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Pen Pals Project

April 7, 2022 in News & Events, Vietnam, Zambia /by Serve

SERVE Pen Pals Project

About SERVE Pen Pals Project

The SERVE Pen Pals Project began in 2022 to bridge the youth in Ireland and Germany to Vietnam and Zambia. This initiative contributes to a deeper understanding of cultures while sustaining the art of letter writing.

SERVE has initiated a PenPal writing project between the schools we work with in Ireland and Germany and our partners in Vietnam and Assumption Parish in Zambia. This is part of the SDG Champions School Programme. This project is presently being co-orodinated by Rory Murphy from the SERVE team.

Milimo Muchanga our partner liaison with Assumption Parish explained, “This project helps young people in the community to practise English reading, writing and speaking skills. This gives the youth an opportunity to develop social skills while learning about a different culture. Students have begun to understand the differences in the world around them in all areas of life relevant to them.”

Rory explains, “The SERVE Pen Pal Project connects connects students in Cork, Mayo, Kildare, Augsburg (Germany), Hanoi, (Vietnam) and Mazabuka (Zambia). Over 200 students across these cities engaged. This project has been a value to the students in Ireland and Germany because it helps them to understand the challenges that other young people face in different parts of the world, develop friendships, and understand the similarities and differences between themselves and young people around the world. While students in Vietnam and Zambia also gain new perspectives, they are also practising English to communicate effectively which is useful for their future. “

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Takeaways from SERVE’s Flirt FM show

April 5, 2022 in Fundraising, News & Events /by Serve

Few takeaways from SERVE's Flirt FM take over

SERVE Intern Catriona Reed shares a reflection after listening to our take over of Flirt FM on 15th March 2022.

I am a huge admirer of the work that SERVE do every day to help people in need.

This March, I took part in the Run-a-Muck challenge in Co. Kildare along with nearly 20 other volunteers to raise funds for SERVE. We spent the day running through mucky fields, walking through streams, jumping over hay bales, and climbing rope ladders. We were all exhausted at the end of it but the sense of achievement we all felt was worth it. It was a fantastic experience and I’m really glad that I took on the challenge! The funds raised go to helping SERVE’s partners in Asia and Africa to help local people gain the skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

I’m pretty new to SERVE, so listening to their two-hour takeover of Flirt FM helped me gain a valuable insight into their operations abroad and in Ireland. My new colleagues, Paula Quigley and Nollaig Hulme, gave a brilliant overview of the value of SERVE’s work alongside a selection of fantastic music by Irish and international artists.

There’s a new day dawning

There’s a new day, there’s a new day dawning

And I think it’s going to be all right

‘Cause I almost see the light of a new day

(New Day, LYRA)

One of the key themes that Paula and Nollaig covered was that of solidarity, which is the foundational ethos of SERVE. SERVE shows its solidarity with developing nations in a unique way. Have you ever heard of the old quote that goes, “If you give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, he will be richer forever”? What this quote is trying to say is that if you teach people the skills they need to prosper, they will become self-sufficient. When I first learned about SERVE’s working model, this quote was immediately what I thought of.

SERVE works in solidarity with partners in developing countries, such as Young Africa, the Redemptorists, and the Assumption Parish, some of whom are featured on the radio takeover. SERVE’s aim is not to replace these local organisations but to support them in building their own self-sustaining systems by providing volunteer help, financing, and skills training to name a few.

One of the initiatives supported by SERVE which featured on the show (@ 38 minutes) is the Pen Pals Project. This project facilitates two-way lines of communication between children in Ireland and Zambia.

Children write to each other and become friends through the written letter. Zambian children benefit hugely from this as they get to practise written English with a native English speaker, improving their writing and comprehension abilities and providing them with a vital skill for the future. Meanwhile, Irish children broaden their horizons by building bridges with a new friend abroad, and all children participating in the project realise that they have far more in common with each other than what separates them.

You are my best friend

My only best friend

You make me laugh

You make me smile

(Best Friend, ANDREAH)

A key takeaway I had from listening to the takeover was about the importance of global citizenship. Inequality between the global north and global south doesn’t lead to better outcomes – and this has never been more evident than it is now as climate change seems to reach new heights every year.

It is abundantly clear that our actions up to this point have been destroying the planet for short term gains, but the Sustainable Development Goals give us a roadmap out of this toxic cycle.

If you would like to know more about the SDGs, SERVE has two brilliant ways to do so. The Global Goals Trail at SERVE’s home in Scala, Blackrock is a place that anyone can visit, 7 days a week, to learn more about the SDGs in a relaxing forest environment (@ 24 minutes). The trail takes you on a cobbled path through a gorgeous wooded landscape, accompanied by repurposed painted roof slates displaying information about each SDG, most of which were painted by Nollaig herself. At the end, you will see a beautiful mural showing a selection of SERVE’s favourite global citizens – activists in the areas of international aid, women’s rights, and climate change.

