By Rebecca Finney | Program Coordinator
For many of our youth, this was their first time traveling internationally, and because of Global Potential's focus on complete immersion and cultural exchange, it was a very profound experience. One youth explained her summer experience in Haiti:
"My life has changed because I was able to go out of my comfort zone to enter a new way of life that I was able to adapt to and enjoyed while here. I was able to see how hard people work in Haiti and how easy I have it back home. I've also been able to understand life a little better and not to fuss over little things because there are bigger problems in the world."
We are excited to report that because of generous donations like those received through Global Giving, we sent 30 youth and and 11 members of the Global Potential staff abroad to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua for our summer program!!
From Boston: 4 youth and 2 staff members to Haiti, 2 youth to DR, 2 youth and 1 staff member to Nicaragua
From New York City: 2 youth and 1 staff member to Haiti, 5 youth and 3 staff members to DR, 4 youth and 2 staff members to Nicaragua
From Paris: 2 youth and 1 staff member to Haiti, 1 youth and 1 staff member to DR, 1 youth to Nicaragua
In addition to youth from Global Potential's three offices, we were also able to include a handful of youth from Abu Dhabi, Nicaragua, Haiti and the Dominican Rebublic in our summer program.
The program in Haiti ran from July 4 - August 18, DR from July 2 - August 20, and Nicaragua from July 4 - August 20.
During the month and a half program, our youth lived with host host families and were completely immersed in the culture and community. They engaged in activities to help improve the communities, such as planting gardens, building fences and community clean-ups. They also taught English classes and ran open space workshops on various topics with village youth.
In addition, each Global Potential youth was paired with a local mentor to do an individualized intership based on the youth's personal interests. Internships ranged from farming, working in local hospitals and getting involved in local politics.
After experiencing an enriching summer of cultural exchange and mutual service, GP youth are hard at work on integrating what they experienced abroad into their communities at home.
Our youth are currently:
- Creating documentary films highlighting social justice issues
- Starting social ventures to better their schools and communities
- Developing and facilitating community service projects
- Engaging in activism around local and global social justice activities
Check out the Global Potential Blog for posts by our youth abouth their summer experiences and community projects!"
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