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Ines Menjak writes...about her experience while volunteering in El Salvador.Through my volunteer experience in El Salvador I became part of a culture, and part of a family that I will cherish always. The people of El Salvador are rich in comradery, hospitality, national pride, and food! The people's energy and love of life was both inspiring and motivating. I was fortunate to stay with a wonderful family who not only accomodated me but cared for me and treated me as part of their family. All the people I encountered welcomed me, and made me feel part of their culture. The staff at the clinic were an amazing group of people who I am fortunate to have known. I admire their dedication, comradery, and skills. In my program, we had hands on contact with the people of El Salvador. We went into people's homes in order to prevent the spread of Dengue Fever. I not only learned about the disease, but I got to witness how people live and survive in impoverished conditions. I was shocked at times to learn as many as nine people could live in a one-bedroom home. Many of the people we visited lived in poverty and I learned a great deal about the strength of the human spirit. I was thrilled to work hard everyday, waking up before dawn, working under the heat, going home dirty and tired in the bus. I really felt like I was a part of this rich culture. I had the full spectrum of experiences: from eating pupusas in beautiful restaurants, to trying empanadas offered during my inspection visit to an impoverished home, having a day off at the beach and sightseeing El Salvador's many beautiful locations, to taking the bus through San Salvador. This experience taught me the value of family and culture. I see a great need for help in El Salvador with respect to health education. I plan to return in the future and take a more dominant role in healthcare when I get my degree. Many of the problems stem from lack of precautionary measures and education of the poor. There are many things that can be done, but a greater number of volunteers are needed to organize and implement changes. Seeing the faces of the people living in poverty, and trying to wade through the sea of patients waiting in the clinic left a lasting impact on me and a determination to remain dedicated to help the people of El Salvador. I made many friends whom I cherish and look forward to seeing again when I return. Sincerely, Ines Menjak Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
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Feature Fundraiser: Machu PicchuIn August 2006 we will be hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru to raise funds for endangered rainforest in Ecuador, among the most threatened pristine forest eco-systems on the planet. Funds raised in the climb will go towards buying and protecting land in two of our Ecuadorian reserves.more >> |
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