puts it, “Gold from the sky!” Bobbie, Diane and Paul met for their last classes today. As expected, leaving was not easy. They are very fortunate…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

a little wiser, a little more humble

Thursday dawned blue and bright with the promise of another memorable day in Beja. The countdown has begun to the end of our journey, and the realization that we will be arriving back home a little wiser, a little more humble and a lot…

Free Time Options, Volunteer Voices Portugal

Wine Tour

Joe, Carlos, Francisco (the driver), Joe, Mary, Arleen and myself went on a mystery trip organized by Carlos. We went to Albernoa today. We saw orange trees, olive trees and grape vines. The orange trees were loaded with oranges. …

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Another Great Day

Another great weather day in Beja – clear skies and perhaps 72 degrees. Joe and I had a few hours of free time in the morning. We visited the Municipal Museum which had an excellent interpretive handout in English. Well worth the one…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Politics and Games

Paul, Diane and Bobbie greeted their morning class at the Instituto Politécnico de Beja with “T.G.I.F.” – another new slang expression to add to their growing list.A serious discussion about religion in the U.S. followed as a student…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Strike Day

Mary and Joe's day at the Dom Manuel I secondary school was informative, interesting and frustrating. Today was Greve Geral (National General Strike), and it affected the school day. Workers around the country are protesting the economic…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

We are all beautiful

Our second morning in Beja dawned cool and crisp with a bright blue sky. This was a positive foreshadowing of the day to come. As we all awoke to the tranquility of a small Portuguese town, we all began to realize the transition we had…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Getting Acquainted

Today was about getting acquainted, coming together as a team and focusing on specific goals. It began with our bus journey to Beja – our home away from home for the next two weeks. During our travels we witnessed the natural beauty of…

Volunteer Voices St Lucia

Another Great Day Volunteering in St. Lucia

Our four-member team arrived at the Marigot Secondary School in time for teacher’s morning briefing in the staff lounge. The school briefing opened with the Lord’s prayer and a recitation of the 23rd Psalm. How is it I can remember…

Volunteer Voices Italy

Italy Volunteer Program Update – March 13

Our second week continues with the winds and challenging and interesting experiences. The volunteers continue to amaze me with their energy and detailed attention to their lessons and the students. Today, I want to spend some time focusing…

Volunteer Voices Tanzania

“Life is Mostly Simple, Don’t Complicate it and Expect too Much.”

This morning my alarm goes off as usual at 7:00 a.m I really don’t want to get out of bed immediately, but there is some big chunky bug crawling on the floor in front of my bed.. I get up, put my shoes on and step on the critter. Snap .,…