Entries by Serve Solidarity

Thoughts from 1st Training Day of 2023 Volunteer Programme

Thoughts from Training Day 1

John Mannion is SERVE country leader for 2023 Volunteer Programme. John shares thoughts from the 1st Training Day of SERVE 2023 Volunteer Programme

JohnMannion_2023_LeadersTrainingDay
John Mannion with others during SERVE Training Day 1 in Scala, Cork (2023)











I attended the Serve Training day on 25/02/2023 at their offices in Scala, Blackrock in Cork city. I researched the place name Scala and found out it means steps in English. In many ways the training day could be summed up as a step by step approach for volunteering with SERVE.

SERVE, you might already know, are committed to tackling the root causes of poverty to achieve justice, equality and opportunities for all they work for.

We mostly discussed the Sustainable Development Goals and how we can implement them into our daily lives.

Being one of the older members on the training day I was very impressed and encouraged to see some many younger people interested and enthusiastic about the work of SERVE in Ireland and in the projects they work in other countries.

The trainers and organisers on the day were also young people and created an environment, which encouraged participation and discussion. We broke into smaller groups at different intervals and then returned to the larger groups to discuss our findings. We mostly discussed the Sustainable Development Goals and how we can implement them into our daily lives.

The trainers emphasised that these SDGs are things we should try to incorporate into our thinking and actions all of the time, not just for one month in the summer when we volunteer with SERVE. This was the aspect of this discussion that I liked the most and challenged me the most.

I still have a long way to go before I can volunteer with SERVE in Bangalore, India this summer.

The appealing aspect of volunteering with an organisation like SERVE is that they do not simply go to a country to make a short-term impact and then leave. SERVE work in partnership with approved local organizations already established in the countries where volunteers are sent, and so the work to achieving the SDGs is ongoing.

I had a good time that day. It was also challenging, and I felt supported and listened to by everyone involved with the SERVE training day. I still have a long way to go before I can volunteer with SERVE in Bangalore, India this summer.

I recognise that volunteering with APD and Sumanahalli in Bangalore, India appears to be the pinnacle of my journey. However, I must add that the journey continues when I return home to Ireland and contribute to the SDGs through my words and actions. This was the the biggest learning from the 1st training day for the SERVE 2023 Volunteer Programme.

… the journey continues when I return home to Ireland and contribute to the SDGs through my words and actions.

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Survival Challenge 2023

Join the 24hr Survival Challenge

Sept 30TH 2023

Days to Go

0 Days



Sept 30, 2023

09:00



Glendalough

Co. Wicklow



Entry

€150 per person

24 hr wilderness survival challenge to fight poverty

Looking for Irish charity challenge ideas? Want to raise money for charity?

Join the 24 hr Survival Challenge on September 30th to support SERVE.

Do you accept the challenge to get back to the basics and survive?

This is your opportunity to get one with nature. You will meet adventure lovers and more like minded people who want to give back.

* Do you want to build a shelter from nothing?

* Do you know how to start a fire?

* Are you simply looking to have an unforgettable adventure?

Then the 2023 Survival Challenge is for you.

When you come into the wilderness for SERVE, you will fight poverty.

This challenge represents the hardships of the communities we work with in our 7 partner countries.

The fundraising target for taking part in this event is €200. All funds raised will go towards:

  • * Education and employment skills
  • * Entrepreneurship opportunities
  • * Community development
  • * Access to wheelchairs and more

When you complete this event you will receive a certificate, a SERVE T- shirt and a water bottle to show you our deep gratitude and to mark your achievement.

Are you ready to go into the wild?

Support Irish charity SERVE, and sign up for this challenge today!


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this event is in aid of:

SERVE's work in 7 countries

SERVE’s varied programmes impact marginalised young people in India, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

For eg: SERVE works with partners to provide educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to tackle the unemployment crisis.

All your queries

This challenge is for persons age 18+.

It’s strongly advised that you are in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.

Prior hiking experience is not essential, but training will be required in preparation for the event.

Your registration fee is €150.

This fee covers the following:

  • * Survival skill workshops
  • * Specialist equipment

  • * Expert tuition

  • * Breakfast & dinner

  • * Insurance

 

Your fundraising target is €200.

