Happy Freedom Day!

Freedom Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on April 27.

Freedom Day is celebrated annually as a reminder of the struggle for a free and just South Africa culminating in the first democratic elections held in 1994, where South Africans of every walk of life participated in the making of our new country. Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on April 27, 1994.

Freedom Day provides a milestone for all South Africans to collectively participate in the commemoration of the pain and struggle to build a non-racial, democratic and free South Africa in which we all have the freedom to prosper. The following is a list of Freedom Day acts or oaths, as described by the South African Government:

- Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa, as we celebrate living in a system that guarantees that never again will our humanity be taken from any South African, irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation.

- In commemorating all the hero and heroines and the role played by ordinary citizens in the country and abroad, government calls on all South Africans to unite in creating a better future for all.

- Nation-building requires all South Africans to live by example, ensuring that that the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution become a lived reality in the development of fully functioning communities.

- We celebrate the Bill of Rights, which distinguishes us among the nations of the world and guarantees all South Africans freedom from the repression and hatred that characterised our past.


~ Information located at: http://www.info.gov.za/events/2011/freedomday.htm

Volunteer Testimonial Published on GoAbroad.com

In recent weeks, South Africa Volunteer Nancy M. was kind enough to share her thoughts and reflections with individuals seeking volunteer opportunities on GoAbroad.com. Read on to enjoy Nancy's inspiring words and FEEL her excitement! You can also use the link below view all Global Volunteers Testimonials on Go Abroad OR add your own!


Nancy's South Africa Testimonial:
I spent a wonderful two weeks in small rural village called Malungeni (East Cape Province) South Africa. Most of our time was helping in the school; I helped Miss Thobeka teach Kindergarten and first grade. We also had daily "after school programs" at our guest house (tutoring, practicing reading in English, crafts projects, etc.) for all age kids. It was a magic time... walking to school in the morning, saying good morning to the people, the cows, the chickens and the geese. There was a wonderful welcome and goodbye party with traditonal songs and dance. I LOVED THIS PROGRAM!

Use this link to see all Global Volunteer testimonials OR add your own: http://www.goabroad.com/providers/global-volunteers/testimonials

Thank you, Nancy, and thank you all for your interest and support!!

And They're Off to Malungeni Again!!

Our second volunteer team of 2011 to South Africa will begin this coming Saturday, and many team members are flying over in the next few days!

This team will be led by Tanya Battista Crespo!! Please read on and/or use the link below to learn all about Tanya's vast experience with Global Volunteers. You can be assured that in Malungeni, or any of our host communities, you will be in good hands with our professionally trained country managers and team leaders.



Tanya Battista Crespo (photo above), Associate Director of Operations and Donor Relations Manager: "Tanya manages operations and preparations for teams led by volunteer team leaders. In addition, Tanya manages our development and sponsorship programs, and works with volunteer donors on special fundraising projects for host community needs. Tanya has Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Spanish with emphasis in International Development and Latin American Studies. She has led teams to or served on Global Volunteers service programs in China, India, Jamaica, Brazil, Ecuador, Italy, South Africa, Texas and Minnesota."

To check out Tanya's staff profile on Global Volunteers' website, click here: http://globalvolunteers.org/organization/staff/operations.asp

South Africa Service Program on USA Today Travel!

Considering a service program in South Africa in 2011? If so, check out this great mention of Global Volunteers' volunteer opportunity in Malungeni in today's USA Today Travel.

Click here to read the article!!

Simple Reflections from a recent Volunteer

"So much to be done but only two weeks to do these things. We must remind ourselves that things we think are important may not be a high priority here or there may not be the resources required. It’s difficult to see all that needs fixing, changing, improving, but we must remember, we are the visitors, the helpers, this is not our country."

Laura, South Africa Volunteer

Laura's Thought for the Day: "Development is about planting trees – even if you never sit under their shade." ~ Rev. Spiwo Xapile

"Spring into Service" in South Africa!!

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

South Africa Service Program Dates, March & April Teams:
5-Mar-11 to 19-Mar-11

Vote for Global Volunteers!

From November 15 - November 21 the Star Tribune newspaper is holding a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' amongst MN non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in the paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link): http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, and post it on your personal Facebook page. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting goes until 5 p.m. Sunday!

Thank you for your support.