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As a volunteer, you will discover the unique opportunity of visiting the real world beyond the tourist window and become immersed (沉浸) in the cultures you visit. For many travelers, this time spent working on meaningful projects and getting to know the local area and its people is often regarded as their most memorable, enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Who can volunteer?
Kaya volunteers are 18-80 years old people with an adventurous spirit. Whether you have time for a 2-week trip or a 6-month break, traveling on your own, with a group or with your family, or you are a student, taking a break from your study or have even retired, they will find a project that can use your help.
What types of projects can you do?
Kaya's project advisers work with you to decide which project is best for you and what type of work you like to do. You can work in the following fields:
*Environmental preservation—From the Ecuadorian rainforest to the jungle of Thailand, repair the damage done to some of the most beautiful and diverse places on earth.
*Work with children—They have over 40 projects working with children across the world in orphanages, schools and shelters for the abused, and the disabled.
*Sports—Through sports their projects can provide opportunities for health education and the development of life skills such as teamwork, communication, discipline and self confidence.
*Education—From English teaching to education programs for special needs and minority groups, give greater opportunity to the disadvantaged through education.
All projects include airport pick-ups and drop-offs, accommodation, orientation and 24-hour support. Many of their placements also include all meals and some language classes so that you can get even more involved.
Yash Gupta is a student at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. He has worn glasses since he was only five years old. One day he demolished his glasses, so he couldn't wear them to school. He had a big problem. He could not see much of what was going on in his classroom and he had learned much less than he usually did that day!
Yash quickly got his glasses repaired, but his experience changed his life. He realized that there were probably many kids around the world that didn't have proper glasses to help them learn in school. So, he did some research. He found out that 13 million children around the world didn't have proper glasses to help them see in class. And he also learned that not having glasses could cause a 20% loss in learning! Instead of just shaking his head at this problem, he decided to do something to solve it. Yash started a small organization, Sight Learning, to help find glasses for other kids and teens that need them.
He created Sight Learning in July, 2011 and since then he has affected the lives of thousands of young students around the world! Sight Learning's job is "to provide eyeglasses for students who need them but cannot afford them." They've collected and donated over $1, 000, 000 worth of eyeglasses. This has helped over 20, 000 young people in five countries to see better!
Yash is a great example of a young person taking action to improve not only his own life, but also those of others. Yash was honored as a CNN Hero. Check out this inspiring video and then see how you can help below.
