*the gla newsletter
At the end of each day, we all had these massive smiles on our face because we knew that we had made a difference in their life, and at the same time, they were making an even greater difference in ours. I've learned so much and matured so much more. Those three weeks in Fortaleza were the most intense, most overwhelming, most perfect weeks of my life. - Amanda, GLA Brazil
In this issue: Photos and Videos from 2007 || New for 2008: India and Ghana || GLA Alumni in Action: Lara Saget
Forward this newsletter to a friend
Photos and Videos from 2007 Programs >>
This past June and July, GLA students experienced incredible journeys in Brazil , Costa Rica and South Africa . Over 100 different high schools and 20 different countries were represented. You can watch a video of last summer on YouTube or go to our new web site and click the *more videos* tab at the top of the home page and select the "GLA Overview" video.
You can also see over 1,000 photos from last summer here.
|
Cape Town Students volunteered at local schools to teach their South African peers basic computer skills, a skill commonly taken for granted. Yet, for those students in South Africa it is an essential skill to furthering their success in a growing global and technological world. More about Cape Town > Costa Rica GLA students volunteered in many places: a home for mentally and physically disabled children and adults, a daycare for single parent children, an SOS village for orphaned children, and trained youth with disabilities for the Special Olympics. Besides whitewater rafting, one of the highlights was meeting former President Carazo and current President Aries --- in the same day. More about Costa Rica > Brazil We worked in “polos,” after school centers for at-risk and poor youth. These youth aged from 7-17, and GLA students did arts and crafts, music and dance, sports, and most importantly, built friendships that will last a lifetime. More on Brazil >
|
|
New for 2008: India and Ghana >>
|
Ghana Come experience the heart and soul of West Africa! Gain unparalleled access to the rich culture of West Africa. Ghana was the first African country to gain independence, and while the official language of Ghana is English, more than 70 different languages are spoken. You'll volunteer with orphanages, day care centers and schools. On the weekends, learn about African percussion, dance and weavings. More about Ghana >> India Discover the rich culture of India! Experience one of the most diverse and culturally rich countries in the world. Taste the rich cultural flavors of this rapidly growing nation, and learn first-hand about issues facing the country and meet inspirational leaders who are meeting these challenges. More about India >>
|
|
|
Alumni in Action >>
|
GLA encourages its students to stay involved in issues they learned about during their program. Each month, we highlight the efforts of one of our alumni. Have a story to tell? Send us an email! Student: Lara Saget High School: Crossroads School (Santa Monica, USA ) Lara is part of a group of teenagers called the Young Angels. Upon returning from GLA Brazil, Lara mobilized the group to put on a fundraising event for the Polos (after school centers for at-risk youth) that she worked with. The group put on a dance party for middle school students in Los Angeles. They charged a $20 admission per student. The party was a big success and they raised $1,500. Besides raising money, they also raised awareness about the issues facing children in Brazil. The funds will go towards purchasing equipment for the Polos in the area of Maracanau, outside of Fortaleza, Brazil. |
“I loved my experience in Brazil. I think about the kids I worked with every day. It was a really memorable experience."
|
