Hi all,
Need some help.
Got 4 teenagers that I am looking at taking somewhere- we are living in Qld Australia at present. I am thinking about somewhere that they can spend a few days /week assisting the less fortunate, ie sports activities, reading activities at a school, english lessons, etc..
Basic Building perhaps - somewhere we can feel we have made a difference, unfortuately we don't have the time not the funds to spend too long away though..
Any suggestions?
Jak
imimac
1
jjtravelbug
Hi,
There's a group called International Volunteers for Peace - I get their email newsletters about their 'work camps' which seem inexpensive and short or long term. Often in the Pacific Islands which wouldn't be far from you. http://www.ivp.org.au/ is their website.
Good luck!
2
mamade
Hi Jak,
It would help if you gave a bit of insight into whether you wanted to do something around Qld, interstate or overseas and how long you have.
There are so many volunteer groups always looking for help or just local groups that would appreciate help (new immigrants - reading and writing, old people homes - companionship, etc) or you could look at getting your teenagers to reflect on what is important in their life by attending something like a Vipassana course (there is no charge for these courses and accommodation/food is provided - donations welcome) which might inspire them to come up with great ideas/causes themselves. These are held in various centres throughout Australia and overseas - [http://www.rasmi.dhamma.org/index.htm] and there are teenager courses.
Another option would be to look at fund-raising for great causes. Just one example: I just read about John Wood's book 'Leaving Microsoft to Change the World' and his charity 'Room to Read' [http://www.roomtoread.org/Page.aspx?pid=183] which shows how a small idea can grow so big and they encourage donors to go to their schools and libraries, set up in various overseas countries (like Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, etc) so you can see exactly where your money goes ... so many options!
Not sure if any of this helps but some ideas... more details would help
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