Project Work
Our volunteers contributed to building a market hall area inside the community center. This space will be used by locals for selling homemade goods, produce, and prepared foods. Work included installing shelves for the kitchen staff and completing welding work to advance the project. They additionally helped develop an outdoor playground on the corner, that will serve as both a play area and a communal marketplace for selling goods and produce as well.
Leisure Time
Our volunteers embraced every experience Costa Rica had to offer, from zip-lining and covering themselves in volcanic clay to relaxing in hot springs. They explored lush landscapes, encountered local wildlife, enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, and savored homemade meals. They even joined in a soccer game with the kids and a few folks even got a fresh haircut from a local barber!
Learn more about Globe Aware's Costa Rica Program
Volunteers share their experiences from their corporate volunteer vacation.
"Thank you, Sunder and Globe Aware for giving me the opportunity to serve. I am beyond grateful to work alongside such an amazing group of people." -Johnathan Kistemann
Thank you to everyone who put so much effort into planning an amazing service trip. My family made memories that will last throughout their lives. It was fun getting to know everyone better and serving the Costa Rican people together. Max, Colin, and Daniel made the fences like champs…Brook, Alyssia, Jamie, Barbara, and the team with the tables…Welding and cutting metal, sanding lumber (did not see that coming). And all the rest with moving all that dirt, rock, and cement! It was great even with the dogs that gave our cement a little character! The meals and the people were amazing! Thank you, Sunder and Globe Aware for the experience and memories… Pura Vida!
-Bryan Jackson
"What an amazing time going and serving in Costa Rica. I'm reminded of how truly blessed we are in life, and no matter what the circumstances, we can always be truly grateful for everything we have in life. Thank you to Sunder squad and Globe Aware for organizing such an amazing and life-changing trip." Nathan Lopez
Returning volunteers and buddies Jeff and Greg spent an unforgettable week volunteering in Peru. Here's a quick look at their busy and exciting week!
On day 1, they learned about the history of Albergue, swapped light bulbs at Picol Elementary, helped serve lunch, and practiced English with a local friend. Day 2 saw them sanding and painting the school’s water tower, playing dodgeball during recess, and enjoying a game of soccer. On Day 3, they practiced English with a class and ended the day with a chocolate-making session in Cusco. Day 4 took them to the highlands of Manto Parpay, where they played volleyball and basketball with kids, painted a garden fence, and were treated to songs in Quechua. Day 5 offered downtime, and they trekked to Machu Picchu, marveling at both the views and the rich history shared by their guide.
The trip had plenty of heartwarming moments, from beers and baby llamas to hugs from the kids before leaving.
It seems they also truly enjoyed the food!
"I enjoyed interacting with the kids the most and getting immersed in the culture. I enjoyed the meals, we had a great cook. It was some of the best local/cultural food. And, Rocio, our coordinator, was great and spoke good English too."
- Jeffrey Szudy
"We were helping the schools protect their equipment and helping the kids have fun and learn, while also learning about the host site and its mission. The food was amazing. Alicia prepared something different every day and every dish was so good."
- Gregory Lucas
Learn more about Globe Aware's Peru Program
Last month, we highlighted a mother-daughter volunteer duo in Cambodia. Here's what Yoko, the mother, had to share about her experience!
"Just a big thank you for organizing a great week for my daughter and me. It was a privilege to help build a bathroom in such a loving and vibrant community. The project work was meaningful because we were able to help it in 2+ days and enjoyed playing with the kids at the school. I liked the mix of planned tourist events and work/labor. I also liked how you always knew the evenings would be solo and for resting/exploring. We loved the local places we went to: markets, family homes, an ox ride, cooking classes, Apsara dancing, and water blessings.
Special thanks to John for his good nature, good driving, and guidance, he did a great job coordinating throughout the week. We're flexible and went with the flow. Appreciate all his efforts and thanks for taking care of us during our amazing week with him. Through this program, we were able to see Cambodia through such a unique, localized, and rewarding perspective." -Yoko Shimomura, Cambodia
Learn more about Globe Aware's Cambodia Program
Returning volunteer Amy enjoyed belated birthday celebrations while spending a week volunteering in Hoi An, Vietnam!
During her time volunteering, she had the opportunity to help at a special needs school* and take part in a variety of activities. Amy helped build a chicken coop, even donating some chickens.
Her free time consisted of relaxing strolls, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the ancient town. She joined a cooking class and went on a bamboo boat ride, followed by a tour of the My Son Sanctuary on her final day. She even learned how to make rice paper, though she spent most of the time petting a playful puppy. Her experience ended with a memorable boat ride and a lively farewell party.
*One of our key projects involves supporting special needs children, as the Vietnamese government provides little to no schooling for them. As a result, local organizations rely heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers. Volunteers often teach basic English and engage the children in playful activities. Some of the children have disabilities such as visual or hearing impairments, or mobility challenges.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Vietnam Program
When it comes to unique culinary experiences, the Philippines offers a treasure trove of dishes that are sure to challenge your palate.
One of the most infamous delicacies is balut, a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. Eaten with a dash of salt and vinegar, it's often sold by street vendors, particularly at night, and is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Lechon is a traditional and popular dish known for its flavorful, crispy skin and tender meat. It consists of a whole pig that is seasoned, skewered on a spit, and slow-roasted over an open fire for several hours. The result is a rich, savory dish, often served at celebrations and special occasions.
Another peculiar dish is dinuguan, a savory stew made from pork blood, offal, and spices. Though it might sound daunting, dinuguan is a rich and flavorful dish.
Taho is a popular breakfast option and is made from soft silken tofu, sweet syrup, and sago pearls. It is commonly sold in the mornings, with vendors strolling through neighborhoods, calling out "Taho!" to signal their arrival.
These dishes might be unusual, but they offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. So, the next time you find yourself in this beautiful archipelago, why not take a culinary leap of faith? You might discover a new favorite!
Learn more about Globe Aware's Philippines Program
Kenya
Earlier this summer, a dedicated group of volunteers embarked on a mission to rebuild homes destroyed by the historic Kenyan floods. Our volunteers assisted with building three new homes, upgrading three families from grass-thatched shelters to iron-roofed homes, and providing multiple rooms and a safer, more private living environment. Here are the most recent updates from their project sites! The families have moved in and the exteriors are completed!
In rural Kenya, many families reside in huts made of mud walls, typically consisting of a single room shared by the entire family. These fragile huts offer little protection from the elements. As a result, many families suffer from diseases like pneumonia and coughs due to harsh weather.
Puerto Rico
The house is nearly finished and soon ready to be lived in. We can't wait to see it become a home for Adris and her family!
Our amazing Fusion Power volunteers will be thrilled to learn that Adris, a survivor of domestic violence and Hurricane Maria, is seeing great progress on her new house. The Fusion team helped to lay blocks and foundations, as well as framing and walls.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Kenya
Learn more about Globe Aware's Puerto Rico Program
Europe plans to introduce a new biometric passport system in November 2024, followed six months later by a new travel authorization for many visitors. Check out the blog for essential information that Globe Aware volunteers traveling to Romania should know.
