Amizade’s March Madness

 1. APPALACHIA: In March, around 50 participants worked with Sustainable Williamson to build replicable strategies in networks like community health, food systems, sustainable energy generation, and local sustainable tourism. Participants were able to visit local farm markets, tour the Hatfield and McCoy trails systems, and hike parts of the Logan State Park.  Institutions that participated were:

• Penn State University – Abington
• Green Valley Ranch High School
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program

2. GHANA: This past month an open group comprised of 7 adults, 3 of whom are Amizade alumni, traveled to Winneba where they worked alongside of Amizade’s partner, Challenging Heights. Through education economic empowerment, Challenging Heights is aided by volunteers in their effort to support victims of child trafficking.

3. JAMAICA: During spring break, 87 Amizade participants traveled to Petersfield where they met up with Amizade’s partner, the Association of Clubs. The AOC conducts numerous programs from running a youth empowerment camp to revitalizing their community through construction projects.  Amizade participants also help to support the local economy by staying with host families for the duration of their service trip.  Participants were from:

• Bethany College
• Agnes Scott College
• University of Wyoming
• Pratt Institute
• West Virginia University
• Cornell University

4. NAVAJO NATION: This March season, a total of 64 participants dedicated their time to support and learn about the Navajo tribe in Arizona. Volunteers insulated and drywalled a hogan, built an outhouse, helped prepare cedar wood for a hogan, worked on a sheep carol, and built a temporary sweat lodge.  Participating groups were:

• Penn State University – Dubois
• Penn State University – New Kensington
• University of Virginia Brody Jewish Center and John Wesley Foundation
• Armstrong State University

5. NORTHERN IRELAND: In the beginning of March, a group of Penn State University – Berks students had the opportunity to travel to Belfast where they were led by Amizade’s partner, YouthWorks. YouthWorks encourages participants to challenge their opinions and explore their own value base without judgement or put down.

6. PUERTO RICO: While on their spring break, groups volunteered with local NGO Caras, where they focused their efforts on environmental restoration by preparing and planting Mangrove trees.  Amizade participants also teamed up with Student Globe, a group of young Puerto Rican professionals, to help sort books to be donated to communities around the world.

• Agnes Scott College
• Academy of Sacred Heart

7. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: This March, around 35 Amizade participants partnered with the DORCAS Women Group in order to address community needs in Matelot. Volunteers worked supporting local eco-tourism by helping to build a new local library.

• Agnes Scott College
• University of Wyoming
• West Virginia University

8. WASHINGTON DC: This spring season, around 70 Amizade participants spent time in America’s capital learning about our current hunger and homelessness epidemic. Working directly with local grassroots organizations, volunteers worked in shelters preparing and serving meals as well as receiving educational presentations on the issues of hunger and homelessness.

• Penn State University – Abington
• Nubia Youth Centre (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
• Education Authority (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
• Temple Beth El (Ft. Meyers, Florida)

Want to experience the wonderful madness of an Amizade program?  Start planning your program today – it’s never too soon.  Don’t hesitate to contact us to reserve your dates and inquire about details.