All the funds you raise will go to the work SERVE does in 7 countries to end poverty.

The different types of projects we’re involved with are as follows:

  • * Education and employment skills
  • * Entrepreneurship opportunities
  • * Community development 
  • * Access to wheelchairs and more
 

Registration form


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Postcard from Nollaig in Zimbabwe

Nollaig Hulme is the SERVE Monitoring and Evaluations officer based in Zimbabwe. In the first postcard, Nollaig details first impressions while settling in.

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!


Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and

SERVE Flirt FM takeover


SERVE on Flirt FM

Team SERVE takes over Flirt FM – March 2022 SERVE on Flirt FM Nollaig Hulme and Paula Quigley from Team SERVE take over Flirt FM.

Hike Carrauntoohill for SERVE

Hike Carrauntoohil for SERVE

Saturday May 6TH 2023

Days to Go

0 Days



May 6, 2023

09:00



Cronin's Yard, Mealis, Beaufort

Killarney, Co. Kerry



Fundraising

€200 per person

Climb Carrauntoohill to help SERVE fight poverty 

Looking for Irish charity challenge ideas? Want to raise money for charity?

Join the Carrauntoohill Hike on May 6th to support SERVE.

 

Do you accept the challenge to hike the highest mountain of Ireland?

 

This is your opportunity to meet other climbers, adventure lovers and more like minded people who want to give back.

Carrauntoohill is 3,407ft high. That’s  numerous memories and countless steps for you.

* Are you looking for new memories?

* Are you looking for a new challenge with friends?

* Are you simply looking to celebrate your birthday with an unforgettable adventure?

Then, Carrauntoohil awaits you!

 

When you take each step to climb this mountain to support SERVE, you will  fight poverty.

 

This challenge represents the hardships of the communities we work with in our 7 partner countries.

Your fundraising target is €200. All funds raised will go towards:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs

When you complete this event you will receive a certificate, a SERVE T- shirt and a water bottle to show you our deep gratitude and to mark your achievement.

Are you ready to scale this incredible mountain?

Support Irish charity SERVE, and sign up for this challenge today!


Share This











this event is in aid of:

SERVE's work in 7 countries

SERVE’s varied programmes impact marginalised young people in India, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

For eg: SERVE works with partners to provide educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to tackle the unemployment crisis.

All your queries

This challenge is for persons age 18+.

It’s strongly advised that you are in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.

Prior hiking experience is not essential, but training will be required in preparation for the event.

Your fundraising target is €200

All the funds you raise will go to the work SERVE does in 7 countries to end poverty.

The different types of projects we’re involved with are as follows:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs
 

Registration form


You may also like


Postcard from Nollaig in Zimbabwe

Nollaig Hulme is the SERVE Monitoring and Evaluations officer based in Zimbabwe. In the first postcard, Nollaig details first impressions while settling in.

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!


Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and

SERVE Flirt FM takeover


SERVE on Flirt FM

Team SERVE takes over Flirt FM – March 2022 SERVE on Flirt FM Nollaig Hulme and Paula Quigley from Team SERVE take over Flirt FM.

Meet Sophie Lyons, new member of Team SERVE

SERVE welcomes Sophie Lyons

We welcome Sophie Lyons to Team SERVE in the role of Fundraising and Events Administrator. Sophie writes a short blog to introduce herself.

Sophie Lyons joins Team SERVE











My first volunteer experience was in secondary school. My school was always holding bake sales and encouraging us to fundraise for various charities around town.
 
But I don’t think I fully appreciated the impact and significance of charities like SERVE until my education opened my eyes to all the injustices that still exist in the world.
 
I think it was difficult to understand in school how a bake sale could help someone halfway around the world.
 
My education, on the other hand, has taught me the value of volunteering and fundraising.
 
I earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and health from MTU and a master’s degree in public health from UL.
 
My MSc in Public Health introduced me to a wide range of people and highlighted many of the fundamental rights that people are still fighting for.
 
I believe that volunteering or assisting charities in any way possible pushes you to grow in many ways while also contributing to the fight against social injustices.
 
I am excited to begin my journey with SERVE and see how far I can push myself, learn along the way, and hopefully make a difference in the world where it matters.

