Our New Partnership in South Africa

Our first team in South Africa was an amazing success by all measurements! We had so much fun, and made such a significant difference in the wonderful, warm host community of Malungeni on the Eastern Cape. We invite you on our journey....and to learn about some of the most resiliant, resourceful people in the world!

Quote: “Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” - Rumi

July 13, 2008 – Elsa Singh

After 19 to 23 long, grueling hours on various planes, we were met by an enthusiastic and relieved Michele at East London airport. Packed with luggage into a comfortable mini van, we embarked on our personal journey to Malungeni. Stunned by the beauty of the veld, we marveled at the vastness of the countryside, the villages around were octagonal homes, and the blue clarity of the sky which eventually darkened to produce a canopy of stars and full moon.

Arriving at the conference center, we were warmly welcomed and embraced by some of the local women who were all dressed in abundant layers. Dinner was displayed and enthusiastically explained by Vuyo whose delivery was every bit as entertaining as Emmerol.

To bed, to bed, perchance to sleep? The cold was our bed fellow. By the end of the week we too will be walking around in short sleeves and flip flops like the natives. The morning dawned…sunny, cold and soon. After breakfast Michele helped us to collaborate on the 15 characteristics of an effective team and then went on to setting personal team goals for our time here which ranged from experiencing the culture, being of service to the community and sharing the legacy.

By noon we noticed community people arriving for the welcoming celebration. Inside we sat with the community leaders, including the tribal chiefs, an endeavor to formulate plans to live up to the community’s expectations. The Global Volunteer philosophy was verbalized over and over that we were there to support their plans – not impose ours.

One of the tribal leaders put up and action plan chart with projects, who would work on them, expected outcome and timeframe. This was a bit frustrating for us all for the community did not seem to have clear projects to support and Michele did not want the ideas to come from us. But the spirit of working together as a team came across and being the first team here, groundwork will be established for the future. Many of us were impressed by the experience and exchange of this meeting and how diplomatic Michele was with the tribal leaders. For those of us who have been on other established trips, this experience greatly enhanced our appreciation for those who laid the groundwork on those trips for us.

Moving outside, the welcoming committee began with men, women and children gathered in a circle with us – the honored guests – and leaders seated in the front. The festivities were awesome, beginning with a prayer followed by speeches from the elders, the police chief, and introductions of the Global Volunteers. Several spoke of the lack of crime in Malungeni, although recognizing it’s endemic in the country. We were assured we were safe and welcomed. We were welcomed everywhere in the community and having us here and an honor to all.

There was singing with melodic harmonies, raucous dancing by the women and humorous skits by the children. The children were extremely well behaved throughout the afternoon and very patient. The women were so excited to share their dancing and performances with us and we were all thankful to have such a cultural experience. After awhile, delicious food was served inside and out and then more entertainment outside with drums and music providing the festive background. I have never welcomed more eloquently or with more exuberance by a people whose joie de vivre is a staple of their everyday diet.

The bitter cold of late afternoon drove the people home and us inside. But the warmth of the welcome was a soothing balm to our chilled beings.

Day 2

Right! This place is amazing and all, but when are we going to start working with these people? All of the volunteers got a guided tour of all of the facilities that need development, and. I realized they all need a lot of attention! Many steps would have to be taken to start the developing.

So the meeting was set for 3:00 for all of the volunteers and the project heads of the village to plan how to get things started. And it isn’t just developing facilities, it’s also types of activities. I was getting very curious how this meeting would go.
Oh my, did we start to plan! We got down to specifics on what supplies were needed, when to begin certain aspects of the various projects, who would be assisting in the various projects and how much time was needed for them. I was pleasantly surprised how well the communication seemed to be going. We all got off to a very organized start and I now believe that the leaders of Malungeni and the Global volunteers are on the same page. Or, at least, I really hope!

Truly,
Ryan B. O’Connell

Global Volunteers Romania Program

Our wonderful volunteers are more than just hard workers. They are very talented as well. Please enjoy this video from former volunteers on our Romania program




To learn more about our Global Volunteers Romania Service Program, Click Here!

Just Do It! A Dentist in Tanzania

I've served on 13 Global Volunteer teams in 10 countries since 1997. I recommend if you're considering joining a team....just do it. Global Volunteers will take it from there. Their country managers do an excellent job of setting up the food and housing, and consulting with the village leaders to find out what the needs are for that particular work site. I've always felt "needed" wherever I serve. Global Volunteers fits my needs because of the way they operate. There principles are, they only go where they are invited, and only do what the local people ask them to do. It is always with a team, the accommodations are comfortable for each project site, and the people are wonderful.

