Archives: January 2010

Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Pura Vida

Posted: 01 / 26 / 2010
by admin

Happy, smiling, According to a recent study compiled by the Dutch scientists   who run the World Database of Happiness, Costa Rica is the happiest country on earth.  Tell that to any of the students and leaders who have participated in Global Works trips over the past 15 years and they will readily agree.  Former in-country director Polly Moriarty says this comes as no surprise.  “The Tico [Costa Rican] families have always opened their homes and hearts to Global Workers and made them feel like part of the family.  They are some of the nicest, most cheerful people you could ever hope to meet.”

There are a myriad number of reasons that Costa Rica might rank number one.  From the abolition of a national army in the 1940s to its dedication to education initiatives that far surpass those of surrounding Central American countries, Costa Rica has shown that it is a forward-thinking, modern country.  The country is also works hard to protect the environment for future generations.  They have the most national parks out of any country in Central America and have developed a model of sustainable eco-tourism now implemented by governments and non-governmental organizations around the world.

Ticos truly live up to their national motto, “pura vida”, meaning “pure life”.  Is it really a shock that they’re the happiest people on earth?


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Helping Haiti Resources

Posted: 01 / 14 / 2010
by admin

In an effort to disseminate information to students, families, staff, and friends who are interested in getting involved with the Haiti relief projects, we have created a resource list on our blog, Notes from the Globe.  The organizations outlined below have been provided by our Global Works alumni, staff, and friends.  If you know of other local efforts in your area, please feel free to send us a brief description and/or link via email or comment below.  We will add it to our list and share your contributions with our community contacts.

We hope you find this to be a helpful source for those looking to get involved. Our hopes and prayers are with the people in Haiti and their friends and families around the world.

Resources:
www.yele.org is a good one. One of the teachers in my school was a peace corps volunteer in Haiti and this relief site was given directly to her from contacts in Haiti. It goes directly to relief with little money going to overhead costs. (more…)

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Helping Haiti

Posted: 01 / 14 / 2010
by admin

As we watch the terrifying images and read the accounts of those afflicted by the earthquake in Haiti, a sense of utter powerlessness is setting in.  The full extent of devestation is unknown and for most of us is truly unknowable.   As I tucked our baby girl in tonight, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly fortunate for our health and safety.  The past months of economic panic in the US have been dramatically placed in appropriate context.  There is work to do and help to provide.  We have researched a few organizations we feel confident in recommending financial support.  We have listed these below.  For our part we will begin by donating $50 to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief for every Global Works student who enrolls in the month of January.  Our hopes and prayers are with the people in Haiti and their friends and families around the world. (more…)

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Custom Group Travel Match a Trip

Posted: 01 / 12 / 2010
by admin

NOTE : NOTE : NOTE: There is still time to plan a Custom Group Travel experience for this Summer and Fall through Global Works!

Teachers: Global Works is a travel experience that blends fun with meaningful community service projects. Program adventures are highlighted with language immersion and real world interaction with communities around the world.

Simply click here and complete our Trip Planner and we will customize your program!

Choose from Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Spain, Argentina, France, Martinique, Fiji, China, and Australia. Contact the Global Works Home Office for the itinerary and tuition (303-545-2202). (more…)

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International Travel… Leadership… Service Work…

Posted: 01 / 08 / 2010
by admin

If you are interested in international travel, leadership and service work, check out the Youth Global Leadership Retreat on Saturday, January 30th from 9am – 4pm. Philanthropiece Foundation invites the wonderful, inspired and talented youth (ages 14 – 18) from Boulder County to join! This retreat is part of a program that encourages and supports students to travel internationally, and bring back the knowledge and good work learned to their home communities. This retreat will feature collaborative art and theater, inspiring presentations, activities (rock climbing and African Drumming), fun, an opportunity to meet cool people, and most importantly, YOUR VOICE! (more…)

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