A special thanks to everyone who so generously offered monetary and moral support for these projects. Although they are now completed, the memories will last a lifetime and are recorded on the "journal" and "gallery" pages of this site. |
Service Projects
Basically, I was new to this whole service-minded world. I have learned a lot already and definitely want to learn more. To do so, I chose three very different organizations to get involved with over the first six months of my trip. Each one offered a different approach to the service sector and each provided its own unique and very rewarding experience.
Habitat For Humanity
Bangalore, India: 16-Sep-07 thru 29-Sep-07
As one of the largest NGO's, Habitat For Humanity ’s Global Village program allows participants to engage with people of another culture and assist homeowners to build decent affordable housing in communities all over the world. If size is a measure of success, this organization is right on top. In Sri Lanka, I once saw how 1000 € changed the lives of a familty of four by putting a roof over their heads so I believe in what this group is doing. Apparently so do many others. After being selected to join a team of 12, I sent my bio to the team leader for introductions. It was short, sweet and very casual - I am, after all, leaving my job for a year. I soon learned this was not the same approach taken by the former chancellor of an Ivy League school, his mathematics professor wife and the double doctoral pro bono lawyer that will be participating... Seriously?!? Yes, I was shocked... and wish I could resubmit a better beefier resume!
I'll spend two weeks in Bangalore working with a team of volunteers to help construct a home for a local family. I look forward to meeting the stellar cast of characters and getting my hands dirty.
More information on this program can be found at the Habitat For Humanity Global Village web page or through the logo donation link above.
Please note that the deadline for donations on this project closed August 1st, 2007.
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
Solar Sisters
Ashrang VDC, Nepal: 11-Nov-07 thru 22-Nov-07
The Himalayan Light Foundation supports a variety of renewable energy technologies and is focused on environmental initiatives to improve the quality of life of remote Himalayan populations. It is a small organization running project-based programs that allow flexibility to design and implement locally-driven initiatives in response to the needs of rural Himalayan communities.
The Solar Sisters Program was established as a simple and effective way to distribute community-controlled solar systems to rural communities. I will join a small team (an engineer, a guide and a translator) to assist with the installation of a lighting system and training for basic system troubleshooting at a secondary school near Gorkha.
More details about this project can be found at the donation website linked to the logo above. Additional information on this program and other renewable energy technology programs founded by the HLF can be found at the Himalayan Light Foundation web site.
PEPY Bike Ride
Villages of Cambodia: 23-Dec-07 thru 13-Jan-08
“Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself” (PEPY) was founded for the purpose of supporting literacy in schools, as well as education, health and environmental programs in Cambodia. The young organization works closely with local partnerships to ensure that initiatives that are implemented by volunteers are both successful in their purpose and consistent in their delivery and support. This locally-focused structure and support has helped PEPY become a widely-recognized and awarded force in the "voluntourism" industry.
As part of a team, I'll travel by bicycle on a three week trip across Cambodia. We will be stopping in small villages to meet and talk with people, participate in classroom activities with the students and contribute to local community improvement projects. The funds contributed to this project support the local on-going initiatives of PEPY and their partner organizations, which are completely separate from the fees paid for individual participation.
More information on their program and partnerships can be found at the PEPY web site. Donations can be made online by clicked on the logo above.