Entries by Serve

Hanumantha’s Mobility

Hanumantha's Mobility

SERVE recognises the importance of including people living with disabilities to achieve the Global Goals or the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Hanumantha’s story highlights our focus through our partnership with the Association of People with Disability (APD) in Bangalore, India. This is possible with financial support from SERVE and through donations from our supporters.

About Hanumantha

Hanumantha is 25 years old living in Nagalapura village in Karnataka, India. Hanumantha was born with multiple physical disabilities including visual impairment and loco-motor disability. Hanumantha receives a monthly pension but has not accessed other support services from the local government, from the District Disabled Welfare Office nor any schemes from the State Government.

The leaders of the Rights of People with Disability (RPwD) taskforce met Hanumantha in Nagalapura on 13th September 2021. 

 

Support for Hanumantha from APD’s Taskforce

After meeting him, the leaders of RPwD realised the urgency in meeting Hanumantha’s needs. On behalf of Hanumantha, they demanded for a wheelchair and a cane from local authorities. This issue gained media attention and was followed with discussions with the  Disabled Welfare officer of the district and with local rehabilitation workers. The very next day, the District Disabled Welfare Officer responded proactively and provided a wheelchair and cane to Hanumantha.

The credit for this goes to the RPwD taskforce district leaders; Mr. Suresh and others for advocating the rights and ensured basic facilities.

SERVE’s role in this initiative

Association of People with Disability (APD) in partnership with SERVE and collaboration with Misean Cara initiated COVID-19 awareness programmes in 3 rural districts of Karnataka, India. The main goal of the project is to protect people with disabilities against COVID infection by mobilising the local health departments for vaccinations of PwDs .

This project also ensures PwDs and high risk groups access services during the lockdown period by devising alternative methods of delivery. APD has implemented the project with the support of RPwD task force leaders with the support of govt departments such as Dept. for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens and other relevant stakeholders. 

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Hanumantha at home in Nagalapura village in Karnataka, India

Help vulnerable people lead a dignified life

You can help more people like Hanumantha to live a dignified life with access to services. Your donation helps SERVE continue the work with our partners in India and in other countries who find sustainable solutions for the challenges faced in their communities.  

You can safeguard human rights by donating to SERVE regularly.

Donate to SERVE regularly

You are part of the solution.

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Giveth the Challenger

Meet Giveth The Challenger

Giveth worked in a garage in Harare. Giveth explained, “It is difficult being a young girl in Zimbabwe, where good role models are rare. We have to depend on our own emotional strength to make good and positive choices. There is no support for us. Many young women have a poor attitude towards life and believe that they need someone to take care of them. They do not realise the importance of establishing their own independence.” 

Giveth Mambo graduated from Young Africa in 2013. She was 23yrs old. Giveth completed a National Foundation Certificate in Car Mechanics. Giveth worked hard to challenge gender bias to get to where she is now. She believes in hard work saying that “young people should not sit at home, they have to be responsible and work for their success”. Through hard work and dedication, Giveth has paved her own future and success. 

Giveth worked in a garage in Harare. Giveth explained, “It is difficult being a young girl in Zimbabwe, where good role models are rare. We have to depend on our own emotional strength to make good and positive choices. There is no support for us. Many young women have a poor attitude towards life and believe that they need someone to take care of them. They do not realise the importance of establishing their own independence. 

Giveth’s father told her, “Giveth, always remember that you have to make the best choices for yourself”. Those words stayed with her like a magic spell.  She knew the importance of being independent, making one’s own life and to be treated with respect by family and society.

It was unusual to be a car mechanic but it didn’t stop Giveth. Giveth said, “I did not want the stereotypical profession that was expected of me. I believe that the influence of gender role stereotypes in Zimbabwe promotes low self-esteem, lack of confidence and lack of support at home and in the work place. I wanted to break the stereotype and become empowered to make my own decisions and choose a career that would be challenging. It was an easy choice to make but it was a difficult one to fulfill.” 

Giveth’s father supported her wholeheartedly but her mother had reservations. When Giveth began  class she highlights, “I was pleasantly surprised and inspired as there were six girls enrolled in the course. Our teacher Mr. Mugai was very encouraging and patient with us. He respected us for our keen interest in motor mechanics.”  

Giveth Mambo working in the garage in Harare. (Photo from SERVE archive)

Help young people secure their future

Giveth was passionate in class and the boys in class were smart enough to recognise that. Giveth explained, “If boys from other courses made negative comments, my male classmates always told them to back off. They would say “Hey! She may look small, but she is smarter than you!” There are times when my physical strength fails me and people may put me down, but I do not let it affect me. I know that my gender does not affect my ability, and I have proven that.” 

You can help more young women like Giveth to live a sustainable life through dignified work. Your donation helps SERVE continue the work with our partners in Zimbabwe and in other countries who work closely with youth – the hope for our future.  

Investing in youth is investing in the future. You can safeguard the hope for our future by donating to SERVE regularly.  

Donate to SERVE.

You are part of the solution.

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Hanumantha’s Mobility

Hanumantha’s Mobility SERVE recognises the importance of including people living with disabilities to achieve the Global Goals or the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.


