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Vietnam Mission Trips Offer Volunteers A Chance To Make A Difference

By Deborah Smith


After young people have graduated from high school or college, they often want to spend some time just for themselves before they start job hunting. Some opt for the sun, sand, and surf, while others take off for a theme park filled with rides, restaurants, and parades. Still others decide to spend a few weeks or months participating in a volunteer program like the Vietnam mission trips offered by a variety of organizations. Not only are they more worthwhile, they are also affordable and memorable.

Volunteers to parts of Asia, Africa, and South America have a chance to see first hand how natives in small communities live, work, and cope with everyday challenges like not enough clean drinking water and the lack of basic sanitation most Americans don't even think about. These excursions are very affordable, but the packages do not are not all inclusive. Volunteers must pay for their own travel expenses and insurance, any inoculations required, and spending money.

Volunteers don't have to have advanced degrees to make a difference in the area they choose to visit. Those who are interested in teaching for instance, can help a local educator in the classroom with literacy, English language, and vocational training. Licensed teachers may be able to teach independently.

Those who have environmental concerns can choose to work with jungle and coastal programs aimed to conserve and protect those areas. Organic and sustainable farming operations usually need workers, especially those who don't mind the heat and hard labor. Volunteers may end up working alongside world renowned biologists and ecologists representing international organizations or with local community leaders dedicated to preserving natural habitats.

Animal lovers and those who have concerns for endangered species can volunteer for wildlife conservation projects. Many areas with fragile ecosystems need help preserving, protecting, and improving their stability. It is not unusual to see packs of animals roaming communities. Abandoned domestic dogs and cats are a problem in many poor areas. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with communities to help round up the animals and make sure they have food and shelter.

Individuals with artistic and musical skills can choose from a variety of vacation packages that give them a chance to share their love of the arts with native children. Volunteers often teach lessons during a part of the school day, and may also be called upon to give time to community centers as well.

Those with interests in the social services area often decide to volunteer to assist with the special needs and elderly population. They may be involved in everything from physical rehabilitation to personal hygiene. Some volunteers assist teachers in special needs classrooms. Others work with seniors in social services settings. Seniors often need basic help feeding themselves, moving from dining chairs to walkers or wheelchairs, and navigating steps or ramps.

Volunteers provide a vital function in many poor communities around the world. Where money and resources are scarce, these people fill a void. In turn, the volunteers learn valuable life lessons and gain a unique perspective on the world.




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