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 They Started The Year in The Best Way!

Our volunteering duo, Greg and Jeff, arrived in the Philippines and were warmly welcomed by Coordinator Gege in Manila on Sunday. Before heading to their project site for the week, they experienced traditional cultural dances and spent time exploring the city together. Here's a look at their week!

Monday

The day began with a courtesy visit to the Mayor, followed by the start of project work. The recipient family was a household of seven living in an 8x8 home.
That day, the volunteers began building the foundation of a new home for the family. Supplies were transported, half of the existing structure was demolished, and foundation work moved forward. The day also included a special invitation to a family birthday celebration for lunch. And at the end of the day, they relaxed and unwound with a traditional massage provided by a visually impaired therapist.

Tuesday

Day three of the Globe Aware program was filled with visible joy throughout the community. The family's smiles, excitement, and renewed hope were felt by everyone involved.

Our volunteers continued building an entirely new home for the family. The homeowner had worked late into the evening preparing the foundation, while community members came together to help begin construction. The progress made in such a short time was remarkable.

The day ended with volunteers baking bread at a local bakery to be shared the following day.

"We helped with the cement, then made a supply run. While we ate lunch, something AMAZING happened. Various members of the community came together to help him start building the house. When we came back to the site, it blew our minds how much work had been done." - Volunteer Greg.

Wednesday

That day, the team distributed freshly baked bread along with 280 hot meals to children at the local school. A group of Barangay health workers helped prepare the meals. The visit concluded with a fairytale storytelling session that brought smiles to both the children and the volunteers.

While continuing construction on the new home, Greg and Jeff also supported another vulnerable family in the community by providing a full month of groceries. This act reflected their generosity and their desire to help beyond the main project site.

"Helped feed 200+ kiddos a hot meal at the elementary school. Learned more about the history of the country by watching a film about General Antonio Luna. Met the mayor at the home project site to put handprints on the wall. Visited the American POW and Filipino POW camp sites. Jeff, with his gigantic heart, suggested we go shopping for another family, so we picked up rice, canned goods, toiletries, and some cookies. We brought surplus food from lunch to the local daycare. And OF COURSE we got some basketball in with a local kiddo."-Volunteer Greg.

They Started The Year in The Best Way!  Cont.

Thursday

"Today, we proudly say the house is finished!"

What was once a shanty made of makeshift materials is now a brand-new home built with love, dedication, and the unshakable spirit of bayanihan (unity and cooperation).
Our incredible Globe Aware volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty. They gave their time and energy and generously donated additional materials to continue building the kitchen.

Most importantly, the family is overjoyed. This achievement was possible because the entire community came together, neighbors, volunteers, and local leaders working as one.

The volunteers left their handprints on the wall as a symbol of the compassion and teamwork that built this home, and

Greg and Jeff didn't stop there. They even painted a hopscotch for the children at a mini park. As soon as it was finished, the kids rushed over with excitement. Their laughter, jumping, and joy were a reminder of how simple acts can bring happiness to a community.

"What truly touches my heart is how generous our volunteers are. Beyond building homes, they look for ways to help wherever they can, making sure more families have food on the table and feel supported."- Coordinator Gege.

Friday

The work portion of the program officially concluded, and our volunteers were honored with Certificates of Appreciation from the Mayor. They spent the remainder of the day saying their goodbyes, delivering groceries, and unwinding with a visit to a national park.

"Started the day dropping off the groceries from the day before to a single mother with 6 kids. Another check-in with our house project family to say goodbye. Of course, he had already started laying the foundation for the kitchen. The mother gave us the sweetest thank-you letter. Next stop was Minalungao National Park to relax and eat lunch on a bamboo boat floating down the river. Wrapped up the day with dinner and a show." - Volunteer Greg.

Saturday

They headed home on Saturday, but it's hard to believe all of this took place in just one week. This is only a snapshot of everything they accomplished-the impact they made, the connections they built, and the friendships that will last well beyond the program.

