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Dear Michael,
As we move into 2003, we have much to celebrate, yet
much to fulfill. In 2002, with global
peace as a core concern, Amizade volunteers
served around the
world; exploring and reaching
understanding with countless cultures.
To continue to spread understanding and service in
2003, Amizade is expanding its service-learning and
volunteer program opportunities. For every one of us,
now is the time to investigate new opportunities
and
demonstrate a continuous commitment to global
understanding
through cooperative service.
| 2002 in Review |
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In previous years, nuns at the Hogar de Ninos
Orphanage prepared food in a plastic shack and children
ate their meals on the floor. Today, the home has a
complete kitchen and dining room. In Brazil, street
children who receive vocational training at the Pastoral
do Menor now have access to a new computer lab. In
these communities and others, Amizade volunteers
partnered with community members to create positive
change.
Nearly 200 volunteers from 17 different universities and
organizations participated in Amizade service-learning
and volunteer programs last year. The courses and
programs allowed students
to learn first hand about other cultures. A diverse
selection of programs and increased outreach to other
institutions improved Amizade's ability to spread the
ethic of exploration, service and
understanding throughout the world.
Amizade volunteers served 10,000 hours last
year, working to build not only structures but
relationships with other cultures as well. On the Navajo
Nation in Arizona, Amizade volunteers tutored Navajo
children for over 2,600 total hours and discussed
college and
career opportunities.
Additionally, community contributions from Amizade
volunteers totaled nearly $30,000. The contributions,
which are part of the program fee, ensure that
communities can afford the appropriate materials to
develop sustainable infrastructure. In Australia,
Amizade
volunteers worked with Aborigines to complete a
community park and public meeting space. In 2003
Amizade looks forward to continuing to bring people
together to develop lasting contributions to community
infrastructure around the world.
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| A New Member of the Amizade Student Staff! |
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Scott Vensel joined Amizade's Pittsburgh office in
January. Scott, a senior at the University of Pittsburgh,
is taking considerable responsibility for the development
and publication of Amizade's monthly e-letter, the
Amizade Update. An English Writing major, Scott
completed the 2002 History of the Holocaust course
that took place in Germany and Poland.
As Amizade continues to address community concerns
around the world the contributions of our student and
volunteer staff are vital. Amizade continues to benefit
from commitments from Cate Hodorowicz, Chad Martin,
Ashley Ruszkowski, Maria Wrzosek and Patrick Yoest.
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| Where will you serve in 2003? |
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Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, the Navajo Nation, Nepal or
Yellowstone?
Amizade volunteers can choose from any of the many
programs listed under "2003 Program Dates and Fees"
available on the right side of the page that appears
through the link below.
Others may be interested in Amizade's partnership with
the University of Pittsburgh, which allows students to
receive six university credits while serving overseas.
Look under "Quick Links" for a link to international
service-
learning courses, which are open to students from most
universities.
Don't forget that Amizade will customize a program any
time of the year for volunteer groups of six or more
people! Volunteer with friends, volunteer with family,
volunteer!
Click here for 2003 Program Dates and Fees »
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| Students Serve, Address Conflict in Northern Ireland |
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Thirteen student volunteers traveled from Waynesburg
College to Northern Ireland in November
to serve with communities affected by
the ongoing Unionist - Loyalist conflict.
Led by Bonner Scholars Director Pat
Delaney, the students spent most of their time in the
rural town of
Ballycastle and also traveled to the city of Londonderry
(Derry). In both cities, the focus was on the
cultural, political and
religious
tension that exists between the Loyalist Protestant
majority and the Irish Catholic
Unionists.
"You could actually see the turmoil with the
murals on the buildings and the curbs painted either
blue white and red for England or green white and gold
for Ireland," student-volunteer Elizabeth Michaels
pointed out. Delaney went on to say that the
prejudice
was so apparent that one could "cut it with a
knife." When visiting the Northern Irish Parliament,
students
felt that the governing body downplayed the severity
of the troubles. There are efforts, however, to address
the conflict.
Habitat for Humanity is working to integrate Unionists
and Loyalists. Habitat works as a societal
salve,
trying to bridge the gap between the two parties. The
group endured heavy winds and vicious
rains while they weather-proofed houses, which is a
necessity in the damp country. Also during the week in
country, the students served with Action Reconciliation
for Peace and Corry Meela.
Powerful and tense moments were hashed out
in after dinner reflection sessions. The group heard
from
speakers that introduced them to a diversity of
perspectives throughout the week. "A week felt like a
month," Delaney
shared, "It was a eye and heart opening
experience."
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