Greetings,

I am increasingly impressed by the enthusiasm, attitude, strength and commitment of GVN volunteers.

Nearly every day I am sent an email or one of our Co-ordinators tells me about a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to help another human being.

There is nothing more inspiring than hearing about a volunteer who has immersed themselves in a community by taking the time to understand the people and the culture, recognising a need, and then turning an idea for change into reality.

Volunteers are raising funds to build wells and schools, educate children, provide medical care, and much, much more. Often this work is done long after their placements have finished but their commitment remains strong.

Today I wish to thank you.

The old mindset that 'the problem is too big, and what could I possibly do' is no longer justifiable in the world that we live in. Because you are the example and you are the evidence. Something can be done and one person can change the life of another human being.

Within us all is the potential to help create a better world and as George Herbert once said 'It's never too late to be what you might have been'.

Colin Salisbury
Chief Executive Officer

Urgent Need: Alaska

A number of people considering a volunteer placement are asking GVN which communities and projects we believe to be the most in need at a given time. Our responses are often varied due to the needs of our partners and the environment they are working in. Right now, Alaska especially needs your help.

Alaska is still one of the most pristine areas in the entire world, yet environmental problems frequently make the headlines. Air, water, soil and sound pollution affect areas throughout the state, even hundreds of miles away from civilization.

Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in various aspects of environmental field work, including trail maintenance, research, conservation education, community outreach, park maintenance, plant conservation, and environmental activism. Activities will differ according to the particular project that you are involved in. The greatest need for volunteers is in:

Soldotna - There are two facets of this volunteer project: restoring a productive salmon spawning and rearing stream, and monitoring the amount of fuel entering the river during periods of peak recreational activity. http://www.volunteer.org.nz/usa/alaska/projects/soldotna.php

Homer Museum - Volunteers will be working at the Pratt Museum five days out of the week where the work includes assisting in marine aquaria maintenance and collections, leading museum and botanical tours, making presentations, and working with museum educators and trainers. http://www.volunteer.org.nz/usa/alaska/projects/homer_museum.php

Homer Education - The Homer Education project is focused on educating Alaskan youth about the dynamic coastal environments of Kachemak Bay. Volunteers within the Homer Education Project will be either Environmental Educators for the either the local Nature Centre or the Beluga Wetland and Oceanography Project. http://www.volunteer.org.nz/usa/alaska/projects/homer_education.php

Eagle River - Volunteers will act as Assistant Natural History Interpreters which will involve visitor information services; leading formal interpretive programs (2 hour nature walks on the Rodak Nature Trail); some trail and facilities maintenance and opportunities for independent projects. http://www.volunteer.org.nz/usa/alaska/projects/eagleriver.php

This program is intended to provide practical and hands-on experience for individuals interested in making an environmental contribution to the global community at large while focusing on a very special part of the world: Alaska.

Please consider Alaska for your next volunteer placement.
ALASKA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM >>>

New Needs: South Africa, Honduras, Ethiopia and Peru

The following programs are GVN's most recent additions which we are aiming to grow in 2008. Each placement offers unique and exciting volunteer opportunities with the potential for you to make a positive and lasting difference to communities in need.

South Africa

Volunteers will contribute their valuable time as teaching assistants and tutors in primary and secondary schools, and childcare workers in day care centres in Venda, South Africa. They will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the motivation and development of young people's lives and ultimately helping to bridge gaps and influence change in the 'New South Africa'.
VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA >>>

Honduras

We are excited to introduce two new animal conservation projects in Honduras.

Iguana Project - Situated off the coast of Honduras on the beautiful Caribbean island of Utila, volunteers on this project will work at an Iguana Centre which is dedicated to the protection and breeding of the Utila Iguana.

Manatee Project - On this project volunteers will work at a reserve dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Manatee. The refuge is located on the Caribbean coast around 35 kilometres from the port town of La Ceiba. The foundation of the refuge came to be as a direct response to the depleting number of Manatees within the zone.

VOLUNTEER IN HONDURAS >>>

Ethiopia

Volunteers will be working with a local NGO that runs a boys home for street children. These street children are devoid of almost all of their rights and suffer from lack of access to education, lack of effective care, chronic health problems, and sexual abuse. By instituting a home for these children, our partner organisation has given them a chance to succeed.
VOLUNTEER IN ETHIOPIA >>>

Peru

Volunteers have the opportunity to offer their skills and work on childcare, teaching, construction, healthcare and conservation projects. Alongside their work volunteers will also participate in Spanish lessons for their first week on the program conducted by professional teachers. For the remainder of their stay volunteers will participate in a language exchange program where they will be paired with a Peruvian student learning English.
VOLUNTEER IN PERU >>>

Feature Need: Kenya

It was encouraging to hear this week that the United States relaxed its travel warning to Kenya following the signing of a power sharing deal between President Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

GVN has continued to operate in Kenya throughout the political instability but with volunteer numbers down projects have seriously suffered. It is our hope that with travel warnings downgraded volunteers will again feel confident enough to take up placements in Kenya where there is a tremendous need for assistance now more than ever.

In this Kenya special we feature a personal account from one of our Kenya Volunteers on the ground as well as an update on the relief fund and the work volunteers are undertaking at the refugee camps.

Stuart Tyson, GVN Kenya Volunteer: Introducing Stuart Tyson, a 23 year old Commerce graduate from Melbourne, Australia

"I've decided to spend 5 months volunteering at a childrens' orphanage in Kenya. I feel extremely lucky to be able to give something back to those less fortunate than I and to have the opportunity to experience Africa at a very fundamental level. The trip will no doubt change the way I view the world and myself."

