Entries by Serve

“…an issue of justice..”

August 6, 2023 in /by

"... an issue of justice.."

Áine Levis writes a blog after completing the 2023 Volunteer Programme in Mazabuka, Zambia. Áine’s points out that her reflection will leave a lasting impact on her life.

an issue of justice sunset in Zambia SERVE volunteer Aine Levis
Sunset in Zambia
student in Mazabuka an issue of justice SERVE volunteer Aine Levis
Student in classroom in Mazabuka
student in Mazabuka working on body map an issue of justice SERVE volunteer Aine Levis
Student in Mazabuka working on body map
Music performance in Mazabuka
Music performance in Mazabuka
Sugracane fields
Sugracane fields
Music in Assumption Parish
Music in Assumption Parish
Students working on SDG mural
Students working on SDG mural
Planting banana trees in Assumption Parish
Planting banana trees in Assumption Parish




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As I travel home from Zambia, I find myself reflecting on my experience over the past month. Although it was an amazing experience which I’m so grateful to have been a part of, it has made me realize that it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen and definitely not the end. 
 
 
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.
 
Through experiencing the development work that SERVE is carrying out with the Assumption Parish Community and its partners which include St. Bakhita’s (Good Samaritan) House, the Youth Centre, Luyobolola Primary school, Flamboyant school, St. Patrick’s Secondary school and the Lukavilla Arts Centre, it has made me more aware of the importance of offering support in a way that helps local communities like Mazabuka to become more self-sustainable.
 
This ethos has completely changed my perspective on what my role currently is and the potential for what my role could be. It has also made me more aware of the impact that my everyday decisions have on the world around me.
 
 
I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
 
 
These include the choices I make in terms of where I choose to spend and donate my money, who and what I choose to vote for and/or advocate for, how I choose to act, what I choose to say, how I choose to spend my time and the new perspectives that I choose to open my mind to. Each decision has an impact and it is our responsibility as to what kind of impact that will be. 
 
This sense of awareness and autonomy is so important as there is still so much work to be done in order to achieve equal opportunities for communities like Mazabuka. I have come to an understanding that this work should no longer be understood as optional or as charity but rather as an issue of justice and therefore an obligation.
 
 
… it is only the beginning of my journey as a responsible global citizen…
 
 
I would once again like to thank everyone that donated and supported me. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me surpass my fundraising goal in order to help support Assumption Parish and its partners.
 
I would also like to thank SERVE, my team leaders and my fellow volunteers as well as our partners in Mazabuka who welcomed us into their community with open arms. Thank you all so much! 
 
My volunteering placement may now be over but this journey is never ending.

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SERVE volunteers of 2023 programme on last training day in Scala


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“I will miss my colleagues at SERVE”

August 4, 2023 in /by

"I will miss my colleagues at SERVE.."

Laura Canning was our Global Citizenship and Volunteer Programme Coordinator

SERVE wishes Laura all the best as she is moving on to her next adventure. Laura describes her time with SERVE in a short blog below.

I will miss my colleagues at SERVE Laura Canning at info session in Cork
Laura Canning at an info day event in Cork




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As I write this blurb during my final week at SERVE it is bitter-sweet, I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 10 months working as the GCE and volunteer programme coordinator at SERVE but I am also excited for the next chapter and adventures that lie ahead.

If you asked me a couple of years ago when I was studying in college that I would be working for SERVE and I would end up doing all of the things that I have done this year, I wouldn’t believe it. I never set out to work for a charity or in development, but I always knew that I would be involved in this work in some capacity as my first ever experience volunteering overseas with SERVE really struck a chord with me and will do so forever.

I will miss my colleagues at SERVE Laura Canning facilitating training at Scala in 2023
Laura at Volunteer Training Day in Scala, Cork

That is what is so special about SERVE, an experience volunteering with SERVE genuinely is a life-changing experience. Volunteering with SERVE opens your eyes to pressing global issues that affect millions of people and provides you with the tools to think critically about how the way we live our lives can impact the most marginalized and poor communities. Not to mention, the amazing memories, friendships, life-long connections, and incredible people that you meet while volunteering overseas and as part of the pre-departure training.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work on this year’s volunteer programme and to be a part of the volunteers experience and I am very proud of the work they have achieved together with our partners. I hope but am very confident that this experience will have a lasting impact on the volunteers and they continue their journey as active global citizens.

