Jenica Pistone-Donahue | The Young Leader

November 7, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Summer Throwback

OK, we know summer wasn’t THAT long ago, but something about these shorter days and cooler nights really has us missing those carefree, high-energy days gone by! Check out some of our favorite beaches, oceans, jungles, and mountaintops from around the world.

Aaaand…on three! Students in the Dominican Republic take the leap on their catamaran excursion in the Caribbean.

(Dominican Republic: Caribbean Service Adventure)

Surf + sun = ultimate summer pastime

(Bali: Global Health Initiative™)

TFW you’re the chosen one on a Ghana monkey sanctuary excursion

(Ghana: Children of Africa™)

Games day on a remote South Pacific beach?! Yes please.

(Fiji: Children of the South Pacific™)

Aaaaah refreshing! Water straight from the coconut is a must on a beach day in the Caribbean.

(Guadeloupe: French Caribbean Adventure)

Nothing pairs with the Great Wall of China like…a Subway sandwich??

(China: Mandarin Service Adventure)

So, technically NOT summer in Peru, but that’s not stopping these ladies & this alpaca from having the time of their lives!

(Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley)

Adrenaline junkies get their fix on this whitewater rafting trip in Central America.

(Costa Rica: Surf & Ocean Stewardship Adventure)

Dudu Lagoon in the Dominican Republic isn’t just water–it’s a full day of fun in the sun. This group is getting into some v-ball big time!

(Dominican Republic: Caribbean Service Adventure)

Jumping for joy on those pristine Costa Rican beaches!

(Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Initiative)

Ta da! Made it to the waterfall in the Thai jungle.

(Thailand: Elephant Sanctuary Project™)

If a sunset boatride doesn’t make you miss summer, we don’t know what will!

(Bali: Global Health Initiative™)

November 6, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Alum in Action with GLA International Foundation

High school junior Zoe Siegel might be what you’d call a “go getter.” Musical theater, volunteer projects, school committees and advanced classes are just some of what she’s got on her plate currently. Last month, Zoe became the first GLA alum to join the Global Leadership Adventures International Foundation‘s board of directors. GLAIF is a nonprofit leg of GLA which serves as a year-round channel for support the community-led initiatives our students become passionately involved in each spring break and summer.

“It’s something I was really interested in continuing to work with,” she says. “By funding projects that continue the goals of student’s GLA trips, we show that community service doesn’t end after one trip. We continue to empower and inspire students to make a difference and follow their interests.”

After attending the Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project™ program in 2018, Zoe served as a GLA Global Ambassador, through which program she shared her passion for volunteering with other students; she became interested in exploring barriers to volunteering abroad for other students as well as what happens to the funding of projects once volunteers return home.

Zoe started her own quest to encourage young people in her area find volunteer opportunities that they could be passionate about. Along with a friend, she started How to Help in Maine.org, which pairs wanna-be volunteers with projects that are in need of manpower, and those with items or money to donate with organizations that could put them to good use. They have recently partnered with Martin’s Point Health Care to create three college scholarships for dedicated Maine-based volunteers.

“Growing up today, it can be hard to find one’s own voice. I believe that when students volunteer, they feel empowered. Then, students can be inspired to go out and make a difference in their own community. Even though the problems of our country and world might seem daunting, it is important for youth to lead a new generation of problem solvers and thinkers. With new waves of leaders and activists, I believe students can work together to make a difference,” she says.

Zoe’s organization of choice? She has found a home away from home at her local Boys and Girls Club, where she has volunteered for the past year. She created a student writing program, referred to as Creative Corner, at the Sagamore Village clubhouse in Portland. Her Tuesday afternoons are spent helping kids with their stories and poems. She is also working with the director of the Boys and Girls Club to offer a story night once a month where the kids can invite their parents and read their written pieces coffee-house style.

“While sharing about our lives can be hard, my hope is that writing stories can provide kids a new way of fostering connections and learning about the differences of others,” she says.

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Looking for volunteer opportunities in your own area? Volunteermatch.org might be a good place to start! You can narrow down opportunities based on type of service, location, and duration.

November 6, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Cats of Morocco

What ISN’T Morocco famous for? Flavorful food, colorful marketplaces, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural tradition are all markers of this north African country.

As is the case in many developing areas, most cities in Morocco have large stray animal populations–specifically, cats. There are several reasons for this, including lack of financial resources and access to veterinary care.

