International Volunteers for Peace

Malalai Joya, Afghan feminist and campaigner to speak in Sydney on 10th anniversary of Afghanistan invasion

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:55:22 -0400

At a time when Afghanistan is more dangerous than ever, and Afghan refugees are still being refused asylum, come and hear this important voice against the ongoing war and occupation of the country.

Malalai Joya will be speaking on several university campuses and at union and community meetings.

Her main public meeting in Sydney will be on Friday September 9, 5.30pm for 6pm at the Marrickville Town Hall.

Book your ticket now. Tickets are $15/10. All proceeds above the tour costs will go to Malalai Joya.

Malalai Joya, a peace, democracy, women’s rights and development activist, will be returning to Sydney to address various meetings after having been a guest at the Melbourne Writers Festival at the end of August-early September.

Malalai is also a former MP from Afghanistan. She secretly conducted girl’s classes during the Taliban regime then served in the National Assembly of Afghanistan from 2005 until early 2007, when she was dismissed for publicly denouncing the presence of warlords and war criminals in the Afghan parliament.

Malalai Joya is an outspoken critic of the Hamid Karzai administration and the 10-year occupation by the West. Her book with Derrick O’Keefe, Raising My Voice (published by Pan Macmillan 2009), catalogues the corruption in Afghanistan and argues that foreign aid is not going to those most in need of it.

Malalai Joya has been called the bravest woman in Afghanistan. In 2010, Time Magazine placed Malalai Joya on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The Guardian listed her among its “Top 100 women: activists and campaigners”.

Malalai Joya recently concluded a successful tour in the United States where she spoke to sell-out audiences about ending the US-led NATO occupation of Afghanistan.

Malalai Joya’s visit is being organised by the Sydney Stop the War Coalition and supported by the Sydney Peace Foundation and the Marrickville Peace Group.

Information: Pip Hinman 0412 139 968 or Anne Picot 0404 090 710

www.stopwarcoalition.org

Learn how volunteering can benefit your community and change...

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:01:53 -0400

Learn how volunteering can benefit your community and change lives - including your own! Real volunteers give advice on how to overcome barriers to volunteering and finding the right volunteer experience for you.

A Blog designed specifically for Volunteers

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:31:54 -0400

A Blog designed specifically for Volunteers:

Share your volunteering story & read about others’ volunteering experiences.

Photo

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:04:09 -0400

kevinburch: Milk + Bookies looks like a great non-profit that...

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:02:08 -0400

kevinburch:

Milk + Bookies looks like a great non-profit that exposes children to books and giving. The graphics in the video are also fun and interesting.

Volunteer Opportunity: Awareness campaign in Mutomo, Kenya

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:59:27 -0400

Description: This camp takes place in the Mutomo district of Kenya which is the home of the Kamba tribe. The area suffers from its semi arid conditions with unreliable and unevenly distributed rainfall. The harsh weather conditions dictate the socio-economic conditions for the people of this area, for whom water is a precious commodity.

Type of Work: Volunteers are needed to take part in an awareness campaign on water harvesting and raising education standards in collaboration with community based organisations. Volunteers will be able to help with brick making, teaching, and construction. Home visits will also be possible.

Language: English

Terminal Location: The camp takes place in the Eastern Province of Kenya, in the area of Mutoma.

World B. Free (born Lloyd Bernard Free on December 9, 1953 in...

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:29:25 -0400

World B. Free (born Lloyd Bernard Free on December 9, 1953 in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1975–1988.

wavesfadingwords: “I don’t have my own house and my children...

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:42:34 -0400

wavesfadingwords:

“I don’t have my own house and my children can’t go out and play as I have to watch over them every minute,This is not the life I wanted for my children, but I’m here now. I have to hope for the best.”

__ Kadija is in shock. Over the past two weeks, the 32-year-old Somali has lost her livelihood, fled her rural home and ended up in a dismal settlement in one of the most dangerous cities on earth.she said that UNHCR staff during an aid distribution last weekend at the congested Al Adala settlement in Mogadishu.
|Full Report|

World Peace Society of Australia: a non-profit group working to stop war, for world peace and inner peace.

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:14:59 -0400

World Peace Society of Australia: a non-profit group working to stop war, for world peace and inner peace.

Young people share their experiences and attitudes towards...

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:47:18 -0400

Young people share their experiences and attitudes towards volunteering!