Another way to immerse yourself in global citizenship is by taking part in SERVE’s Think Global Act Local programme this summer (@ 1hr 34 minutes). This was set up as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic when SERVE needed a virtual replacement for its in-person volunteering events, but it has flourished into so much more. Throughout the programme, participants enjoy guest speakers, seminars, and workshops as they learn more about volunteering abroad, the SDGs, and their role in the global community. I would highly recommend this programme if you are looking for a way to expand your horizons and become a global citizen!

One world, one love, one passion

One tribe, one understanding

‘Cause you and me can become one.

(One Tribe, Black Eyed Peas)

SERVE Volunteers Run-a-Muck in March 202

Catriona Reid at Cork Youth Global Goals Village

Sit back and tune in below

Donate to SERVE Irish charity Volunteers

Organise your own SERVE Fundraiser

February 25, 2022

Irish Charity SERVE shares the work completed in 2021.

Irish charity SERVE shares the work its done in 2021

January 18, 2022

Mother’s Day Reflection from Annette McGroary

March 24, 2022 in News & Events, Sustainable Development Goals, Volunteer Blogs /by Serve

"If we want our children to become kind.... we need to keep the conversation going about the global south."

Annette McGroary has volunteered with SERVE numerous times, was our long term volunteer in Mozambique and took part in Think Global Act Local 2021 programme. Annette writes about the value of teaching solidarity to her very young baby.

As a new Mum a whole new world of nappies, weaning, sippy cups and tummy time has revealed itself to me. Ethical consumption naturally comes into play with many of the decisions of caring for a baby-cloth nappies or plastic, breast or bottle, make your own food or buy baby food, buy new clothes or purchase in a charity shop, veganism or meat eater.

In a perfect world we would all make the right choice on all of these issues all the time thus doing our small part to tackle global inequalities and injustice. However the reality and practicality of these choices is not as simple as it seems when getting to grips with the role of being a Mum.

I think it’s about balance and being mindful of our choices. I most certainly haven’t made all of the most ethical choices in the list above. However as parents we are the prime educator of our children and we have a responsibility to teach them about injustice in our world.

We are part of a global community and our everyday decisions have a huge knock on effect on the rest of the world.

I am fortunate to have witnessed first-hand how SERVE tackles poverty through solidarity, service and partnership with oppressed communities.

I look forward to sharing my stories, pictures and experiences with my son Séamus in years to come to help him gain an understanding of justice and equality. It’s not just about helping poor people through donations. Rather we are part of a global community and our everyday decisions have a huge knock on effect on the rest of the world.

Ultimately if we want our children to become kind, caring and socially conscious global citizens we need to keep the conversation going about the global south.

Make Mother’s Day special with a purchase of a caring gift of education for a young person in Mozambique.

Annette on SERVE volunteering programme

A Mother’s Day reflection from Diane Duggan

March 13, 2021

Organise your own SERVE Fundraiser

February 25, 2022

Dan Lynch Thinks Global and Acts Local with SERVE

March 24, 2022 in News & Events, Think Global Act Local /by Serve

Dan Thinks Global & Acts Local with SERVE

SERVE’s new intern Dan Lynch writes a reflection about participating in Think Global Act Local 2021 Programme

Hello! My name is Dan Lynch, and I’m the new intern for the year 2022 at SERVE. During the summer of 2021, I participated in the the Think Global Act Local (TGAL) summer initiative by SERVE.

As a result of this, I was able to volunteer with SERVE, teaching online conversational English classes to Vietnamese children and young adults through the Vietnamese Center for Sustainable Development Studies.

I have met some wonderful new people through TGAL while also learning about global issues such as poverty, gender in development, social justice, quality education, and voluntary work both at home and abroad.

The highlight of my TGAL experience was the opportunity to volunteer with the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies in Vietnam.

I taught conversational English to two 12-year-old Vietnamese children as part of my volunteer experience. This was a completely new experience for me because I had never taught before, let alone to children who did not speak English fluently.

As the 8-week volunteering programme progressed, I began to develop a strong rapport with the two children and thoroughly enjoyed teaching them once I got over my initial apprehension.

TGAL gave me a thorough understanding of global development and its various aspects, as well as getting me involved in volunteer work for the first time, for which I am eternally grateful.

Think Global Act Local Programme Reflection

Sinead’s Think Global Act Local Reflection

July 6, 2021

SERVE volunteer Constantin Becker reflecting on his time so far with SERVE’s Think Global Act Local programme.