Laura Canning SERVE
Laura Canning

I will miss my colleagues at SERVE, working with a team of people who all share the same vision, values and commitment to making the world a better place. I will take this experience and all that I have learned at SERVE with me in my career going forward and I can’t wait to hopefully return as a volunteer very soon!

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Arriving in Beira

July 27, 2023 in /by

Arriving in Beira

SERVE long term volunteer in Cork  Urs Queng writes from Beira, Mozambique. Urs says, “I was drawn to Mozambique due to the nature of the physical work involved.”

Urs in Ireland
Urs in Ireland
Urs ( 2nd from left in the last row at the back)
Urs ( 2nd from left in the last row at the back)




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More than ten months ago I arrived in Cork, Ireland and started my work with SERVE. My first focus was to see all the new things in Cork and to learn everything about the work there and to settle in.

After just a few weeks SERVE asked me to take part in the volunteer programme the following summer. Lots of previous German volunteers have taken part in the SERVE programme.

It was not very clear if I would have this opportunity because there had not been a volunteer programme for the previous three years due to COVID-19. I had just arrived in Ireland so I wasn’t sure about my decision, but it was soon clear that travelling to the Global South with SERVE would be part of my year volunteering.

The 25th of February was the first SERVE Training Day. This was where I met the rest of the volunteers who would be joining me in Mozambique.

After a few days we just washed everything so it was alright.

But why did I choose Mozambique?
I wanted to go to Africa because I was previously in Rwanda in 2019. This was a very special and enlightening experience. It was clear to me that Mozambique or Zambia were the two options for me. I was drawn to Mozambique due to the nature of the physical work involved.

But back to the training days – this was the start of my journey on the SERVE volunteer programme. We participated in a lot of workshops, preparing us well for our month in Mozambique.

13 days ago we started our journey and flew to Mozambique. It was a very long journey but everything went well, except our bags didn’t arrive in Mozambique with our flight. Because of this the first week was a bit different than everybody expected. We had to wait for our bags at least a week and a few of us for longer than that.

But it wasn’t a big issue because we had all brought spare clothes in our backpacks, and we also bought some new clothes. After a few days we just washed everything so it was alright. After seeing the difficulties that many here experience, I quickly realised that having our baggage wasn’t really that important and that we shouldn’t be sorry about it.

When I observed what the people here had compared to how much we have, I realised that we should be more grateful for what we have.

The first few days were a bit different from what I expected but also full of new experiences and opportunities. We explored Young Africa campus in Beira and Dondo and started our work.

For me it is also a special experience, because with the beginning of my month in Mozambique came the end of my year in Ireland. But I have really enjoyed the first two weeks and I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here and to do my best to help where I can.

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“SERVE …. family united by a common purpose.”

July 26, 2023 in /by

"SERVE isn't just an organisation to me; it's a family united by a common purpose."

Paula Quigley from Team SERVE writes an emotional “See you later!” letter to announce that she’s on maternity leave!

FlipFlopAppeal2022
Paula Quigley @ Coal Quay Farmers Market in Cork for Flip Appeal (2022)




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Dear SERVE Community,

As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with both excitement and a touch of bittersweet emotion.

It is with a mix of joy and a tinge of sadness that I announce my temporary departure from my role as the Programmes and Administration Manager here at SERVE. Life is presenting me with a beautiful new chapter as I prepare to become a mother!

As I go on maternity leave, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time at SERVE, the incredible journey we’ve been on together, and the lasting impact it has had on me.

My journey with SERVE began on the 2009 Philippines Volunteer Programme. Little did I know then that this organisation, dedicated to partnering with communities in the global south, would become an integral part of my life’s path.

In 2011, I joined Team SERVE as an intern, eager to contribute to the meaningful work of this charity. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with SERVE partners in South Africa and Mozambique too.

In 2019, life brought me back from New Zealand to Ireland, and fate had its way of guiding me back to SERVE to become the Programmes and Administration Manager.

These experiences with SERVE opened my eyes to the resilience and strength of the communities we support, reaffirming the importance of its mission. The experiences, knowledge, and friendships I gained with SERVE has shaped me into the person I am today. It will shape the mother I will become too.