Youth Sports for a HIV/AIDS Free Generation, Uganda

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:02:01 -0400

Description: The Uganda Pioneers’ Association (UPA) has joined forces with the Luwero Kids League to mobilise youth in a HIV/AIDS awareness campaign through sports. The Luwero Kids League is committed to use sports as a tool to keep the youth informed about vital health and life skills while on the other hand building a positive social behavioural change in youths. This partnership sees UPA and the Luwero Kids League engage the youth and the entire Luwero community in an interactive camp that will involve sports, drama, theatre, cultural exploration, and presentations on life skills, HIV/AIDS, and adult reproductive health.

Type of Work: Volunteers will be involved in training sessions for games and sports, a sports gala, theatre training, presentations, debates, art competitions, and home visits, all related to the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

Study Theme: Volunteers will visit HIV/AIDS affected families living in the local community and they will also be able to visit health centres. Alongside this, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit local historical sites and organise a cultural evening.

Language: The language of the camp will be English. The majority of the population in central Uganda are Baganda, with Luganda being the major language spoken, however, a large number of people speak a high level of English.

Terminal Location: The camp will take place at the Luwero Boys’ Primary School, located in Luwero Town Council, roughly 60km North of Kampala in the central region of Uganda.

If you are interested in working with children and HIV/AIDS advocacy, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

Organic Gardening Project: Vietnam Friendship Village

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:25:22 -0400

Description: Vietnam Friendship Village is a treatment/care centre located in the western outskirts of Hanoi Capital, which was opened in 1993 to treat children and veterans who suffer from the effects of Agent Orange (a chemical used by the American army during Vietnam-US War). The children, whose fathers or grandfathers were exposed (causing chromosomal damage) or who were contaminated from their mother’s milk, suffer from a range of difficult conditions. While staying in Vietnam Friendship Village, children and veterans are nourished and are provided with free medical care. The children, who may stay there for several years, receive not only basic education, but also some forms of job training.

The Organic Gardening Project was launched in 2004 with the goal of creating islands of a harmonious approach to agriculture within areas of environmental and human devastation - increasing awareness of the consequences of war and, at the same time, demonstrating positive strategies for healing and living. At this moment, the farm is providing about 60% of the village’s consumption of vegetable. It is expected that it will cover all the need and there are products left for sale to raise fund for the village.

Work: Volunteers will help with clearing the site, preparing soil, weeding, planting vegetables and fruit trees, cleaning a fish pond and redecorating the flowers in the garden. Additional activities may include planting trees, moving bricks for construction, collecting garbage and playing with the children or exchanging with local volunteers or farmers. S: A: VPV’s Peace House with modest condition. Shared rooms. Sleeping on floor. Showers and toilets available. Food prepared by vols with support from local people.

Location: Tay Mo, Tu Liem, Hanoi Capital.

If you are interested in working with children in a difficult situation, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

Drumming and Dancing Project - Kordiabe, Ghana

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:53:36 -0400

Description: The Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana (VOLU) was founded in 1956. It is a non-political, non-sectarian voluntary organisation. Its membership is open to everyone over the age of 16, irrespective of nationality, religion, race, political views, or educational qualification. It is based in the capital Accra. VOLU specialises in rural development and their projects are based in villages.

Type of Work: VOLU has a Youth Centre located in the small village of Kordiabe. They are looking for volunteers to take part in a drumming and dancing project.

Terminal Location: Kordiabe is a small village located one hour outside of the capital city Accra.

If you are interested in working with children and having fun, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

reb8l: Go with the Peace.

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:52:32 -0400

reb8l:

Go with the Peace.

Early Childhood Education - Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:19:00 -0400

Description: The project is organized in collaboration with the . The school is owned by the Lutheran church in the area and it offers early childhood education for children aged 3-6 (pre-primary). The school has about 100 children coming from the families around community.

Type of Work: During the project, volunteers will be involved in the following activities:

Assisting in teaching English language, Mathematics, Writing and Arts
Playing various sports and games with children Preparing various competitions
Teaching music Visiting children at home and support them with their homework and other activities
Painting class rooms and school buildings

Study Theme: There will be organised tours visiting local families to experience their way of life. You will have a privilege to visit some community based organisations working with orphans and vulnerable children. A workshop on “Orphans and Vulnerable Children in our society” will be held at the school. Kindly bring information from your local community or country for sharing.

