THIS TRIP WAS MADE FOR YOU
This Shouldn't Be Why They Suffer: Hill Tribe Fundraiser
"No child should be breaking out in rashes from wearing damp clothes."
Don returned to Thailand for the fourth time to support the Hill Tribes project site! This year, he aimed to raise $7,500 to fund a large industrial dryer, including its installation and necessary connections, to benefit the children, many of whom were war orphans and survivors of sex trafficking.
"The children all have two sets of clothes. One for school. One for everything else. While they wear one set of clothes, the other is being washed and line-dried. They do not have a clothes dryer here. That means they often wear clean, damp clothes. Many kids develop skin rashes from wearing damp clothes all day. They are spending too much money treating skin rashes." - Don Germaise.
Another challenge? The heat. It’s been a consistent 95 degrees in Thailand, and the kids cool off by taking a dip in the water. But with only one or two sets of clothes, they often end up wearing damp clothing, leading to more skin rashes that require treatment. That shouldn’t stop them from having fun!
Don also brought enough donated shoes from friends to provide 50 children with comfortable footwear. Keeping up with the shoe needs of 200+ growing kids was no easy task, so this generous donation, requested by our project coordinators and community, was truly appreciated.
Thankfully, Don reached his fundraising goal with the support of generous contributors like you. We truly appreciate your help and will keep you updated with any new developments!
Donate and label "Don Laundry Machine"
Don's Week in the Hill Tribes
Don didn’t just focus on raising funds; he worked alongside the incredibly hardworking children, helping with sustainable farming projects. Here’s a look at what he accomplished during his week.
Soon after arriving at the project site and sharing a quick reunion with the children, he joined some of the older boys in chopping and loading banana stalks, which would later be used to feed the camp’s 80 hogs. These pigs not only provide food for the children but also serve as a hands-on farming lesson for the boys, an essential skill in Thailand.
Alongside the younger children, he spent a morning weeding, tilling, and fertilizing the camp’s gardens, which would later help feed all the residents. The children, some as young as eight, worked tirelessly in the heat, outpacing Don with sheer determination.
Don definitely kept feeling the heat when he also helped build a concession tent for the Lahu Hill Tribes festival.
The proceeds will help the children at our Thailand project location. This is a great way to raise money while teaching the kids valuable life skills.
And then, of course, there were the daily food surprises for Don, courtesy of Coordinator Thak and his family, including an evening BBQ. Always eager to introduce local delicacies, they presented Don with dishes like a red ant egg omelet, and he was brave enough to try them! Of course, this is completely optional!
Have as much fun as Don, while making a difference in Thailand!
Learn more about Globe Aware's Hill Tribes Program
NCSU Peru "Beyond the Classroom: Learning Through Real-World Adventures!"
The NCSU student volunteers blended service with adventure, wandering through Cusco’s historic cobblestone streets, marveling at the iconic Machu Picchu, serving meals to some four-legged locals while savoring traditional dishes themselves, all as part of an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
"I spent Spring Break in Cusco, Peru, with the North Carolina State University Alternative Spring Break program. It was a week filled with service to two schools to build a sidewalk for one and mud the walls of a greenhouse for the other. We also got some time to sightsee in different towns around Cusco and at Machu Picchu! This was a trip of reflection on myself, an exploration of a different culture, and a growth opportunity for me to practice my Spanish with the community we got to serve." - Jocelyn Mills
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to lead an Alternative Service Break (ASB) trip to Cusco, Peru, where our team partnered with Globe Aware to support local communities and learn more about the Peruvian culture. One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was leading reflections that helped students connect with the deeper goals of ASB at NC State, which include engaging in thoughtful service, embracing cultural humility, and fostering a lifelong commitment to active citizenship. Seeing our team grow through these discussions was incredibly inspiring. - Naomi B.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Cusco Program
Springing into Action in South Africa!
A group of volunteers arrived in South Africa, where they were warmly welcomed and guided by Coordinator Kevin. Their efforts focused on building a retaining wall and completing the kitchen floor tiling at a local primary school. In addition to their work, they helped organize donations, including a ton of shoes for those in need. After their hard work, they enjoyed breathtaking sunsets at Camps Bay and a traditional braai with stunning views of Table Mountain, just two of the many activities you can experience in South Africa.
All About Laos - New Podcast Episode
In the lush landscapes of Laos, Globe Aware volunteers are making a difference—rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife while supporting local communities. In this AI-generated episode from our Laos orientation, we explore how our program helps protect endangered animals, assists in conservation efforts, and empowers villages through education and sustainable initiatives. Learn how you can be part of this incredible mission!
Learn more about Globe Aware's South Africa Program
Learn more about Globe Aware's Laos Program
Volunteering...A Cure For Loneliness!
Loneliness is on the rise worldwide, with 25% more Americans feeling isolated today than before the pandemic. Recognizing the severity of this issue, the World Health Organization has labeled loneliness a global public health concern, linking it to increased risks of depression, heart disease, and even early death, on par with the dangers of smoking or obesity.
However, there is hope. Volunteering has proven to be a powerful yet often overlooked remedy. By stepping up to help others, volunteers strengthen social connections, build community bonds, and create a sense of belonging. They don’t just offer solutions to problems—they inspire optimism and open the door for others to get involved.
A volunteer vacation takes this impact even further. It not only allows participants to make a meaningful difference but also provides them with an enriching travel experience, fostering friendships, cultural exchange, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through service, volunteers not only help others, they also reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Program Destinations
Volunteer Memorial - Remembering a passionate soul
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of a cherished volunteer.
A passionate volunteer, she dedicated her time to making a difference in communities worldwide, most recently participating in Globe Aware’s Game Count program in Zimbabwe.
"Margaret S. 'Peg' Harper passed away on February 13, 2025, at her home in Butler, Pennsylvania. Born on September 9, 1966, in Butler, Peg lived a life dedicated to service, learning, and adventure.
Peg pursued her passion for healthcare by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Butler County Community College before continuing her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She furthered her studies at the University of Pittsburgh and ultimately earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Her dedication to mental health led her to a fulfilling career as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner at the Human Services Center in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Beyond her professional achievements, Peg was deeply involved in her community. She served as Chairperson for the Community Partnership, a community-action agency dedicated to serving Butler County. Her leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others left a lasting impact on those around her. An avid runner and skiing enthusiast, Peg embraced an active lifestyle. Her love for world travel and lifelong learning reflected her adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world. Whether exploring new destinations or deepening her knowledge, she approached life with enthusiasm and determination.
Peg is survived by her life companion, Jeffrey Burtner; her mother, Margaret W. Harper; her siblings, Robert Harper, Cindy Schrecengost, and Donald Harper. She was predeceased by her father, William Harper. Peg’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and adventure will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those whose lives she touched."
Thank you to her husband and fellow volunteer, Jeffery Burtner, who has graciously allowed us to share her obituary with our community of volunteers and supporters.