Learn More About Globe Aware's Philippines Program

Kenya - Between Hope And Hardship

In rural Kenya, access to basic medical care can mean the difference between hope and hardship. For many families, receiving treatment requires walking more than 20 kilometers to the nearest hospital, where care is often limited by staff shortages, strikes, and a lack of essential medicine. As a result, thousands of people are left without timely or reliable healthcare when they need it most.

To address this urgent need, Globe Aware's Kenya Coordinator, Pius, is working to build a community medical clinic that will serve an estimated 20,000 people. Once completed, the clinic will provide essential general medical services in a safe, dependable setting, bringing lifesaving care closer to home. Children will be able to receive vital vaccinations, mothers can seek care with confidence, and entire communities will gain access to healthcare with dignity.

And those in need will seek vital services! A pop-up clinic and free medical camp held last July saw an overwhelming and successful response from the community.

Construction is currently at the groundbreaking stage, with footings being installed. To date, $30,000 has been raised, and an additional $45,000 is needed to reach the $75,000 goal. Every contribution, whether small or generous, helps move this project forward. One gift can build more than walls; it can build opportunity, resilience, and long-term wellness for families who need it most. By the end of October, the building is expected to be completed and ready to receive patients.

"We would like to say thank you for considering being a part of this noble project.
Lots of blessings!" - GA Kenya Coordinator Pius

To learn more, email us at office@globeaware.com.

To donate, please visit the link below and ensure that you title the Donation "Kenya Medical Clinic."

Please note: PayPal and credit card payments incur an additional 3.9% processing fee to cover PayPal's costs. This fee is automatically added to your total. If you wish to cap the amount you donate, please reduce the amount accordingly before making your payment.

Donate Today!

Your Seat is Waiting - Help Protect Wildlife in Zimbabwe

September 20–27, 2026

This September, join Globe Aware for a transformative volunteer experience in Zimbabwe. Over eight days, you’ll make a real difference in local communities while contributing to vital wildlife conservation. Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers who loved working alongside the local community, the program has been extended this year. 

This experience includes opportunities to help improve schools and community projects, and participate in the Hwange Game Count, a critical wildlife census protecting elephants, lions, and other iconic species. Guided by conservation experts, you’ll help collect data, learn about animal behavior, and contribute directly to preserving Zimbabwe’s incredible biodiversity.

Between volunteering, exploring the beauty of the Zambezi River, witnessing Victoria Falls, and connecting with fellow volunteers over evening braais, sharing stories and reflection. Every moment is designed to leave a lasting impact, both on the communities and wildlife you support and on you.

Why join?

• Protect wildlife and support critical conservation efforts.
• Contribute to meaningful community projects.
• Learn hands-on conservation skills from experts.
• Immerse yourself in Zimbabwean culture and landscapes.

Interested? Email us and be the first to know when registration goes live!
Limited spots available, don’t miss out!

Email us: office@globeaware.com

Stories That Inspire Action

Transform Your Service Organization's Impact

Service organizations have always played a vital role in community engagement and leadership development. But what if your next service project reached beyond your local community and created impact around the world?

At Globe Aware, service organizations, including Greek life chapters, school clubs, nonprofit teams, and civic groups, take part in volunteer programs that combine hands-on service with cultural immersion. These experiences strengthen team connection while supporting locally led projects across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and beyond.

Projects Designed and Led by Local Communities

In this episode of The Devon Taylor Podcast, Kimberly Haley Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, challenges common assumptions about international volunteerism and shares a more responsible and effective approach. She explains why locally led projects matter and how thoughtful service can create benefits for both communities and volunteers.

Leaders of Transformation and Voluntourism

In an episode of the Leaders of Transformation podcast, host Nicole Jansen speaks with Kimberly Haley Coleman about building Globe Aware and redefining voluntourism. The conversation explores how well-designed service travel goes beyond traditional tourism, fostering cross-cultural understanding, leadership growth, and lasting connections. Kimberly also shares her journey from the corporate world to leading an award-winning nonprofit, and why service travel can be a powerful experience for individuals, families, and teams seeking purpose-driven travel.

Transform Episode

Devon Taylor Podcast

Leaders of Transformation Podcast

Earn Credits

Learn More

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