Accommodation: We will be accommodated in the local guest house in the village. Water and electricity will be available. Volunteers with special needs for accommodation like seniors (50 years and above), families or the physically challenged will have special accommodation arrangements.

Language: English

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

Volunteer Opportunity: Environmental Project, Ecuador

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:29:05 -0400

September 2011: For the first two weeks volunteers will help in the Proyecto Chiriboga Reserve located 50.5 kilometres south west of Quito (the capital city) undertaking reforestation work and other necessary tasks in the reserve. In the second two weeks of the work-camp, volunteers will travel to the coast to teach Basic English in schools in Canton Jipijapa, Manabí.

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

Community Hall Rennovation - Oloparun, Nigeria

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:57:00 -0400

Description: An old Community Hall will be renovated and repaired. The community hall has lost firmness and will soon collapse. The hall is used for social events including meetings, assembly, cultural awareness etc. The roof and walls will be re plastered. Doors and windows fixed up.

Work: Renovation of building. Repair broken walls, roofs and windows. Mount on the new entrance doors and fixing the glasses.

Language: English Qualification: Need to be open minded and ready to adjust to project concepts.

Location: Oloparun Town, near Aramokala in Owode Local Govt. Ogun State.

If you are interested in community development, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

Volunteer Opportunity: Hai Duong Orphanage, Vietnam

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:02:00 -0400

Hai Duong Orphanage was established in 2002. With about 1,000 disabled and orphan children coming from many parts of Hai Duong province, the orphanage aims to provide basic education and vocational training to create employment opportunities for the teenagers with many different age groups.

The orphanage has a wide variety of courses for children ranging from infants to 18 years old. For example, children between the ages of 6 to 12 will be provided with educational courses, and the older children are able to attend vocational training courses at the centre. While special education helps to lessen the burden of children’s families by teaching the disabled to help themselves with personal activities, the vocational training programs enable handicapped children to earn their living and able to live independently in the future.

Volunteers will help organizing games, taking care baby and educational activities for children in the orphanage and exchanging with local volunteers or staff. Sometimes volunteers can help with some renovation work.

If you are interested in helping with children in a difficult situation, please visit http://ivp.org.au or email admin@ivp.org.au

PEACE PROJECT IN AUGUST 2011

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:52:00 -0400

Background
Idanre Town is a community located on the eastern part of Ondo State, Nigeria, about 8km to Akure, the State capital. The whole Idanre town especially the small village Odode, is harboured and surrounded by four heavy rocks called ‘Oke Idanre’ meaning Idanre Hills. The hill has antecedent impressive history which has links to war and missionary invasion activities into the land. The hills have 615 steps and in the medieval have inhabited people who had lived over 1000 years. Several communities like Odeja, Otolorun and others had lived on the hill for many years.

Project Description
On the hills existed many features of historical values after the communal wars that have now become centre of attraction and tourist activities.

Project Objectives:

Create opportunity to share experience among the campers in their various fields of interest.
Create more awareness on the uniqueness of the monumental city.

Site Work: Volunteers will plant trees and carry out beautification project in the ancient Primary School on Idanre Hills, Ondo State. Participate in the intercultural activities in the evening and give opportunity for dialogue and interactive discussion on Peaceful coexistence as a result of war on the mountain in the mediaeval era.

Participants: The participants will be highly motivated youths between the ages of 18 – 30 years and few veterans to guide and observe the events.

Location: At the top of Idanre Hill is a Mission School built in 1820 by Anglican Missionary.

Project Dates: 5th – 19th August 2011

Feeding and accommodation will be provided.

For more information on this fantastic volunteer opportunity contact us admin@ivp.org.au or visit our website http://ivp.org.au

IVP Poetry Competition

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:48:00 -0400

Welcome to the International Volunteers for Peace Poetry Competition. The competition is open to poems on the subject of volunteering and volunteer work. It can be in any style and should ideally be 4-8 lines.

The winner will receive a 12 month membership to IVP. The writer of the winning poem also has the chance to receive a free placement to any project in the world, and have their poem turned into a song! We will publish the winner in our next newsletter and on the website (http://ivp.org.au/).

To enter, simply email your poem to admin@ivp.org.au with the subject “IVP Poetry Competition”. Entries close 10 August 2011.

Good luck!