Greetings,

As I sat at the breakfast table this morning my mind drifted to the people around the world who do not have a safe place to call home.

The UN recently reported that the turmoil in Kenya has left over 600,000 people displaced and the economy gutted; disaster for a country already laced with multidimensional problems of poverty, disease and hunger.

Volunteers in Kenya are needed now more than ever.

Martin Luther King once said "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy".

Our partner on the ground has been quick to react to the emergency with relief aid but with volunteer numbers down, projects are suffering. Some have very few volunteers, others none at all. We must have the courage to rise up for the people of Kenya in their time of need.

I can assure you that we will continue to monitor the situation closely and at this time all of our programs are operating.

It has been an extremely challenging month but there is hope and there is also good news. I am happy to announce that the Kilimanjaro Fundraising Trek in January was a huge success and raised over $37 000 for the Kenya Children's Fund. Feedback from participants has been fantastic and I wish to extend my congratulations to each of the 18 team members. Having climbed Kilimanjaro myself, I understand the mental and physical challenges one goes through. Well done!

If you are looking for a life changing experience, please keep reading. We have a range of exciting new programs that will not just change your life but the lives of many others you touch along the way.

Colin Salisbury
Chief Executive Officer

Kenya Relief Effort Raises Precious Funds

Thank you to our dedicated supporters who so generously donated to the Kenya Relief Effort in January. Together we raised $3, 500 USD for families in urgent need at the Nduduri refugee camp in the city of Nakura.

• mattresses
• blankets
• soap
• cooking oil
• food
• stationery (to enable the children to attend school)

Your generosity is helping hundreds of families in the refugee camp, many of whom lost everything.

The unrest after the December 27th presidential and parliamentary elections left a terrible effect on Kenya's impoverished population, particularly those in Nairobi slums and the rural areas of Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru. Violence and hostility has interrupted the regular supplies of food and water, already scarce. Thousands of homes and small businesses have been destroyed, leaving families without the means to survive.

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 >>>

Volunteers Urgently Needed: Romania

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 or unexpected disasters which can devastate a community. Right now, Romania especially needs your help.

Romania

Sandie Tanner, one of the Founders of our partner organization in Romania, wrote a heartfelt letter to us recently asking if we could please send more volunteers who could help care for disabled abandoned or orphaned children and young adults.

Sandie said that volunteer numbers have been low recently, which means staff are under resourced and there is no one to lead the recreational activities which bring the residents so much joy.

"We usually run a sports day in May or June but without volunteers this event cannot happen. When we have no volunteers, everything slows down. The most important thing is the volunteers, to keep continuity, to keep the fun happening, "said Sandie.

Bruce and Sandie Tanner started the Tanner Mission after watching a startling documentary about the dire and horrible conditions of state-run orphanages in Romania where it was predicted there was 80,000 to 100,000 orphans in the country. Their plight was made public after the fall of communism in 1989, when it was discovered that children were living in deplorable conditions in the country's 650 orphanages.

The Tanner Mission homes are run like a family unit, where volunteers will act as a mother, father, brother, or sister. There are opportunities to teach, counsel and help with feeding, cooking and cleaning, depending on your skills and experiences. There is a huge focus on the children having FUN, being happy and enjoying the rest of their lives. This is in real contrast to the devastating conditions they have experienced in the state run institutions. There are four group homes, and volunteers will work with residents aged from ten year old children to young adults.

We hope you will consider Romania for your next volunteer placement. The children have suffered so much at a young age, but with your help they will see a brighter future.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators, 2007
BBC News: Romania: Key facts and figures, 2006
ROMANIA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM >>>

NEW: Humanitarian Projects South Africa

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the social and academic development of young people in Venda, South Africa - the Limpopo Province. Primarily, Teaching and childcare help is needed. Youth during the apartheid era in South Africa played a significant role in bringing about democracy. Today, South Africa's national legislation and policies in its post-apartheid period directs its focus specifically at youth development. The country continues to struggle with youth development in the areas of skills development, unemployment, youth training, and academic achievement. Our partner organization aims to focus on providing learning opportunities that align with the national initiatives.
SOUTH AFRICA YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM >>>

NEW: Conservation Projects in Honduras

We are excited to announce two new animal conservation projects in Honduras. These projects are in addition to the teaching, building, medical and childcare projects we are already currently offering.

