Entries by Serve

First Impressions: Beira

July 22, 2014 in /by

For the past few months, a feeling of excitement engulfed me about my current trip to Mozambique; in recent weeks, that feeling somewhat subsided, and in its place, feelings of apprehension and obligation gradually took over. Apprehension over how I would react to the realities of poverty I have only up until now witnessed from […]

Zambia: Week 1 diary

July 21, 2014 in /by

During our first week in Zambia it became apparent to us that family life and marriage differs greatly from that of Ireland. The major difference is polygamy, which is not uncommon in Zambia. The three farmers who we encountered had more than one wife and had numerous children. Although Zambia is a predominantly Christian nation, […]

Zambia, Week 1

July 21, 2014 in /by

– By Helen Rooney & Ciaran Mc Kenna We arrived at the farm on Saturday night and from the beginning it was clear to see that rural life in Zambia is very different to that in Ireland. The first things we noticed were the independence, simplicity and hardships of rural life here. The absence of […]

Week 3: Jyothi Seva

July 21, 2014 in /by

– By Terri McDermott Wow! I find it hard to believe that three weeks have passed here in India and we (as a group) are approaching our final week. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and a truly worthwhile experience! Myself and Anne have been working the past three weeks in Jyothi Seva. Jyothi […]

Week 3: Association of People with Disabilities (APD)

July 21, 2014 in /by

– By Orlaith McManus Week 3 has passed and it’s hard to believe the trip is approaching the end so quickly. For the past 3 weeks Sarah and I have been working in APD, the Association for People with Disabilities. This week in APD we got the opportunity to read the medical notes of the […]

Week 3: Sumanahalli

July 21, 2014 in /by

– By Emily Mahon Week 3 in Sumanahalli sees us with an established routine each day. Clinic begins each morning at 9am both in St. Francis’ clinic and Ave Maria. As medical students we really enjoy changing the dressings of the leprosy patients and interacting with them as this is not something we have experience […]

Impact of the SERVE Development Programme in South Africa

July 17, 2014 in , /by

By Siobhan Hughes (SERVE Development Projects Officer) The squatter camps surrounding Rustenburg have suffered greatly in the recent months due to strikes at the platinum mines. The camps were so dangerous that SERVE’s partner Tapologo could not enter into the communities in which they are working. The feeding programme – supported by Irish Aid, one […]

Last thoughts before departing home

July 17, 2014 in /by

By Christina Sayers Trying to process the past few weeks. Today is our last day in the Philippines. We’re beginning our journey home tomorrow. Last night we had our Solidarity night. Each host family we stayed with, the teachers of the Badjao school and both members of the Redemptorist and Presentation sisters were invited. It […]

Admiration for the people of Tacloban

July 17, 2014 in , /by

By Ruth Moore Departing for Tacloban last Sunday triggered feelings of anxiety among each of us. After spending a joy filled two weeks with the Badjao we were sad to say goodbye and apprehensive about the forthcoming week. On Monday morning during a tour of the local areas in Tacloban the damage caused by the […]