Once on site, a workshop, led by the country manager, is done to discover the unique characteristics of each team, and the unique skills of each team member to match the village needs. There always are options for work projects. In Pommern, where Global Volunteers has worked for over 20 years, and I have been 3 times, the team members have a choice of teaching English, doing light building and maintenance work, or working in health care.

Since there's no dentist for over 20 miles from the village, I've been using my skills to set up a dental facility. Some patients I see have had toothaches for as long as 6 years, and they walk or bike over 4 hours to be seen. The dental facility is currently able to extract, clean, and teach preventive oral hygiene. I am returning two more times this year so that basic fillings can also be done. There are over 1,300 students in the primary and secondary schools who are being taught proper preventive oral hygiene. Each one is given a toothbrush and toothpaste. They're also taught to use salt water once the toothpaste is gone. I'll return in August with restorative materials and will be then be able to do basic fillings along with the oral surgery, oral hygiene, and preventive care. And, a very nice dentist in Iringa has agreed to do root canals and restorations so people don't have to walk around with teeth missing.

According to the UN Human Development Index http://enwikipedia.org/Human_Development_Index, there are four worlds, and all of Africa is in the fourth world. So what a better place to began, where the greatest need is. Or one can begin in any one of the "Four worlds". The key is, to begin. And that can be with any skills you have. My late wife Virginia and I took our two oldest grandchildren to Poland and Italy to teach English with Global Volunteers. With her passing away in February, I am carrying on the vision we both had and loved. In June, I am taking my third oldest grandson to Poland to teach English. When I return in August, a freshman dental student will be on the team. He'll make a great assistant and experience life and living in the "fourth world."

So the bottom line is, to name the three most important issues in the world. These can be either local or global. And use that as a starting point, and do something about it. This I know: Any skill a team member brings is always appreciated and used around the world. Volunteering with Global Volunteers is a wonderful experience one never forgets (and doesn't stop doing!).

Lewis Pierce, happy Global Volunteer

Update from the Cook Islands

This year's program started with a full team of 16 eager volunteers ready to head off into their service program on the first day of school. In the Cook Islands, sometimes schools take a little longer than schools in other countries to get started, so we had to redirect our energetic volunteers to other projects until the classes were ready for them!

Some of that energy was transferred into repainting the Cook Islands Library and Museum’s office. What a job! The office had not been painted since 1968 so – you can imagine! What with the heat, humidity and the ‘wild life’ of the tropics there were a few interesting cultural experiences had by the fabulous five who took on the challenge. Jean Mason the curator of the library says she is so thrilled with the end result; it is now a pleasant place to work.

We have also undertaken an exciting venture– the Virtues Project; a school-based program in partnership with Takitumu School. Its goal is the promotion of peace throughout the world...How appropriate a partner for Global Volunteers! Takitumu School is also one of the schools where we have supported a literacy program for many years, and is assisted by Global Volunteers’ Classroom Sponsorship Program.

In the Virtues Project, the school decided on three ‘virtues’ (excellence, unity and humility) that they would like to focus on. A large mural was designed by a volunteer from Vaka 96 to depict these ideas. Painting was all go with four volunteer helpers, and within a week or two the mural was ready for an unveiling. A special ceremony was held at the school with the media turning up for the occasion. If you look closely you will see a “96” on the vaka (canoe) just to ensure that everyone knows which team of Global Volunteers supported this project!

Of course, literacy remains the focus of the Cook Islands program. Volunteers have continued to support a number of primary and secondary schools with their reading programmes. One school is hoping that we will be able to expand into some numeracy (mathematics) support in the future, once they have designed exactly what support they need.

An upcoming project is assistance with the upgrading of our hospital. There is so much work to be done up there. The first stage is to make the children’s ward a place to get better! Plans include a new roof, walls to be ripped out, painting, wiring and plumbing repairs, an office for the charge nurses and installation of ceiling fans. Is anyone willing to come and help? The ANZ bank staff has fundraised to get this started – we just need some ready, willing and able volunteers and we are full steam ahead.
Of course, teams have had loads of fun together in their free time. Mama Here taught some volunteers to make beautiful ei’s. And of course we’ve learned all sorts of things about coconuts! It is amazing just what you can do with a coconut. We have learned to dance (well sort of anyway!), speak a few words of Maori and of course snorkeled, smelled beautiful flowers, and met beautiful people.

Thank you (Meitaki maata), to each and every person who has come, or intends to come, to the Cook Islands for their adventure in service. You are needed, and we have plenty of work for you to do if you decide to come again. I look forward to it. For those of you who are unable to return this year, please help out through the child sponsorship program. We appreciate all you do!

Kia manuia, Debi Futter-Puati
Cook Islands Country Manager