Working with such a passionate and driven team has been an absolute delight. Together, we planned volunteer programmes, advocacy campaigns, fundraisers, and events that brought us closer to our goals.

 

It will shape the mother I will become too.

 

The brainstorming sessions were always full of creativity, and seeing our ideas come to life was immensely rewarding. I am confident that the team, with its unwavering commitment, will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we help.

I also look forward to the SERVE 20th anniversary on Nov 11th  in Cork. I hope to see you at it to raise our glasses to 20 years of unwavering dedication to partnering with communities in the global south. (Click for tickets.)

Now, as I step away temporarily to embrace the impending arrival of my baby, I leave with a heart full of gratitude. SERVE isn’t just an organisation to me; it’s a family united by a common purpose.

Thank you everyone for supporting SERVE and for the collective drive to make a difference to those left furthest behind.  

Until we meet again, take care, stay inspired, and keep making the world a better place, one step at a time!

Warm wishes,

Paula

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Zambia photo essay (2023)

July 26, 2023 in /by

A photo blog about Mazabuka, Zambia

Aine Levis shares a photo blog to describe the experiences and activities of SERVE volunteers  (2023) in Mazabuka, Zambia.




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SERVE has been working with Assumption Parish, Mazabuka for over 10 years. This partnership is focused on community development. Read more here.

Enjoy the photographs below created by SERVE volunteer Aine Levis (2023) who has been volunteering with a group of ten in Mazabuka.

The Zambian flag at Flamboyant school-the green colour represents Zambia’s natural resources, red represents blood, black represents Zambians and orange represents the Copperbelt


One of our first proper views of Mazabuka from the water tower in Apollo.


A mixture of both the dry grassland and greenery as a result of Zambia’s climate which is categorized by three seasons-a hot and dry season, and rainy season and a cool dry season


Assumption Parish Church. The Catholic Church is at the heart of Zambian culture and influences Zambian culture and politics alike


My first Zambian sunset


The burning of the sugarcane-a traditional practice that provides employment to many locals


Volunteers Anna and Ciara trying sugarcane-a local delicacy


The SERVE funded banana plants at St Patrick’s School which provide the school with a income of approximately 500-1000k Kwacha (€25-€50) per plant per harvest once sold


The garden at Nchete house which provides vegetables for Nchete’s residents and also helps fund women empowerment projects at Nchete house


The Nakambala Market-a market which is within walking distance from us and is where we source fresh local produce for our dinner



Luyobolola students preforming traditional Zambian songs and dances at Luyobolola School


Luyobolola students participating in an English lesson


A Flamboyant student who has an intellectual impairment and who usually struggles to stay on task, constructing various items in a fine motor skill building block activity


Luyobolola students planning what to draw on the Luyobolola school mural


An example of one of the St Patrick’s Secondary School’s student’s ‘Ideal Island’ from an ESL activity we facilitated


Luyobolola student tracing his hand below the school mural


A Luyobolola student painting the school mural


Local students drawing self portraits at our first Art Workshop at Assumption Parish Youth Centre which was centered around the theme of identity


Local students exploring the themes of identity, community, body mapping etc at our first Art Workshop at Assumption Parish Youth Centre


Drawings by St Patrick’s Secondary School students which explore local topical issues


Luyobolola students drawing the school mural


Mural drawings by Luyobolola students


Luyobolola students helping out with the mural during art class


Luyobolola students playing Gaelic football

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Disability Awareness webinar by Association of People with Disability

July 24, 2023 in /by

Association of People with Disability co-hosts Disability Awareness webinar with SERVE

On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day 2023, SERVE and Association of People with Disability (APD) come together to host a webinar about Disability Awareness.

SERVE volunteers - India Group 2023
SERVE volunteers - India Group 2023
Watching videos of beneficiaries of APD
Watching videos of beneficiaries of APD
SERVE volunteers share their observations
SERVE volunteers share their observations
Few members of Association of People with Disability (wearing white t-shirts) with few SERVE volunteers (2023 Programme)
Few members of Association of People with Disability (wearing white t-shirts) with few SERVE volunteers (2023 Programme)




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SERVE volunteers in Bengaluru, India work together with APD host ‘North South Dialogue’ – funded by Irish Aid.

You can read more about our work with APD here.

