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Voluntarism
"Voluntarism is the
voluntary (acting of one's own accord) participation in a certain
action, or a system based on this." Webster's Dictionary
In our days voluntarism means sharing your skills and
professional experience with those who need it. Voluntourism is like
a working vacation: People travel to other countries during their
vocations to help communities in need. |
This action benefits the volunteer as well as he or
she intimately experiences the culture of the given
country thus broadening his/hers own outlook and enriches internal
world. This combination of exploration and inspiration is
growing in popularity, mostly due to an increase in the number and
variety of opportunities now available.
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Types of
Voluntarism
The variety of programs is matched only by the variety of
emotions each volunteer experiences during their stay.
You can teach English to Hungarian children, helping them
fulfill their education requirements. You can nurture children
in Ecuador, working at an orphanage. You can restore villages
in the fabled Blue Mountains of Jamaica, restoring dignity to
villagers. You can help care for disabled children in China
and experience life through their eyes. You can repair
Aboriginal homes in Australia, helping these proud indigenous
people in their struggle for equality. You can help save lives
by providing basic health-care screenings, such as diabetes
tests, well-baby checks and prenatal exams, in Northern
Greece.
If you’re a budget-conscious college student who wants to
see the world, a volunteer abroad program overseas is ideal.
Set your sights on the unforgettable scenery of Yorkshire,
England, while taking part in a conservation program. Soak in
the gorgeous South African sunset and learn how to protect
dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Or venture to Costa Rica
and get your hands dirty rebuilding homes. These trips are
often less expensive than normal vacations, and you get more
out of the travel experience than just a few souvenirs.
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Twenty years from now you will
be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by
the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from
the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream.
Discover.
Mark Twain |
Commom Opportunities for
Volunteerism
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Many of us have a strong urge to help others around the
world. Voluntourism is the perfect way for everyday
people to make a difference; however, they should first know
what they’re getting themselves into.
As a voluntourist, you must be realistic—you are not going
to single-handedly save a village or build a new school.
During a week-long stay in Tanzania, you may only build a few
desks and paint a classroom, which will not seem like much at
the time. But the schoolchildren who later sit in those desks
and enjoy that classroom will appreciate your efforts for a
lifetime. Every improvement—no matter how miniscule it
initially seems—helps form an essential foundation for further
social and economic improvements.
Voluntourism is more than an alternative to a standard
vacation. It’s about offering your skills and time while being
part of a team and interacting with diverse cultures. Anyone
considering this line of travel should be flexible, take
direction well and have both a sense of adventure and humor.
No special skills are needed—you only need an intense desire
to make a difference and experience a destination in a way few
tourists ever will. |
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No man should travel until he has learned the
language of the country he visits. Otherwise he voluntarily makes
himself a great baby-so helpless and so ridiculous.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees
what he has come to see.
Gilbert K.
Chesterton
Every perfect traveller always creates the country
where he travels.
Nikos Kazantzakis |
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