I have now been in Kenya for over a month, and even though I was quite concerned by the political unrest prior to my arrival, security fears have been the last thing on my mind. Even in the first couple of weeks here, before the signing of the recent political deal, I neither heard nor saw any signs of post-election violence. I knew, obviously, that I had been in relatively few areas, but as far as I'm concerned it has not affected my stay here at all. Making responsible decisions about walking at night and caring for your cameras are a given, but overall my experience has only been positive so far. And hopefully with the political deal it will only be good news here on in for Kenya.

In terms of my life here I could not be happier. For me, what sets Kenya apart so far is the people. Everyone is so friendly, I feel like I see a lot more smiles and laughter than back home, and greeting and conversing with strangers is not uncommon. I have been made to feel so welcome and I have not had any problems settling in. From the moment I arrived at the orphanage it has been the kids that I cannot get out of my mind. They are so cute and so much fun to be around. Their spirit and outlook on life is extremely humbling considering the hardships they have faced, and still face, in growing up. My time here has been split over a number of tasks that includes anything from playing with the kids during their spare time after school to helping them with their homework. During the day, while the kids are at school, I have been helping with the recently established beadwork program (making necklaces, bracelets, etc), as well as working on a website we have created. On top of this there are other tasks that I have helped out with, including washing clothes, basic first aid, preparing food, collecting firewood and taking children to the hospital.

One of the projects initiated by my fellow volunteers here at Sons of Manaseh Children's Home was to build an outdoor dining area, so the kids had somewhere to eat and cook when it is raining. We all contributed funds and the building has been completed, so now it only has to be furnished. The director here is very pleased with our work, and it feels good to be able to help out practically and financially in a way that they probably could not afford to. It has given me inspiration for other projects I may be able to initiate while over here, but this is just an example of the way volunteers can assist. In terms of day-to-day life I think the biggest impact the volunteers have is on the children's happiness. They love having us around as people they can come talk to or play with whenever they want. I think it makes a real difference to their well-being. I am very much looking forward to the rest of my time here and know that when the time comes I will be very sad and reluctant to leave. I hope to provide as much help here as possible, and in any way in which they need me. When my days calm down I also plan to assist the teachers in the nearby school, perhaps with organizing play-time or helping in lessons. I have made great friends with both fellow volunteers and local residents, and it is a lot of fun to spend time with them and visit various other placements. So far it has been the best decision of my life to come to Kenya and do the work I'm doing. To see what the people have to live with, and without and their prevailing positive attitudes is very humbling, and I know it will change the way I live the rest of my life."
VOLUNTEER IN KENYA >>>

Kenya Relief Effort

As political stability returns to Kenya there are still thousands of internally displaced peoples (IDP's), many who do not have a home to go back to.

In January we raised $3, 500 USD for families in urgent need at the Nduduri refugee camp in the city of Nakura. Since this time an additional $1500 has been raised and these funds purchased the following desperately needed items that were distributed by GVN Volunteers this week:

• 10, 90kg bags of beans
• 45, 90kg bags of maize

Thank you to all of our supporters who so generously donated to relief effort. Your are helping hundreds of families in refugee camps, many of whom lost everything.

Several GVN volunteers currently placed in Kenya are planning to continue to provide a short term but necessary solution that will benefit many of these people suffering under terrible circumstances. The volunteers are planning on going on an AID mission at the end of April and are asking for your help.
FIND OUT MORE AND MAKE A DONATION >>> VISIT THE FACEBOOK GROUP >>>

The GVN Foundation is currently working with community organizations throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa to implement sustainable development projects. If you would like the opportunity to donate and effect change in countries around the world please visit the GVN Foundation website:
GVN FOUNDATION WEBSITE >>>

Coming Soon - GVN Foundation E-Library

"When you re-read a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than there was before." - Clifton Fadiman

It's time to dust off your bookshelves and get ready for the GVN-Foundation E-Library! Soon you will be able to download some of your favourite stories from years gone at the click of your fingers at a red hot price! This special offer will come packed full of classic goodness to satisfy any book worm - Jane Austin, Mark twain, Beatrix Potter and William Shakespeare just to name a few.

This new initiative aims to raise precious funds so the GVN Foundation can continue to meet the needs of children throughout the world. Watch this space!

GVN News and Housekeeping

Honduras Special Offer

In GVN's Honduras program in Central America, you can become involved in community projects including teaching, building, childcare, health care, or wildlife/environmental conservation. If you secure your place by paying the Application Fee between now and 31st May 2008, you will receive $100 off the advertised Program Fee!
APPLY HERE >>> HONDURAS VOLUNTEER PROJECTS >>>

Cultural Day at GVN Headquarters

The GVN Team enjoyed a Cultural Day picnic recently thanks to the wonderful Tracy - talented cook and much loved staff member! Sushi, curry, Thai noodles, dhal bat, pavalova and apple pie were just some of the delightful dishes shared by everyone on the day. All staff made a special effort dressing up and looked fantastic. Katie looked especially radiant in her bright blue Indian Punjabi and Erin looked ever so elegant in her beautiful Japanese Kimono! It was a great way to learn about other cultures and have fun! Why not suggest throwing a cultural day celebration at your workplace.

New volunteer matchmaker service!

No, this is not a dating game but GVN is excited to announce a new service where we recommend the volunteer program that best suits your experience, skills and interests. Our volunteer coordinators have a wealth of knowledge and will match you with a volunteer program that best fits you to ensure you can make the most valuable contribution possible.
VOLUNTEER RECOMMENDATION FORM >>>