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. The centre's efforts are focused on understanding the natural history of Utila and the Iguana through different scientific research. Daily activities include feeding the iguanas and educating the local community, such as school groups, about them and their environment. Volunteers will also help with conducting guided tours, working on general maintenance of cages, feeding and cleaning the iguana enclosures, gardening etc. There may also be the opportunity to get involved in research and data gathering as well as any special projects at the centre.

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. Manatees are an endangered species and up to 10% of the total global population can be found within this reserve. In addition, the refuge is also home to a vast number of different species of birds, over 200 in total, and a plethora of other animals and reptiles. Volunteers are expected to undertake duties such as monitoring wildlife, river patrolling, maintenance of tour trails and signs, informal English teaching and tour guiding for school groups and the public.

Please visit the website to read more about these new projects:
CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN HONDURAS >>>

Volunteer Journal

Introducing Sarah Pentney, a 23 year-old Carleton University graduate from Ottawa, Canada. With a degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management, Sarah wrote an Honours thesis focusing on HIV/AIDS policies in Uganda and South Africa. "As soon as I saw the GVN Mukono Town Council Project I knew that I wanted to get involved somehow!" said Sarah.

Read all about Sarah's experience in Uganda through her online journal:

End of the Road
So this is the end of the road for me in Uganda! This Wednesday was our last day at school and it was sad to say goodbye, but we certainly went out with a bang. We did crafts and had a party with all the kids during the morning, which was tiring but fun (as always).

In the afternoon Heather and I went back to school because the kids put on a show for us - they sang, danced, drummed and gave gifts - it was great!! I took a video of some of the performances so I promise to share those when I get home. Saying goodbye to the teachers and the kids was really tough - I have grown really attached to so many of them, and it is hard leaving them not knowing what the future holds for so many of them. One of the teachers started to cry when she hugged me goodbye and I almost lost it - they have all been so amazing to us, and to know that I won't see them everyday really does break my heart.

It is really weird to think about going home in some ways, because as much as you don't know what to expect when you arrive, everything about Uganda quickly and easily becomes your "new normal". Everyone has been asking me whether or not I am sad to be leaving, and the answer is yes, of course I am sad to leave Uganda. But the truth is, I did exactly what I set out to do and have done everything I wanted to do here, so I can leave happy.

I have met the most amazing people (both Ugandan and mzungu) and just fallen in love with this place. I highly recommend the experience, and definitely plan to volunteer again in Uganda. So even though this experience is coming to an end, I know that it will not be my last experience in Africa. This experience has only made me realize that the world is smaller than we think, and if there is anyone who is unsure of whether or not to take the chance to come to Africa, all I can say to you is DO IT!! It has been, hands down, the best thing I have ever done, and the most rewarding experience of my life so far - I loved every minute!!

READ MORE >>>

VOLUNTEER IN UGANDA >>>

In memory of Viet Ha

It is with great sorrow that GVN announces the passing of baby orphan Viet Ha. Viet Ha passed away on February 1st at the Da Nang Hospital. GVN Foundation was able to raise enough money for Viet Ha to receive urgent medical treatment but in the end she, sadly, did not have the strength to survive. She had been battling serious heart and lung complications since she was found abandoned at the doorstep of The Malnourished Baby Orphanage last November.

To honor Viet Ha's memory and assist those who are in desperate need in the future, GVN Foundation has created the Viet Ha Emergency Relief Fund. This fund will be accessed for emergency situations- when tragedy or disaster strikes without warning.

On behalf of GVN and those close to Viet Ha, we thank you for your support and prayers.

SUPPORT THE VIET HA FUND >>>

GVN News and Housekeeping

New Kenya Rep

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sarah Tilley, new Kenya Rep, to the GVN family. Sarah is from Canada and brings with her a bundle of knowledge and experience from previously volunteering in Ghana. Welcome to the Team Sarah!

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.
CHECK IT OUT >>>

Coming Soon - GVN Foundation Fundraising 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 Fundraising Library! This online resource will be packed full of classic goodness to satisfy any book worm. You will be able to download some of your favourite stories from years gone at the click of your fingers AND for next to nothing! 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!

Become a GVN Facebook Friend!

GVN has joined the fast growing online social network - Facebook! We now have over two and a half thousand members and would love it if you would join us too! It's a friendly little community and a great place to share information with other volunteers. To become a member just click on the following link:
JOIN GVN ON FACEBOOK >>>

p.s - If you are not a member of Facebook you will need to join up first.

GVN Blog

GVN's News Blog keeps you informed about the exciting difference our volunteers are making throughout the world. Subscribe to our GVN News Feed by clicking on the following link:
SUBSCRIBE TO THE GVN BLOG >>>