Highlights from Volunteer Summer 2008
From VS Ghana – July 3, 2008
Reflecting on our first week in Ghana, we have already learned a lot in such a short time. With open arms we were welcomed into the small town of Vakpo located in the Volta Region. So far the people we have met and live with are nothing but loving and hospitable. On Friday afternoon we were welcomed formally by the community, led by the chief in an unexpectedly exciting ceremony. They offered their welcome prayer which we graciously returned with a schechiyanu and prayers for the group for a successful summer.
From VS Uganda – July 3, 2008
Mulembe everyone,
We are officially living a different life now, a distinctly un-American life. Everything is simpler and more natural. The relaxed cadences of village life obligate us rowdy teenagers to slow down and live in the moment. Nature has so much more of an impact on life here. Instead of alarm clocks, roosters sneak into our rooms and wake us up in the morning; instead of mashed potatoes we have smashed plantains (matoke); instead of all our respective hometowns, we all now share one home, the FDNC compound in Natondome, where we live with children, teachers, students, villagers from nearby and a general conglomeration of some of the most inspiring people we've ever met.
From VS Honduras – July 17, 2008
Hola Friends and Family!
We've been working very hard at the worksite. It is starting to look like a real building with a solid floor and strong roof. We spend our mornings sawing, wheel-barrowing, shifting, shoveling and our newest accomplishment, rooftop construction. We really feel satisfied and are proud of the work we are doing.
From VS Nicaragua – July 17, 2008
It's hard to believe that another full week has passed... The days have been as fulfilling, educational and eye-opening as all our time in Nicaragua.
On Wednesday we traveled to the national capital, Managua, to participate in activities with our NGO FDEG to promote government support for Nicaraguan-based NGOs. The NGO activity was packed with activist in a show of the strength of civil society in the country.
From VS India – July 24, 2008
Team India had another full and fulfilling week in Little Kanchipuram! We met with one of RIDE's self-help groups and learned about their micro credit enterprises and income generation projects. On the work site it was a very busy week of moving bricks, sifting sand, carrying newly-made cement, and raising walls. The school is almost complete and looks great!
We went on several short field trips this week; one to a Jain Temple and another to the ancient fort at Vellore, where we wandered through the local bazaar. We had an opportunity to visit a government school where we spoke with the headmaster and learned a lot about the curriculum and education system for young children in Kanchipuram. This was especially interesting to us since we're working on a non-government school for child laborers.
