Globe Aware October 2012

Chasing Dreams and Wonders in an Ancient World:
Providing Opportunity for the Forgotten Children of China

With an ancient civilization that dates back earlier than almost any other in the world, China inevitably has a rich history full of transformation and development. From dynasties to open socialism, China has experienced both the pressures of political unrest and the peacefulness of political dominance. After many years of metamorphosis, this ancient civilization has reached the dawn of ultimate strength as it becomes a potential world super power today. Home to over one billion people, China possesses the world's fastest growing economy.

While China still remains governed by the Communist Party, movements in recent history have initiated significant change. Reform efforts in the 1960s shifted the economic direction of China towards an open market economy. This newfound freedom for citizens to establish their own private businesses has caused an economic boom, creating an abundance of job opportunities within urban centers like Beijing. As a result, rural workers have started to migrate from their homes in the countryside in order to find better work in the cities. However, in attempts to control mass migration and maintain stability, the government enabled the Hukou policy, a home registry system that restricts internal movement within the country. Citizens must now go through a lengthy and difficult process of requesting formal permission in order to relocate, resulting in many who migrate without going through the legal process. But their migration is not without a price. Without governmental permission, the workers are denied basic rights such as health care and education - essentially being treated as illegal aliens in their own country. Most devastating of all, the children of these workers are not allowed to enroll in city schools and thus the cycle of misfortune and in-opportunity is perpetuated.

That's where Globe Aware steps in. Globe aware partners up with the only non-governmental school in Beijing that provides free educational opportunities for the children of these migrant workers.This school incorporates creative techniques for educating children that have never been in a classroom before, making lessons interesting and fun. The school is always in need of helping hands to build, paint, and construct in order to improve conditions on the campus. In addition, enrollment at the school continues to increase, with new students registering each week. Globe Aware volunteers have the opportunity to assist in building projects and to teach English, helping equip students with skills for a bright and successful future.

The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, delicious cuisine, and incredible products... China is the land of so many enticing attractions. As one of the world's greatest countries yet also one with great need, it is sure to offer you something invaluable, and it is certain that you have something invaluable to offer back. Consider the wonders of this ancient culture that await you, and consider how you could be a part of offering a future of opportunity and hope for the forgotten children of China

Explore China's rich history - CLICK HERE!

October Volunteer of the Month: Sophie Marsh

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I vividly remember how I felt leaving for Costa Rica in April 2011. Nobody in my class could stop talking about how excited they were - excitement to leave the country for the first time, to travel without their parents, to get out of a couple days of school. I didn't have many feelings. I wasn't dreading the trip, but I wasn't particularly looking forward to it. I didn't know what to expect. I definitely didn’t expect my feelings – or lack thereof - to change so quickly. In five days, the village of El Sur, Costa Rica stole my heart. Two weeks after returning home I searched for ways to return, and through fundraising and long hours of work, in July 2011 I went back for two weeks - completely alone, not speaking a word of Spanish. Those two weeks were inspiring, rewarding and a major turning point in my life. Junior year of high school soon took over and didn’t allow a moment to think about anything except schoolwork and SATs, let alone leaving the country, but this summer I had the opportunity to return for a week, and January2013 I’ll be back for two more.

I've never had a good idea of what my future holds, only vague ideas. I'm still young and have no idea what the future brings, but I know my experiences in Costa Rica have had a huge impact on how I’d like to spend my life. I’d love to take my experiences and build on them and expand them. See other parts of the world and help be part of the solution instead of the problem. I have so much respect for the people of El Sur. For their positivity, their love and their inspiring, beautiful lifestyle. I hope that I will have the chances to work with the people of El Sur for the rest of my life as well as other parts of the world. I feel irrevocably blessed for having the experiences that I have had and for being able to work in and experience such an incredible place.

Pura Vida.

Read about Sophie’s experience with Globe Aware on our Website

And vote for her on Globe Aware’s Facebook Page!

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The volunteer vacation and Globe Aware experience is a rich and fulfilling event. No need to keep it all to yourself. This is why we have created this social media, and conversational hub.

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Travel the World in your Pijamas!

Globe Aware has joined Pintrest!
Globe Aware has recently joined the online pinboard Pintrest. We are sharing beautiful photos for our volunteers past, present and future to add to their own boards. Globe Aware trips are perfect additions to your travel boards, wish list, or bucket list boards. Follow us today! See what other volunteers have experienced: the change they have made in communities as well as the breathtaking beauty of the destination.

CLICK HERE

Sauteed Chinese Eggplant

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A dish you'll frequently seen on plates all over China, Sauteed Eggplant is light, fresh, and easy to make. Try it as a side to your favorite entree or as a main course on top of rice, and enjoy the savory and delicious flavors that will inevitably have you begging for more!

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 2

You will need:

2 small Chinese eggplants, or 1 medium/large Chinese eggplant
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 bunches of green onions, cut into 1/2 inch long pieces
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1. Chop the eggplant up into pieces, by slicing diagonally.
2. Cover the bottom of the wok with vegetable oil.
3. Saute the ginger and garlic in the oil
4. After about 1 minute add the eggplant slices.
5. When the eggplant starts getting a bit softer (about 4 minutes) Add the soy sauce, sugar and red pepper flakes.
6. After about 1 minute, add the green onions. Optional: reserve about 1/4 of the green onions to garnish the dish after
cooking.
7. Saute for another minute, then add the sesame oil.
8. After another minute, remove from heat.
9. Optional: Garnish with remaining green onions
10. Serve with rice and enjoy!

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