TGAL Reflection from Constantin Becker

July 6, 2021

SERVE on Flirt FM

March 23, 2022 in Fundraising, News & Events /by Serve

SERVE on Flirt FM

Nollaig Hulme and Paula Quigley from Team SERVE take over Flirt FM. The 2hr show was aired on 15th March 2022. It features interviews with SERVE volunteers from across the country and also few of our partners from across the globe.

Team SERVE is grateful to Flirt FM for the opportunity on their airwaves. It was a great experience to bring the message of Solidarity in Action to students of NUIG, GMIT and beyond on a dedicated radio show.

We thank SERVE Alumnus Lindsay Cleary, for curating the music for the show. Our sincere gratitude to the army of volunteers who made the time to talk on the show about the numerous activities that SERVE is involved in.

You will here from few of our partners i.e. Susan Madodo (Young Africa Mozambique), Milimo Muchanga (Assumption Parish) and Cledwyn Hamoonga (Flamboyant Special School).

We spoke with our guests about what is Solidarity In Action, the nature of our work with our numerous partners, shared information about our Global Goals Trails and about our latest volunteering programme called Think Global Act Local.

We also discussed our Pen Pal project, spoke to our guests about the motivation of our flagship Flip Flop Appeal and the experience of completing the SERVE 4 Peaks Challenge.

Sit back and tune in below

Organise your own SERVE Fundraiser

February 25, 2022

Irish charity SERVE shares the work its done in 2021

January 18, 2022

Leadership and Life Skills Workshop at Assumption Parish

March 22, 2022 in Zambia /by Serve

Leadership and Life Skills Workshop in the Assumption Parish Youth Centre

In March 2021, SERVE funded a three-day leadership and life skills workshop.

The workshop was facilitated by fantastic speakers on different topics and the feedback from participants, all ranging from 18 to 30 years of age, was very positive. The participants felt rewarded by learning skills they never knew they could learn, for example self development skills.

SERVE plans to host various types of workshops which will focus on different skill sets in the future. Through our workshops, the youth of Mazabuka have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain skills that will enable them to prosper in their lives.

Few photographs from the workshops

Participants with their certificates after completing a workshop in Mzabuka, Zambia (2021)

Mr Mwelwa delivering one of the workshops.

Auldridge Chibbwalu delivering workshop

Mary Mawmulima delivering a workshop

Anita Kamanga of Young Africa Zambia delivering a workshop

Mike Cheelo delivering a workshop

Leadership & Life-Skills Workshop delivered by Darren Hennelly in Mazabuka, Zambia (2021)

Darren Hennelly with one of the participants of the workshop

Feedback from few of the participants

"I'm here to interact with new people. To learn new things, to acquire knowledge and to become a better person. I want to be able to put into practice all I learn and share it with other people"

"I'm here to gain skills and have a vision towards achieving my future goals. I expect to get motivated, acquire the knowledge which shall sustain my action plan. I want to be a productive youth and I want to be able to serve my community."

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SERVE and Assumption Parish

March 22, 2022 in Zambia /by Serve

SERVE's Development Work with Assumption Parish

About Assumption Parish

SERVE works in partnership with different organisations in the Assumption Parish Community in Mazabuka, Zambia. The frst partner we worked with is the St. Bakhitas Association, in 2008.

The Assumption Parish Community and partners include:

St. Bakhita’s (Good Samaritan) House Youth Centre
Luyobolola Primary school
Flamboyant Special school
St. Patrick’s Secondary school
Lukavilla Arts Centre

SERVE are working with the St. Bakhitas Association to help provide youth infrastructure and to train key St. Bakhitas Association personnel and young people to implement youth leadership training programmes based on the model developed by SERVE in Zimbabwe.

In 2011, SERVE sent skilled volunteers to St. Bakhitas to train young people and community leaders in a Youth Leadership Training Programme.

SERVE’s work in Mazabuka is in its early phase, as it’s a challenge to work without guaranteed funding. Our aim at SERVE is to support our partners to become self-sustainable.

Community Vegetable Garden Project

The garden at the youth centre is a small-scale project that continues to do well and garner. The garden produces all year round and forms part of the centre’s sustainability plan. The youth that helps produce the vegetables can take what they grow.

SERVE’s work with the Flamboyant Special School –Chicken Project

Flamboyant Special School in Mazabuka currently has 97 learners with hearing, physical and intellectual impairments, and learners with cerebral palsy. Flamboyant Special School receives no support from the Zambian government and so is heavily dependent on donors and partners like SERVE.

In March 2020, SERVE funded a chicken project for the Flamboyant Special School and further funded the project in January 2021. As a result, the school has 300 chickens that are currently laying around 100 eggs daily. The school now sells approximately 10 trays a day in an established market within the community.

