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Global Vision International (GVI) is an ethical volunteering organisation working in partnership with over 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects worldwide. With staff in 30 countries and thousands of ex-volunteers there are many different stories to tell. This news section gives a brief overview of how you can find out more about GVI, its work and its people, and gives you a sample of some clippings from the international press.
Mexico hurricane releif effort in full swing - Volunteering organisation GVI assists community clean up
Mexico hurricane releif effort in full swing - Volunteering organisation GVI assists community clean up
27 November 2007Global Vision International (GVI) volunteers have been turning their gap years, holidays and sabbaticals into invaluable labour, in a bid to restore Mexico, the popular tourist destination, to its former glory. After Hurricane Dean ripped through the country last month, volunteers have taken time out from their volunteer projects and dive courses to join in the relief efforts, with the aim to get Mexican communities back on track to attract tourists in 2008.
GVI had a strong presence in Mexico before the storms hit, with volunteers able to participate in a variety of projects, from working with the local communities and teaching English to learning about the importance of marine conservation while scuba diving in the picturesque Mexican waters. As a result of the devastation caused by the hurricane, GVI have integrated their Mexican volunteer programmes with the international relief efforts to help restore the livelihoods of the local communities.
As an organisation, GVI strives for sustainable development, to create a better future for the local people in the areas they operate in. Tourism is a huge part of the Mexican economy, so GVI identified ways that it could immediately work towards restoring the areas worst hit.
GVI volunteers have offered assistance in a variety of ways in Mexico, from helping local communities with the ‘clean up’ operation to assisting with construction, as well as continuing to teach the locals English, which is essential to boost the local economy.
Tabitha Symonds from Global Vision International, comments: “The aftermath of the hurricane has dramatically affected the tourist industry; which will be a huge blow to the Mexican economy. Life in Mexico is difficult at the moment, and we are pleased that our volunteers were so willing to get involved in the relief operation. It’s testament to why our volunteers travel with us – to make a difference”.
Regional Director of GVI Mexico, John Reeves, comments: “It was brilliant to see such enthusiasm from the volunteers to start work on rebuilding the worst affected communities so soon after Hurricane Dean. It’s a long road to recovery for the region, as we know from Hurricane Wilma in 2005, so we would encourage any interested individuals to come out and join GVI or to donate to the cause through ‘Global Giving’”.
