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VLA July 2011
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Soccer success for Colombian street kids thanks to volunteers
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Soccer sucessA fantastic project in the second largest city in Colombia, this venture was founded to provide children affected by poverty, addiction and violence the opportunity to participate in sports, recreational and cultural activities with an aim to guide the process of social integration.

I spoke with Dutch coordinator Ed Veldhuisen about the inspiration behind this project, the challenges that it has faced and the impact that it has had on the lives of so many of the young people in this city.

To read what Ed had to say and to find out WHY WE NEED YOU
see our blog

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Spotlight on... HONDURAS
(USD$ 25 DISCOUNT FOR NEWSLETTER READERS!)
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Among the many fantastic locations in which VLA runs projects, Honduras is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. With a range of new projects recently launched in this breathtaking destination, we thought there really was no better time to put the spotlight on Honduras.

Honduras is a vibrant country with something to cater for every taste. From warm sandy beaches with pristine waters, tropical jungles, raging rivers, towering mountains and mesmerizing ancient ruins, Honduras is certain to capture the hearts and minds of all.

Honduras is fast becoming a popular destination for ecotourism. It has a lot to offer the 'green traveler'. It hosts the largest remaining area of primary forest, is home to more than 700 species of birds and boasts a population of rare mammals.

HondurasThe fascinating history of Honduras only adds to its allure. Home to various ancestries from the Mayan Indians to the Garifuna communities, the country has a rich past to explore. The famous Copan Ruins are considered to be one of the most artistically advanced of all Mayan cities. Full of intricate stone sculptures and hieroglyphics this site is an historical highlight.

Honduran music is also a great representation of the diversity of the country, ranging from local Garifuna themes to Caribbean styles including reggae, merengue and salsa.

VLA has a wealth of opportunities on offer in Honduras. You can work in reforestation, protecting water sources and planting trees. Or you can teach English to children from underprivileged backgrounds. How about living within an indigenous community and assisting young people with learning disabilities, or working with deaf and mute children? Or, if you have a medical qualification, you could provide much needed assistance in some of the country's public hospitals.

Honduras has much to offer the visitor. Enjoy the wonder of this beautifully diverse country and dedicate at least some of your time to helping out on one of our many projects. It would be a shame not to give something back to such a wholly deserving nation.

For more information on our projects in Honduras visit
http://www.volunteerworklatinamerica.org/

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Volunteers Speak Out
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volunteers speak outWant to hear about the exciting experiences awaiting you from those who have already been? Charlotte and Sofie spent a month working in Peru in a residential home for people with mental disabilities.

For the full lowdown check out our their testimonial here
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Top Tips for Volunteers
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Top tips for volunteers
  • Do your research - about the country, the project, the culture etc.

    It is important to have at least some prior knowledge of the place you are going, the types of people you can expect to encounter and the way in which you should behave.
  • Go with ideas. Do not expect to be handed everything on a plate!

    You are there to help, so use your initiative and bring something to the project. Even if not all of your ideas are taken on board it is good to have something to offer if need be.
  • Do not be afraid to try new things

    Do not let fear hold you back - the only way to learn is to experience new things and you never know, you might surprise yourself  smile
  • Make use of the skills you have to offer

    Show off your skills and be creative in the way that you use your talents.
  • Communicate

    Communication is vital - with the other volunteers and with the people you are working with. In order to understand what is expected of you and to get across your own ideas and suggestions you need to speak! Do not be shy!
For more volunteer tips see next month's newsletter!
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POLL
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In which exciting location would you most like to volunteer?
"Participate for the chance to win a $25 discount on any volunteer project!"

(Winners will be voters number 100 and 200. Bookings must be before December 31st)
Beach
Beach
How does life on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica or Honduras sound? Collecting the eggs of sea turtles or assisting in a local hospital, and in your free time enjoying the sea breeze, the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the warm sand beneath your feet...
 
City
City
Would you like to become one of the crowd in the bustling metropolises of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires or Cusco, squeezing your way through lively markets and onto jam packed buses? You could do an internship, work in a busy elementary school, preserve precious artifacts in a cultural museum and more...
 
Jungle
Jungle
What about going back to basics in the tropical climate of the jungle and living at one with nature? Wake up the sounds of birds cawing and monkeys chatting, feel the sun dapple onto your face through the canopy of towering trees and splash until your hearts desire in the clear waters of the nearby river...
 

 

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