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Satiate Your Wanderlust

April 2024 Cover

Empower Romania

Dreaming of a European vacation but want to avoid this summer's crowds?

Romania is a charming country that embodies the European spirit of past, present, and future. Picturesque castles and quaint farming villages contrast with cosmopolitan cities and ski resorts as the country strives to develop its economy. The Transylvania region in central Romania is home to many treasures, among them the idyllic town of Brasov, where our program is located. This quaint town is only 160 kilometers from the capital of Bucharest and exemplifies the fairy-tale medieval architecture and cobblestone streets of a traditional Eastern European town.

In Romania, adults on the autism spectrum face a lack of tailored public services, relying heavily on family support and non-governmental organizations. This situation, compounded by concerns about the future care of their children after the parents' passing, places a significant burden on parents of individuals with autism. Globe Aware has played a crucial role in improving this landscape, rehabilitating a building in 2017 and continuing with ongoing projects such as interior renovations, beautification, and creating a Center for Autistic Young Persons. This center aims to provide specialized social services, residential accommodation, therapy continuation, and employment opportunities tailored to the unique needs and abilities of adults with autism and related disorders in Romania.

Make a difference while experiencing the beauty of this European destination simultaneously.

Learn more about Globe Aware's Romania Program

Exploring the Philippines on a Solo Adventure

Going Solo!? No Problem, You Can Still Make A Difference!

Mark, a dedicated solo volunteer, successfully wrapped up project work during his week in the Philippines. Now a local family is ready for the heavy Philippine monsoon season, with a renovated wall to protect from leaks. The heavy rains in the Philippines pose a threat by causing rainwater to leak into the homes, creating a hazardous situation for its inhabitants.

We value volunteers such as Mark for their commitment, acknowledging the efforts our solo volunteers also put into the work and community! Here are excerpts from his week there!

At the start of the week:

I’ve been enjoying my first couple of days in Nueva Ecija on a Globe Aware volunteer trip. I’m getting treated and well-fed with some home-cooked Filipino meals. Didn’t realize rice fields could be so beautiful until taking a stroll through the town I’m in..."

Exploring the Philippines on a Solo Adventure Cont.

During the week:

"Enjoyed some time in the Santa Rosa community in the last couple of days making and ladling some soup, playing some hoops and peppering a volleyball (these kids can ball!), and reading Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to some first graders while my Globe Aware host, Gege, translated the story in Tagalog before us handing out donated books to some happy kids. I’m enjoying the warmth and enthusiasm of this great Filipino neighborhood."

End of the week:

Spent the last couple of days completing a project for a nearby family who needed an upgraded wall and door to protect their sleeping areas from the elements... I also enjoyed some tasty local lunches with freshly harvested rice. Ronald, whose family would be the beneficiary of the work, said it was his first time building a wall like this, which was impressive as he led us through the project like a pro with Bon Jovi’s greatest hits blasting in the background..."

Learn more about Globe Aware's Philippines Program

Achieving a Lifelong Dream in the Galapagos

A lifelong dream come true! Sandy, a returning volunteer, and her friend Mary completed a two-week volunteer vacation with Globe Aware in the Galapagos. This distinctive program emphasizes conservation and adventure on the captivating island of Isabela.

They took on night shifts safeguarding turtle nests, devoted time to a conservation center, visited farms, delved into caves, and thoroughly explored the island! Here's an excerpt from Sandy's week.

"Today we visited the Giant Tortoise breeding center. Because of introduced species (rats, dogs, cattle, etc), baby tortoises can’t survive in the wild. So they breed here and then release them when they are big enough to survive. Also saw flamingos, and of course more marine iguanas. Our work is at night so we can explore all day. Hot but happy!"

Learn more about Globe Aware's Galapagos Program

Updates

Father & Son in Guatemala

"𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚, 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙜. 𝙃𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 '𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥.' 𝙄 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨."

David, a dedicated volunteer, participated in his third Globe Aware program, and this time he brought along his son, Rollie. Together, they immersed themselves in a week-long experience in Guatemala, delving into learning and exploration. David provides a comprehensive account of his week, inviting you to enjoy the read and gain insights into what to anticipate on a Globe Aware volunteer vacation!

New Uniforms for the Hill Tribes!

Don G., an exceptional volunteer, along with the National Philanthropic Trust, sent a donation of $1,200 to Globe Aware. This contribution has gone towards covering the expenses for new uniform jerseys for our Hill Tribes football team in Thailand. What a wonderful contribution!

Advisers Giving Back: Mike Devlin and the Village of Tanyigbe
A pension risk consultant’s journey to Africa as a volunteer with Globe Aware evolved into a significant initiative for a remote village in Ghana, profoundly altering the village’s prospects and the consultant’s life.

New website

Globe Aware is transforming, and we're thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new website! Be on the lookout!

David's Blog

Learn more about Globe Aware's Guatemala Program

Make a Donation

Advisors Giving Back

ECOSOC
The Presidents Volunteer Service Award
GoAbroad Certified
The Forum
Travel for Good
Study Abroad
IVPA
Great Non Profits
Guidestar