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Welcome Laura Canning

“Volunteering pushes you outside of your comfort zone..” Laura Canning joins Team SERVE in the role of Global Citizenship Education and Volunteer Programme Coordinator. Laura

become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.

Joyful time at (Re)New Tidings

Joyful time at (Re)New Tidings

SERVE, collage artist Silvio Severino, Cork Zero Waste, Cork Clothes Swap and Cork Repair Cafe joined forces to host (Re)New Tidings. This was a family friendly event held in Scala on 29th Jan.











There was collage making, swap shops for clothes, plants, recipes, repair stations and ofcourse the Global Goals Trail.

Everyone enjoyed their time connecting, sharing and learning more about re-use and repair culture.

Paula Quigley, SERVE’s Programme and Administration Manager explains, “(Re)New Tidings was a collaborative effort between us and Cork-based community groups. We all hope it will inspire others to come together and spark conversations about sustainability in all aspects of our life.”

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Events Volunteers Needed SERVE seeks festive and sociable volunteers to assist us at our upcoming Christmas markets around Cork City. The markets will take place

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Postcard from Nollaig in Zimbabwe

"I am learning everyday."

Nollaig Hulme is the SERVE Monitoring and Evaluations officer based in Zimbabwe. Nollaig sends a postcard detailing first impressions.

Nollaig Hulme at Young Africa office (Jan 2023)











I have been in Zimbabwe for a little over 2 weeks now. However, when I look back my journey here began in late 2017 when, as a college student, I decided to sign up to the SERVE Volunteer Programme.

Fast forward to July 2018 and I am volunteering at the Young Africa Campus in Beira, Mozambique with SERVE. From there I continued working with SERVE by volunteering in Vietnam in 2019 and being involved in ‘Think Global Act Local’ and the ESC funded Global Goals project.

I then became SERVE’s GCE and Volunteer Programme Coordinator. Since my first introduction to Young Africa through SERVE in 2018, I knew I wanted to get more involved. So, when the opportunity arose to become SERVE’s Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer based at the Young Africa International Hub in Harare, Zimbabwe, I knew it was not an opportunity I could pass up.

Which brings me to now, writing this from the Hub in Harare where I have been welcomed with open arms by everyone and feeling like I have been here a lot longer than 2 weeks. I have gotten straight into work at the Hub and visiting two of the YA centres in Chitungwiza and Epworth. In my first week here I spent a day visiting these centres and collecting the beginnings of what will turn out to be Impact Stories for students who have just enrolled as new students in Young Africa.

Hearing stories from the students about what they have endured so far in life can very rapidly put things into perspective for this eager westerner who has chosen to move here, as I am reminded that this country has one of the highest rates of unemployment at 95% (from anecdotal evidence) and to not take my position and privileges for granted.

While many of my friends back home in Ireland emigrate to Australia/New Zealand/Canada, I am very thankful to be able to do something a little different and spend time here.

Nollaig Hulme with students and their Machine Shop teacher John at the Young Africa campus in Chitungwiza

I am learning every day, not just about development work but about Zimbabwean history and culture. I thought I had a good grasp on it already but there are some things you can only learn and experience by being here.

My colleagues have been teaching me Shona and about Zimbabwean life, bringing different local food into the office to try. Despite my experience so far being full of positives, there has been some challenges too.

Moving to a new continent by yourself is difficult, but then there is the addition of getting exposed to some of the challenges of everyday Zimbabwean life – the lack of electricity to name just one. Although I am lucky enough to not be affected as much by these issues as those young people we work with on an everyday basis.

2023 is a big year for both Young Africa and SERVE. Young Africa are celebrating their 25th Anniversary and SERVE are celebrating their 20th Anniversary, which also means YA and SERVE are celebrating 15 years in partnership.

It is quite the monumental year to be involved in both and to celebrate all that we have achieved and what is yet to come.

You could say that my decision that day in the UCC library to sign up to the SERVE Volunteer Programme has been quite life changing and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that I am about to have here.

Latest Post

become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.

Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans

Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans











SERVE and Young Africa have come together to create the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans’ project. 

This project will take place in 2023 and 2024.

SERVE and Young Africa have worked together since 2008.

Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique

Donor and Partner

What will this project achieve?

