November is here, and it's the time of year when we enter into the frenzy of the holiday season. Before you get caught up in the blur of holiday parties and stress, let's step back and focus on Thanksgiving, or as we think of it at Global VolunTourism: Thanks & Giving.
Thanks: What are you thankful for, a new baby in the family, a recent graduate, celebrating a big birthday with your family and friends? At GVT we are thankful that we are able to help out those that are less fortunate. With your participation, GVT is helping communities in South East Asia by sending volunteers to their homes, cultural centers and schools to teach, plant, build, nurture, and connect. Thank you for your continued support, we are grateful for all you do for GVT.
Giving: How will you be giving this year? Do you have time to give as a VolunTourist? In Viet Nam, we are looking for people to teach English, Art, Music, Sports or IT in Quang Tri Province. In Burma, we are seeking individuals who have an expertise in gardening to help create the first ever organic floating garden in Inle Lake. Take your field of expertise and impart your knowledge and know-how to help those in need. You'll give your time and talents, and the experience will give back to you for years to come.
Que Vu and her children, Camille (19) and Dylan (16), recently volunteered at the Que Huong Charity Center in Binh Duong, about 40 minutes outside of Ho Chi Minh City. The Center provides schooling, housing and care for more than 300 children, mostly babies.
 Although the school was closed for summer break, Que and her children were an invaluable source of help to the Center. Along with two local Vietnamese students who were also volunteering, they translated the Center's project plan to meet the submission deadline.
The experience gave them a behind-the-scenes look at how much work is necessary to keep the Center running. Que said they were impressed with the Director, Huong Tieu Huynh, and all of her accomplishments.
"Camille and Dylan also benefited from being able to interact with the Vietnamese volunteers who were my daughter's age," said Que. "They learned a lot about the local culture and how students' lifestyle in Viet Nam compares to their own."
Que and her children were the first of what she hopes will be many to volunteer at the Center. As an orphan herself, Miss Huynh does not turn anyone away. Therefore, the need for support and resources can sometimes be overwhelming, especially since the Center is run completely through private donors.
To learn how you or your organization can volunteer, visit our web-site www.gvtasia.org. If you're unable to volunteer, but still want to help, click here to make a donation for the Que Huong Charity Center.
|
We have that covered too, we encourage you to work with our partner Global Spectrum Travel. Experts in all things Asia, they can help you every step of the way. More information can be found on:
www.globalspectrumtravel.com.
We are wishing all our friends and supporters a wonderful Thanksgiving Season, with continued thanks for your giving to Global VolunTourism & Global Community Service Foundation.
Meg Whelan
Global VolunTourism Asia
703.890.0598
www.gvtasia.org
skype: meggvt |
