Botswana

"...in the week that we were there, the volunteers new to workcamps came to understand that the preconceived notions that we entered the camp with - that these children would be destitute and clearly yearning for something only we could give them - was honestly an arrogant and ignorant assumption."

Sarah Starr/ Botswana - 2006

China

Teaching in the local schools is fun for volunteers and the children.

Nancy Wong / China - 2006

Croatia

"The most memorable times during the two weeks were the conversations with the volunteers, usually in the evenings as we were relaxing, discovering details of each others' lives. The experience and memory of this camp brings me so much fulfillment. I am so grateful such organizations exist, and plan on participating again in the future."

Judith Hunt / Croatia - 2006

Ecuador

An education project generates big smiles.

Ganesh Narayanaswamy / Ecuador - 2006

Germany

"I initially wanted this experience to meet international people, to explore a region of the world, to practice my German, to have fun and to volunteer. I came away with a better understanding of myself and of others, of current situations in the world, of the different realities facing many people at home, and of the goodness that exists so freely in young people across the world. It hurts very much to be exposed to people that have changed my outlook and perception of the world and then to have left them after only three weeks.

Tanya Bindra / Germany - 2006

Haiti

I just returned from a work camp in Haiti and it was the most exciting, inspiring, and fun two weeks of my life. I learned a great deal about Haitian culture and history, ate authentic Haitian meals, and was able to hear about and witness myself many of the struggles that the people there are presently tackling. It is so easy to get discouraged when in Haiti, seeing its current state. However, our group was extremely fortunate to meet two incredible people, Yoleine Gataeu and James Philemy of Neges Foundation, whose hands-on and practical approach to education, medicine, and the overall betterment of the community of Leogane, serve as a shining example to anyone who feels overwhelmed or unsure of where to start in helping Haiti."

Megan Fojtik / Haiti - 2006

Haiti

Become friends for life.

Anthony Wintheiser / Haiti

Iceland

"The whole experience was amazing, and I can't wait to go somewhere new next year!!"

Suzanne Lak / Iceland - 2006

India

A street theater project to help prevent HIV/AIDS: "Being on the streets and at the truck stops performing this piece was quite exhilarating. I think much of it had to do with the positive response from the crowd. It was common for us to be approached after the performance and asked about condoms or safe sex. Every time we performed, the group got a little closer. I think we discovered working together is the only way were ever going to make it in this world. We have to stop thinking I and start thinking us. We are all in this together."

Bradley Snow / India - 2006

Italy

An archaeology project.

Jessica Rains / Italy - 2006

Japan

The first Global Networking Conference of International Voluntary Service was held in Japan in October, hosted by the Coordinating Committee on International Voluntary Service and NICE Japan. Twenty-three leaders of seven regional voluntary service networks and international NGOs met at the first CCIVS Executive Committee meeting to be hosted in Asia.

Japan - 2006

Kenya

Celebrating is something everybody loves.

Sonya Nasta / Kenya - 2006

Madagascar

I had a great time and I was thrilled to be where I was and interacting with the people I met.

Annie Jarvis / Madagascar - from 2005

Mexico

A sea turtle preservation project.

Alex Nelson / Mexico- 2006

Morocco

Painting a community center.

John Ryan / Morocco - 2006

Mozambique

A tree planting project.

Michael Zawacki / Mozambique - 2006

Palestine

Brightening the walls of a refugee camp.

Nariman Abu-Abed / Palestine - 2006

Peru

Making new friends  in Ayacucho.

Joanna Liss / Peru - 2006

Sweden

"Meals were prepared by us- the volunteers- in pairs, everyone got to be the 'Chef' for at least one day, making breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was an amazing experience to be part of this Volunteer camp and meet people from around the world and make friends for a lifetime while helping others. I will definitely want to be part of a camp again in the future with VFP."

Judit Penumella / Sweden - 2006

Thailand

Planting rice.

Laura Goodwin / Thailand - 2006

Ukraine

Some of us made life-long friends, others made a life-long difference in the lives of the children, and most made both. The experience was very fulfilling, and I would definitely do it again."

Summer camp "Vognyk" for children with mental and learning disabilities.

Christopher Hesh / Ukraine - 2006

USA

The 2nd annual Concord New Hampshire Peace Camp drew volunteers from Argentina, France, Germany, Japan, Romania, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA.

USA - Concord NH Peace Camp - 2006

Vietnam

"The Vietnam Friendship Village is a wonderful project that is helping to mend the damages that were done to the Vietnamese people during the decades of war in Vietnam. The organic farming project at the Vietnam Friendship Village is a wonderful project that helps feed the residents suffering from the affects of agent-orange. The opportunity I had to work in this project was unforgettable, educational, and fun!"

Justin Frederiksen / Vietnam - 2006

Zambia

An art-pals exchange project organized by volunteer Cliff Beyer with children from San Diego California USA paritipating with children from South Luangwa Zambia.

cliff Beyer / Zambia - 2006