TRAVEL
TRAVEL:
WITH PURPOSE
Travel as we know it is evolving rapidly. Increasing numbers
of North Americans, from millennials to career breakers and
retirees, are choosing to move away from established trends,
in favour of more purposeful travel.
Regardless of age, volunteering abroad is an opportunity to
re-evaluate life goals, help effect meaningful change where it
is needed, and adopt a fresh perspective of the world outside
your comfort zone.
International volunteer organization Projects Abroad seeks
to create a world of respect by promoting cross-cultural
understanding between volunteers and the project destinations.
To do this, Projects Abroad needs the help of all volunteers,
including older volunteers who have a wealth of valuable life
experience to share. The organization is pleased to announce
the launch of Grown-up Specials, which are organized group
volunteer trips designed for volunteers ages 50 and above. These
projects are perfect for volunteers seeking an altruistic travel
experience in developing countries and provide volunteers
with the opportunity to impact lives in a positive way.
“Thousands of North Americans are volunteering abroad
annually, and a growing percentage of those volunteers are
older than 40,” says Kaisa Partanen, a Program Advisor for
Projects Abroad Canada. “We are thrilled to offer more shortterm volunteer options for that demographic, knowing that
they have so much to offer developing communities. Whatever
they can contribute, they will make a tangible difference to
our efforts in-country and know that they are part of lasting
change.”
Each trip takes place over two weeks and follows a set
daily schedule arranged by local Projects Abroad staff. This
spring, Projects Abroad is offering three Grown-up Specials
for volunteers ages 50+:
Above: Conservation and Environment volunteers with sharks in Fiji.
Below: Culture & Community volunteers learning drumming in Senegal
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Care & Community in Nepal
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world today
for a number of reasons. Its hilly and mountainous landscape
makes it difficult to develop adequate infrastructure and many
people are employed in low-skilled agricultural jobs. Half
the population is unemployed or underemployed. Volunteer
aid is crucial and this program is a great opportunity for
older volunteers to make an impact and share a lifetime of
experience with others. The Care & Community program
follows a set schedule and involves childcare and renovation
work that directly benefits the local community. If you choose
to join this program, you will also have the opportunity to
participate in outreach work, teaching children about dental
care and other hygiene practices.
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