The theme for this webinar was disability awareness.

Our volunteers from Zambia and Mozambique also joined the webinar and this webinar was live streamed to YouTube.

Please watch the replay below to fully understand the work APD is involved in.

Highlights:

  • – Dr. Senthil Kumar, CEO of APD gives an incredible overview of their programmes.
  • – Two service users of APD describe their journey.
  • – SERVE volunteers share their observations from the time spending at APD.

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Meet Irshad. Irshad lives with locomotor disability and uses a wheelchair. SERVE and APD are working

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The 1st week in Zambia (2023)

July 10, 2023 in /by

1st week in Mazabuka Zambia

SERVE Volunteer Áine Levis (2023) writes a short blog about the welcome ceremony and the various tasks the group is doing in their 1st week in Mazabuka, Zambia.

SERVE volunteer with group of young people in Zambia
SERVE volunteer with group of young children in Zambia
FE894E87-D782-4CB3-8E27-8A885636E31E
SERVE volunteer with group of young people in Zambia




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Hi everyone,

I hope you are all well! Just a few snap shots of what we got up to here in Mazabuka this week!

We were welcomed by the children from the Assumption Youth Parish on Saturday evening with traditional Zambian songs and dances at the welcoming ceremony.

We then sang Oró Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile while two other volunteers played the tin whistle and ukulele. On Monday we started painting the walls of the Assumption Parish community house which is rented out in order to bring money back into the local community and is where we are currently staying.

On Tuesday we facilitated a Youth Cultural Exchange Workshop with the Assumption Parish Youth Centre and we also continued painting the Assumption Parish house with the help of the locals!

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we facilitated English classes, art classes and sports activities at Luyobolola Community School. We also started to paint the school walls here with the children and the wall that we will be painting a mural on with the children.

We also started to plan the mural with the children and discussed what Mazabuka and community means to them.

We also facilitated English classes at St Patrick’s Secondary School on Wednesday and Thursday evening. Earlier today we visited Flamboyant School which is a school for children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

We also visited Nchete house which is a women’s centre that teaching women the skill of tailoring. Looking forward to another three weeks here.

Thank you once again for all of your donations and continuous support that has made my journey here possible.

Best wishes,

Áine

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Meet new SERVE Team member, Nicola Fitzpatrick

July 4, 2023 in /by

Meet Nicola Fitzpatrick

Nicola Fitzpatrick joins Team SERVE in the role of  Programmes and Administration Manager (maternity cover). Nicola writes a short blog below to introduce herself.

Nicola Fitzpatrick SERVE




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I am passionate about all young people having access to good quality education to create opportunities for life. I fully support responsible global citizenship through creativity, innovation with a commitment to peace, human rights and sustainable development.

I have over 20 years’ experience in the social care sector working with children, young people and adults living in diverse situations. Along with the many stories, lessons learned and the privilege of working with people at vulnerable stages of life I have learned that education is a crucial aspect to creating better outcomes towards improving lives.

 

“… at SERVE I am excited about contributing to the global vision and will continue supporting the amazing programmes currently run by the Volunteer, GCE and Fundraising Co-ordinators.”

– Nicola Fitzpatrick, new member on Team SERVE

 

As a social care professional and life coach I have worked in partnership with people to help them assume active roles in building a better quality of life for themselves, their families and communities towards building more peaceful, inclusive and secure societies through a variety of programmes. I believe in partnership and the concept that ‘Together we Achieve!’

Coming into the role of Programmes and Administration Manager at SERVE I am excited about contributing to the global vision and will continue supporting the amazing programmes currently run by the Volunteer, GCE and Fundraising Co-ordinators. I hope to bring fresh thinking and innovation to the role overall.