These furry roamers often live in harmony with the local residents and mostly keep to themselves, lounging in doorways and in alleys within the souks and residential areas.

Cats will grab shade where they can–and under a table displaying wares is some prime real estate when trying to beat the Moroccan midday heat. When you need sleep 16 hours per day, a comfy spot is essential. (Marrakesh medina)

Welcome mats, doorways, and sidewalks are all fair game. (Marrakesh, Rabat)

A shaded alleyway will also do the trick: Mama and her teenaged babies catch some zzzs in a blue-washed alleyway in a rural mountain village. (Chefchouene)

In their waking hours, Moroccan cats stay occupied in a variety of ways: searching for food, caring for their young, and finding the ultimate sunny grooming spot. Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a good view–this little tabby is camped out at Kasbah des Oudayas, watching the fishermen in the river below. (Kasbah des Oudayas, Rabat)

For most strays, living off the land and handouts from humans make up the majority of their diets. This tuxedoed gentleman on a rural mountain path is no exception–he is no stranger to the tourists that frequent this valley, and knows that if he asks just right he may get a snack. (Atlas Mountains)

Many riads, or guesthouses, either keep cats as pets or welcome local community cats. Bonbon is one of the lucky cats that enjoys a pampered indoor courtyard existence, complete with an adorned water fountain fit for the fanciest of cats. (Marrakesh)

Heading to Morocco? Not to worry, this cafe cat will keep your seat warm until you get here!

See below for a list of organizations dedicated to serving Moroccan street cats; they are taking donations!

Morocco Animal Aid – emergency medical attention

SPANA – spaying & neutering and adoption programs

Or, volunteer your time at your local Humane Society to make an impact in your own community! Most branches have opportunities for volunteers 15+ years of age.

October 23, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Día de Los Muertos: Food & Family in Latin America

Día de los Muertos has both indigenous origins from the Aztec, and Catholic origins from the Spanish conquistadors’ All Saints and All Souls Day. The holiday started out as an indigenous celebration of life, in a culture which believes to this day that death should be marked with festivities because the person who dies simply passes on to a better existence and should be accompanied by friends, family, food and spirit on that journey.

While Mexico is perhaps most well known for its celebrations, many other countries throughout Central & South America and the Caribbean celebrate their version of the holiday(s) as well–each with its own special components unique to place.

Peru

Like many countries in Central and South America, Peruvians celebrate the dead over a span of two days: Dia de Todos los Santos Vivos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Santos Difuntos (All Souls Day). In Peru, November 1st is dedicated to food and feasting, while the second brings visits to loved ones’ graves. Friends and family feast at home on their departed loved ones’ favorite dishes on the first; on the second, families move the celebration to their cemeteries to continue the party with food, drinks and music–some communities will even spend a night of revelry in the cemetery. November 2nd is dedicated to sharing memories of or legends about the departed and honoring their spirits.

Ecuador

Ecuadorians’ special spin on the holiday is that they adorn the graves of their ancestors with colada morada, a spiced berry and purple corn flour drink popular in the region, as well as sweet bread shaped like babies and decorated with icing and colourful toppings. They are filled with dulce de leche and are reportedly to DIE for (pun intended). Sound delicious? You can find some recipes on our Pinterest page.

Guatemala

In Santiago Sacatepéquez, just outside of Antigua, a huge celebration is held each year. Here the cemetery fills to the brim as visitors bring flowers, typically marigolds, to the graves of their loved ones. Barriletes Gigantes (giant kites) are flown on site and can be seen for miles around. They can be almost 50 feet in diameter and are hand-painted or embroidered throughout the year in preparation.

Brazil

Brazil’s take is a bit more somber. Called “Dia de Finados” this day is reserved for introspection and contemplation of life and those lost. It is tradition to visit cemeteries early in the day; some even give up meat or alcohol as a show of respect.

Interest in the customs of these countries piqued? Check out our 14- or 21-day programs in Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, or other countries in Central America & the Caribbean!

October 8, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

New Global Service Learning Programs

Peru: Llama & Animal Service Adventure

Llamas and alpacas and vicuñas–oh my! If these cuties make your heart skip a beat, you’re in the right place. In addition to exploring Peru’s picturesque natural formations and iconic monuments (Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu), you’ll learn from indigenous herding tribes to care for these adorable yet utilitarian native creatures. Volunteering with animals in shelters or wildlife conservation centers will earn you a whopping 45 service hours.