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Venerva The Brave

Venerva the Brave

The Badjao tradition is to marry early and the woman then leaves school and stays in the home while the man goes to work.Venerva was married in her second year of high school at the tender age of 14. However, the team at the Nano Nagle Centre were not prepared to let Venerva leave school just yet and convinced her to stay studying right the way through college. This is possible with financial support from SERVE through donations from you. 

Edited excerpt from original blog by Daire Drummy, SERVE Volunteer to The Philippines in 2018 

Daire Drummy met with Venerva Amil in 2018 on his placement with the Badjao tribe. Venerva explained that since the Badjao people are not recognised by the Sate and do not have birth certificates, the Badjao students faced isolation, frequent bullying and marginalisation in school. 

However, Venerva’s main struggle came in the form of balancing tradition and education.  

 Venerva was married in her second year of high school at the tender age of 14. However, the team at the Nano Nagle Centre were not prepared to let Venerva leave school just yet and convinced her to stay studying right the way through college. This is possible with financial support from SERVE through donations from you. 

Venerva resolved to prioritise her education and rebelled against her mother. This remains to be a rare case because women are still forced to follow tradition so Venerva The Brave continued her educational journey and became the first female Badjao to work in the Nano Nagle Centre and has been working as a Montessori teacher there. 

Venerva fought against traditional and family pressure and continues to be an inspiration to young women who, even if they happen to be married young, can still continue with education pursue their dreams. 

While there still remains an archaic stigma attached to the Badjao name around the Philippines as being uneducated and unskilled, the stories of people like Venerva in the tribe who are now teaching in their own society serve as a foil to these claims.  

The Badjao are evolving for the better. Daire explains, “I feel privileged to have worked with this community alongside these incredible individuals who have had to overcome some unbelievable obstacles socially, economically and mentally and are now devoting their lives to enhancing the community. These teachers truly are the hallmarks of success which many Badjao aspire to; the beacons of light spearheading the rise of this inspiring tribe.”  

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Young People in the Philippines. Photo by SERVE volunteer (2018)

Help young people secure their future

You can help more young women like Venerva to live a sustainable life through dignified work. Your donation helps SERVE continue the work with our partners in the Philippines and in other countries who work closely with youth – the hope for our future.  

Investing in youth is investing in the future. You can safeguard the hope for our future by donating to SERVE regularly.

Donate to SERVE regularly

You are part of the solution.

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Volunteer with SERVE

Make a difference

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Join 2025 Volunteer Programme



OVERVIEW

Things You Need To Know

Applications are now open to our Overseas Volunteer Programme (July 2025).

Highlights of our Volunteer Programme

  • – The overseas project (average 4 weeks) is only one piece of our Volunteer Programme. 
  • – When you accept the placement you’re signing up to a year long programme. This includes training days, Ireland based volunteer events, Global Citizenship Education workshops and learning about the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • – The programme includes mandatory training days in Cork to ensure you are prepared and ready. 
  • – Creative work: self reflection blogs, photography and videos.
  • – You are also required to attend a post programme celebration weekend, to debrief and reflect on your experience alongside your co-volunteers.
  • – Volunteer Training commences from February – June 2025 (before overseas departure). 



Important details

Fundraising

SERVE volunteers are required to fundraise towards this programme. Your fundraising target will be specifed to you from the outset of the programme. This covers your:

  • – pre-departure training and educational workshops
  • – insurance
  • – accommodation and food at your volunteer placement 
  • – return flights from Ireland to your volunteer placement
  • – Funding towards for our overseas partners work
  • – debrief weekend in Ireland when you return home

SERVE volunteer with group of young children in Zambia

SERVE volunteers of 2024 volunteer Programme at Next Steps Weekend



Experience and Learnings

Read Volunteer Blogs

Don’t miss our blog collection for SERVE volunteers of the 2024 Overseas Programme.

Blogs from Volunteers in Mozambique and Philippines

  • – The blogs describe motivations to sign up and 1st impressions on placement.
  • – The blogs also describe whatthey learned from the communities they worked with .

Apply to SERVE Volunteer Programme 2025

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SERVE Christmas Appeal 2021

Donate to secure the future of a young person

Meet Madalena

Madalena’s story inspires the SERVE Christmas Appeal 2021. You are part of the solution to secure the future of young people.

Help young people secure their future Madalena

SERVE Global Goals Comic 4 Part Series for All Ages

Advocate the Global Goals

Advocate  for the different Global Goals at your table conversations this festive season. Check out the SERVE  Global Goals Comics- a short 5-part comic strip series.

Sign up to our newsletter & get 10% off when you spend €30 on handcrafted items in our Ethical Shop.

Browse the Ethical Shop

SERVE Ethical Shop has a variety of gifts that keep on giving. The hand-crafted items are ethically sourced and long lasting. Happy shopping!

Madalena the Determined

Meet Madalena from Beira

We’d like to introduce you to Madalena, a mum of two living in Beira, Mozambique. Madalena enrolled in the cookery course at Young Africa Beira in 2019. Before enrolling in this course, she was met with numerous life challenges, especially having to raise two young children on her own. 