The highlights of the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project are building the eLearning platform and developing a Graduate Toolbox.

The project upholds the right to education for vulnerable youth across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Namibia.

It will ensure quality access to skills training for over 8000 students. These students will be able to realise their full potential and fight poverty.

Stay tuned for updates.

Read more

The ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project will be implemented by SERVE and Young Africa in 2023 and 2024.

SERVE is an international development NGO based in Ireland. SERVE’s work focuses on young people, especially in the area of vocational training and employment.

Young Africa is a confederation of independent NGOs and includes Young Africa International Netherlands, Young Africa International Africa Hub (Zimbabwe), Young Africa Zimbabwe, Young Africa Mozambique, Young Africa Zambia and Young Africa Namibia.

Young Africa provides holistic and accredited Vocational Education and Training (VET) to marginalised youth through 6-12 month training courses in 46 disciplines, life skills, entrepreneurship and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Young Africa has a dissemination network with 23 organisations across 11 African countries whereby it shares successful models of its work.

SERVE and Young Africa have worked together since 2008.

The ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project is co-funded by the EU Erasmus+ Fund, SERVE and Young Africa.

Note:

SERVE is the Coordinator, Young Africa International (Young Africa Netherlands and Young Africa Hub) are Beneficiaries, and the four Young Africa Affiliates are Affiliated Entities. Young Africa’s dissemination network will also benefit from this project.

The objectives of the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project are:

(1) Coordinating implementation of the Project Workplan and achievement of Project Deliverables;

(2) Young Africa’s eLearning Platform available for 8,150 disadvantaged youth across Southern and Eastern Africa;

(3) Young Africa’s Postgraduate Service Toolbox (PGST) contributes to a substantial increase in the percentage of Young Africa graduates in employment;

(4) 4 Young Africa Affiliates and 23 dissemination partners using the PGST across Africa;

(5) 2 new Young Africa models (eLearning & Postgraduate Service Toolbox) will be integrated into the Young Africa Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system and 73 Young Africa and dissemination partner staff trained in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system leading to improved data driven performance;

(6) Evaluate the impact, successes, challenges and lessons learned of the Project; 

(7) Increase awareness about Digital Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Africa amongst 50 policymakers and 3,500 members of the public in Ireland and the Netherlands.

The project will be delivered through the following five Work Packages:

(1) Coordination and Management;

(2) Development of the Young Africa eLearning Platform;

(3) Development of the Young Africa Postgraduate Service Toolbox

(4) Improvement of the Young Africa Monitoring Evaluation and Learning System;

(5) Impact and Dissemination.

Stay tuned for updates. Sign up to the newsletter.

Click here to see our roadmap.

Project Resources

We have attached the Terms of Reference here.

The induction meeting for the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans’ project was held on 14th Feb 2023. You can read the minutes here.

You can read the Communications and Dissemination Strategy for this project here.

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) – the Granting Authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Run-a-Muck for SERVE

Run-a-Muck Challenge

Saturday MARCH 4TH 2023

Days to Go

0 Days



March 4, 2023

11:00



Coolcarrigan Estate

Co. Kildare



Entry Fee

€40.00 per person

Run-a-muck Challenge

Looking for Irish charity challenge ideas? Want to raise money for charity? Join the Run-a-Muck challenge on March 4th for a fun mud run challenge to support SERVE.

Run-a-muck is one of the best charity challenges in Ireland. It is a 5.5km run through the muck while crossing 50 obstacles.  

SERVE has 20 years of experience in international development. This challenge has been completed by over 50 SERVE volunteers over the years. They did it to show their solidarity by fundraising and enduring the physical hardship of this challenge.

This challenge represents the hardships of the communities we work with in our 7 partner countries. Help SERVE to help others. 

Your fundraising target is €100/£95. All funds raised will provide:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs

When you complete this event you will receive a certificate, a SERVE T- shirt and a water bottle to show you our deep gratitude and to mark your achievement.

Support Irish charity SERVE, and sign up for this challenge today!


Share This











this event is in aid of:

SERVE's work in 7 countries

SERVE’s varied programmes impact marginalised young people in India, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

For eg: SERVE works with partners to provide educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to tackle the unemployment crisis.