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Novojavoriosk_SERVE_Redmptorists_Ukraine Donate to SERVE Ukraine Appeal Irish charity


Solidarity with Ukraine

Solidarity with Ukraine Irish Charity SERVE like so many other citizens and groups are deeply perplexed by the unfolding tragedy being inflicted on the Ukrainian

nib donates over €3000 to Cork based charity SERVE - Paula Qugley (left) standing with SERVE volunteer and nib staff.


nib donates over €3000 to SERVE

nib donates to SERVE SERVE is grateful to receive a donation of over €3000 from nib Foundation to support our DVETYA programme (left) Paula Quigley

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nib donates over €3000 to SERVE

June 26, 2023 in , /by

nib donates to SERVE

SERVE is grateful to receive a donation of over €3000 from nib Foundation to support our DVETYA programme

nib donates over €3000 to Cork based charity SERVE - Paula Qugley (left) standing with SERVE volunteer and nib staff.
(left) Paula Quigley with Sarah Ryan




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SERVE is very pleased to announce that we were successfully nominated to receive a $5,000AUD grant from the nib foundation as part of their 2022 employee nominated grant initiative at nib health funds, called Good Cause Grants.

Each year nib employees are invited to nominate a good cause that is close to their heart, and to share with their colleagues how they are personally involved and the reasons they would like their nominated charity to receive a $5,000 donation from nib foundation.

nib employee and SERVE Zambia 2023 volunteer Sarah Ryan nominated SERVE.  All of their employees were then invited to cast a vote, and the six nominations that receive the largest number of employee votes each receive a $5,000 grant.

This grant has been allocated to support SERVE’s Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans project. This is our latest programme with our partner of 15 years, Young Africa and is co-funded by EU Erasmus+.

The programme will uphold the right to education for vulnerable youth across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and Namibia. Read more.

SERVE Programme and Administration Manager Paula Quigley was invited to visit the nib Cork office on Lapps Quay on June 21st ’23 to thank the company and share more about the DVETYA programme to their Cork team.

During this visit nib management told her that “involving their employees in the nib foundation to uncover worthwhile community causes to support has been an exciting initiative for nib and they are delighted be offering this grant in support of the SERVE DVETYA programme and its worthy mission.”

Thank you Sarah Ryan and everyone at nib!

Paula presenting at nib insurance in Cork


Paula presenting at nib insurance in Cork

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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.

Cllr Dan Boyle wishes SERVE volunteers the very best

May 22, 2023 in , , , /by

Cllr Dan Boyle wishes SERVE volunteers the very best

“The experiences and knowledge that SERVE volunteers will bring back to Ireland from their placement overseas will help us all do and be better.”

SERVEVolunteer2023WithCllrDanBoyle
2023 SERVE Volunteers with Cllr Dan Boyle in Scala, Blackrock, Cork




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This summer, 30 SERVE volunteers from Ireland will be on placement in India, Zambia and Mozambique.

Cllr Dan Boyle met the SERVE volunteers on their final pre-departure training day in Scala in Blackrock, Cork.
 

Cllr Dan Boyle also participated in a Global Citizenship Education Workshop that focussed on Ethical Development, Solidarity & Power. 

 
Cllr Dan Boyle said, “It’s only this generation and the one before that knows Ireland as a wealthy country. It’s important to uphold the values of community and collaboration to be a successful country more so than a wealthy country. The experiences and knowledge that SERVE volunteers will bring back to Ireland from their placement overseas will help us all do and be better. I wish the SERVE volunteers well and hope that their continued global citizenship journey will be more valuable to them.“
 
SERVE began in 2003 and their work contributes to the 17 Global Goals. As a part of their commitment to becoming Global Citizens, volunteers engage in an extensive training programme in the months leading up to their placements. 
 
Rory Murphy works with Cork Life Centre and will be one of the leaders taking the group of SERVE volunteers to Zambia. Rory explains, “All SERVE volunteers across the different groups work on projects ranging from English lessons to assisting therapists who work with people living with disabilities. Another thing they will all do is create a mural while in country to reflect the Global Goals. All their learnings will be shared upon their return to Ireland at the Nest Step weekend.”
 
Although SERVE has continued their work in Ireland, SERVE’s overseas programme has been on hold since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Laura Canning is SERVE’s Volunteer Programme and Global Citizenship Education Coordinator. Laura says, “It’s great to be able to send volunteers overseas to our partners for the first time in 3 years… We are really looking forward to seeing the impact that the GCE Programme has on our volunteers when they return and how they put their learning into practice through active global citizenship.”

SERVE volunteers - India Group 2023


SERVE volunteers - Mozambique Group 2023


SERVE volunteers - Zambia Group 2023


Cllr Dan Boyle speaking to 2023 SERVE volunteers


Cllr Dan Boyle participating in a GCE workshop with SERVE volunteers on last training day

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