Donate to secure the future of youth like Madalena

Madalena was determined to overcome these challenges and so found her way to the Young Africa centre for technical and vocational skills training in Beira. SERVE and Young Africa have been partners for over a decade. Young Africa recognises that many of their students are parents and need good quality childcare to continue their training. And so, they have a creche on site. The creche on site at the Beira campus was built and refurbished with financial support from SERVE. Some of our SERVE volunteers have even worked on doing a lovely painting job at that creche.

While pursuing the cookery course, Madalena also trained in life-skills and entrepreneurship. Young Africa ensures that she trains directly with business owners, which means Madelana is immediately employable after she graduates.

Madalena received a SERVE scholarship to complete the course. She has now graduated from Young Africa and has successfully secured a job.

You must know that donations from our supporters are integral to these scholarship programmes. Your donations help others like Madalena to claim their economic independence.

Help young people secure their future Madalena

Help young people secure their future

SERVE and Young Africa are working together to ensure that young people living in Beira and other rural areas have access to quality education to overcome poverty. COVID has presented another layer of challenges to young people like Madalena and to our fundraising efforts.

Supporting SERVE ensures that more young people can access this opportunity and prosper in life. Donate to the SERVE Christmas Appeal and help other young people like Madalena secure their future.

  • €50 could help with sponsoring a scholarship
  • €100 could help them purchase materials for starting a business
  • €250 could help them start their own business

Make your festive season even more meaningful. Your donation goes a long way to contribute towards empowerment of young people like Madalena. You are part of the solution.

Donate to SERVE Christmas Appeal

You are part of the solution.

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All SERVE wants for Christmas is to Achieve the Global Goals

You are part of the Solution

Our international SERVE team wants to achieve the Global Goals. Visit the SERVE Ethical Shop this Christmas and purchase gifts that keep giving & contribute to the Global Goals.

Watch our message below.

SERVE Ethical Shop

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Ethical & Handmade

Browse handcrafted items purchased at a fair-trade price. Proceeds from your purchase allow SERVE to continue working with partners who address the root causes of poverty and injustice around the world.

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Solidarity Gifts

Purchase gifts in the local countries which provide even more of an impact by assisting individuals, families, local communities, and economies.

These Solidarity Gifts are truly ethical and have the potential to have a long-lasting impact.

Donate to SERVE Christmas Appeal

You are part of the solution.

Read our new Global Goals Comics

SERVE Supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) now known as the Global Goals. Our new comic strips highlight the Global Goals we’re involved with.

Read here

Global Goals Comic


SERVE Supports the Sustainable Development Goals now known as the Global Goals

SERVE is committed to work with its partners to  find solutions for the challenges that young people face in their local communities. Our comic strips below highlights the different Global Goals we’re involved in.

SERVE has designed SYRP to work closely with Young Africa in Mozambique & Zimbabwe to ensure young people are prepared for the work available in the industry and also have entrepreneurship skills. And this festive season we need your support to help young people secure their future. Read more about our Christmas Appeal.

Illustrations credit: Charlotte Ly Van Luong.

Donate to SERVE Christmas Appeal

You are part of the solution.

Ana Maria’s Culinary Journey

Ana Maria Reginaldo's Culinary Journey

ANA MARIA REGINALDO, 27, resides in Manga, close to the Young Africa campus. She is married with three children. She was aware of Young Africa and decided to enrol after hearing her friend speak highly of the Catering course and the opportunities it afforded her.

Her husband supported her and helped with fees. She enrolled because she wanted to assist with household expenses. She excelled during the training and graduated in December 2018. The Young Africa marketing team secured an internship for her at Hotel Mozambique. Her manager at the hotel was so impressed by her culinary flair and work ethic that after her internship she was offered a permanent job. She is now refining her skills in this reputable hotel but has not abandoned her dream of setting up her own business.

Her life has improved. She noted that she feels fulfilled as she is productive. She can pay her children’s school fees, contribute to household expenses, and with savings she has bought land to build her own house. She added that she encourages other young women to enroll and have a bright future.

Teresa’s Story of Resilience

Meet Teresa Joana Tito from Beira Mozambique

Teresa Joana Tito, lives in Beira, with her husband and young children. Before training at Young Africa Mozambique, she sold fruit and vegetables to satisfy her family’s financial needs. However, she did not earn enough to make ends meet. Her husband was also unemployed.

Skills youth resilience teresa hospitality
Teresa Joana Tito outside her takeaway











Her dream was always to run her own take-away, Teresa enrolled in the Catering course at the Beira Campus. She attended training from January to June 2018. During the training, she received practical and theoretical lessons, entrepreneurship training, and life skills education. 

During the course, she found out about the micro-credit programme, funded by SERVE & Irish Aid. The programme offers graduates the opportunity to receive interest-free loans to start their own businesses. She submitted her business plan (developed with information obtained during entrepreneurship training) and all other documents for review. Her plan was approved.

After a market assessment, she opened her take-away in a busy catchment area close to the local university. With the income she generates through her take-away she can pay for her children’s school fees, look after her family’s needs and she has also started to rebuild her home following the devastating Cyclone Idai.    

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