All your queries

This challenge is for persons age 18+.

Runners must be in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.

Prior running experience is not essential, but training will be required in preparation for the event.

The booking fee is €36. Your fundraising target is €100/£95. 

The booking fee covers the following:

  • – registration costs,
  • – fundraising support from the SERVE team and
  • – light refreshments after the race

All the funds you raise will go to the work SERVE does in 7 countries to end poverty.

 

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Solidarity Buzz SERVE Team 2022


SERVE Solidarity Buzz ’22

2022 SERVE Solidarity Buzz Annual newsletter Solidarity is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. Working from the principle that

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!


Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and

SERVE Solidarity Buzz ’22

2022

SERVE Solidarity

Buzz











Solidarity is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. Working from the principle that Charity is fine, but Justice is much betterSERVE during 2022 redoubled its efforts to support our international partners in Africa and Asia, helping to create educational and employment opportunities for thousands of young people while also proactively removing barriers for people with disabilities to ensure full participation in educational and employment programmes.

Supporting emergency relief projects in the Philippines, Zimbabwe, India, South Africa, and Ukraine, SERVE also helped deliver humanitarian support to COVID-impacted communities and vulnerable families afflicted by war.

From Pen-Pal initiatives connecting students in Ireland, Vietnam, Germany, and Zambia to a dynamic culture night at Scala, to new fundraising initiatives like the five-a-side soccer tournament in Cork- the furtherance of the Sustainable Development Goals drives all SERVE activities.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude to all the diverse pillars central to Team SERVE – our volunteers and staff, our generous benefactors, our partners in Ireland and overseas, our board members, and our friends. Blessings in abundance for Christmas 2022 and the new year.

Gerry O’Connor, Chairperson

Solidarity in Action

For a better world

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.

Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE

In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and to support our work. 

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!
Rebecca Atkinson skiy dives for SERVE











Rebecca is currently studying in fourth year of Architectural Technology in TUD. Rebecca also plays camogie with my local club Good Counsel and is a cellist with the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra. 

Rebecca’s volunteering journey began with SERVE in 2017 when she was in 5th year in Colaiste Cois Life. After a year of preparations with SERVE, her class when to volunteer with the Tsholofelo community in South Africa. 

Rebecca explains, “The whole process even before we got to South Africa was very educational and valuable as we learned the values and goals of SERVE as a charity and the importance of the type of work we would be doing in South Africa. The immersion program itself was an unforgettable experience and it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it! We stayed in the Tsholofelo community that was also home to some local South Africans who were the same ages as us. We painted and did groundwork in the two local creches during the day and in the evening, we did cultural exchanges and workshops. The whole experience gave me a rich knowledge and understanding of South Africa’s culture and history”. 

Rebecca has always wanted to go skydiving but had the fear of heights growing up. Today, Rebecca is not as afraid of heights and her friend suggested they do it together so that Rebecca could fulfill her dream.

 

Rebecca explains, “My friend & I found that the Irish Skydive Club in Kilkenny allows you to do a fundraiser for a charity. For me, it was a no-brainer that I would fundraise for SERVE. Since my immersion programme I have found SERVE very easy to donate to, I have asked for their gifts as presents for birthdays and Christmas and bought them for friends and family, a personal favourite of mine is their cookbook! Because all the donations I had made to SERVE were small I thought the skydive would be a great way to make my friends and family aware of SERVE again.”

 

Rebecca raised €436 for SERVE. SERVE Programmes Manager Paula Quigley said, “We can’t thank Rebecca enough for being a champion of the Global Goals and supporting the work we do. She overcame a personal challenge and fulfilled her dream. She has done this in solidarity with partners we work with in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and India. Rebecca has helped raise vital funds for SERVE and it will help us continue our work with them.” 

Rebecca adds, “I really admire SERVE’s values in development and work as a charity and am still very grateful for the immersion programme I was a part of, hopefully that won’t be my last or my last skydive either!”

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Irish charity SERVE works in South Africa with Tsholofelo


SERVE and Tsholofelo

SERVE’s Development Work with Tsholofelo Dressmaking skills training class at Freedom Park About Tsholofelo Tsholofelo has a long history of working with people in squatter camps

become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.