Community Partner since 1995.
In the year since Greece began its first (of many) national lockdowns due to the fast-spreading Covid- 19 virus, Greek students and teachers have struggled to sustain a reliable school routine. Celia Kopaka, one of our phenomenal community partners in Greece, describes her efforts to keep her students up to date via online learning, and […]
English is considered the international language of commerce, industry, technology and opportunity. Global Volunteers’ international Country Managers explain the importance of teaching conversational English, in two divergent parts of the world, for communication, social unity, and career opportunities. In some countries, including English-speaking countries like the U.S., a second language isn’t considered essential. Native English […]
Mentoring children of all ages around the world is a meaningful assignment for volunteers from all backgrounds. Drawing on their own experiences and compassion, volunteers can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in as little as one or two weeks. Read on to learn how volunteers of diverse backgrounds and life experiences […]
As we all confront new questions and conflicts each day about our safety, health and economic security during the pandemic, we appreciate our inspired partners around the world. Every Global Volunteers development partnership has its own origin story and offers its unique inspiration. And, local community leaders personally have overcome threats to their own peace […]
Few global events ever impact every country simultaneously as COVID-19 has. Besides its devastating consequences for the health and finances of millions of people around the world, the pandemic also disrupted their education. How have schools in our partner communities been affected? How have they’ve been able to cope with the challenges, and what does […]
After the economic crisis of 2009 and the financial crisis of 2015, Greece was slowly but steadily recovering. COVID-19 has dramatically reversed that rebound. Thankfully, the death toll hasn’t risen to the highs of many other European countries. But, according to forecasts, COVID-19’s devastation to the Greek economy will likely be greater than to any […]
Global Volunteers Community Partner Malamo “Tenia” Vigla says the regression of her students’ English skills during the COVID-19 lockdown will be a challenge to overcome. In a “normal” school year, Global Volunteers would be teaching important lessons in her classroom to help students bridge the upcoming summer holiday. But, she’s determined to employ the techniques […]
When the first cases of the Coronavirus – COVID – 19 made their appearance in Wuhan, China, just before Christmas, my thoughts took me back to the era of SARS, EBOLA, and MERS. It was an unknown virus, but too far away to affect us here on the Island of Crete. Within three months, the […]
This summer marks 25 years of Global Volunteers serving on the island of Crete, Greece. We will be celebrating this milestone anniversary with new and alumni volunteers on a service program beginning July 18. This is a rare and not-to-be-missed opportunity! What can you expect on this unique team? Enjoy meaningful teaching with local English […]
With a thirst for cross-cultural knowledge, octogenarian Carolyn Gallaher joined her third service program with Global Volunteers in hope to uncover the true heart of Crete. She soon learned she wouldn’t be disappointed. Carolyn was grateful to work on a variety of service projects that put her in direct contact with Greeks of all ages, […]