This project has helped two older students who have learned invaluable skills on how to look after the chickens and also learn to set up budget.

SERVE’s work with Luyobolola National School

In 2020, SERVE helped Luyobolola Primary school to build 3 classrooms and a full ablution/toilet block. Before building the ablution, 900 pupils were using a wall behind the school as a toilet. Now with the brand-new ablution block, students can study and work in a sanitary environment.

Throughout 2020 and 2021, we also helped the school with a farm project in the nearby parish. Three hectares of sunflower seed and two hectares of maize were sown with the help of SERVE funding. We hope that the harvest will benefit the school’s feeding programme which consists of a maize porridge with ground nuts. Sadly, for some students, this breakfast could be the only meal they could have all day.

SERVES’s work with St. Patrick’s Secondary School & the Lukavilla Art Centre

We have helped St. Patrick’s secondary school by sponsoring learning materials and we continue to support Luzyobolo arts and Cultural Centre, with hopeful exciting projects on the horizon.

Few Photographs from Mazabuka, Zambia

Ablution Block (before)

Ablution Block (after)

Classroom Block (before)

Classroom Block (after)

The Parish Farm

Visiting the Parish Farm to check on the crops.

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Our intern, Catriona Reid, shares Paddy’s Day thoughts

March 16, 2022 in News & Events, Think Global Act Local /by Serve

Paddy's Day Thoughts

Catriona Reid shares Paddy’s Day thoughts at the outset of her internship with SERVE.

St Patrick’s Day has been one of my favourite holidays for as long as I can remember. I have so many happy childhood memories of the local town parade with my parents and admiring the floats and costumes and seeing the town decked out in green, white and orange. Irish people are known for being welcoming and friendly, and from my own experience that is absolutely true.

I came to Ireland from Romania as a child and have never felt out of place here. For me, St Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate the home I made in the culture that welcomed me and to feel grateful for everything Ireland has given me. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated by the Irish diaspora all over the world – its message of unity, celebration, and hope is global. I am delighted to wish everyone a happy St Patrick’s Day!

During my internship with SERVE this summer I will be a mentor on the Think Global Act Local programme where I will be teaching young Irish people about international aid and development issues on the themes of solidarity, justice, and partnership.

On the TGAL programme, and during my time with SERVE, I will keep the message of St Patrick’s Day close and share the importance of global unity and harmony with those I work with and the programme participants.

I hope to achieve a deeper understanding both of my role within my new community and of how individual local actions can have a global effect. In an ever more divided and confusing world, I think it is important to reflect on those values which guide us and remember that there is far more that we have in common than what separates us.

"On the TGAL 2022 programme ... I will keep the message of St Patrick's Day close and share the importance of global unity and harmony."

– Catriona Reid

Sinead’s Think Global Act Local Reflection

SERVE Programmes Intern Sinad Mulry reflecting on her time so far with SERVE’s Think Global Act Local programme.

July 6, 2021

TGAL Reflection from Constantin Becker

SERVE volunteer Constantin Becker reflecting on his time so far with SERVE’s Think Global Act Local programme.

July 6, 2021

Youth Day 2022 in Mazabuka

March 14, 2022 in News & Events, Zambia /by Serve

2022 Youth Day in Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia

On 12th March 2022, the youth of Assumption Parish observed National Youth Day. The theme was increasing youth engagement at all levels of national development.

Over 350 young people attended the exciting day that included talks on youth development, quiz competition, cultural programme and sports. The day ended with a BBQ party.

A similar celebration was organised in 2021 by SERVE long term volunteer, Darren Hennelly. It fills us with hope to see the initiative continue this year.

SERVE sent a funding of €300 towards the celebration to cover costs of food, drinks, supplies for the BBQ including cookware, hand sanitiser and transport for young people.

The Assumption Parish community raised the remaining funds to organise a successful day. Young people attending paid 20 Khwacha (€1) for a ticket to attend the day. Their ticket included the travel, food and drinks for the day.

This event is an example of facilitating sustainable development for our partners contributing to SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

Sports programme on Youth Day 2022 at Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia

Youth preparing the BBQ together for Youth Day 2022 participants at Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia

Youth enjoying their meal together on Youth Day 2022 at Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia

Introducing Milimo Muchanga

Introducing Milimo Muchanga, SERVE’s liaison with The Assumption Parish community located in Mazabuka, Zambia. Milimo is proactive and committed to youth development in his community and makes him a role model for community leadership.

Darren Hennelly Homecoming

Long term SERVE Volunteer Darren Hennelly Travels Back Home SERVE Development Officer and long-term overseas volunteer Darren Hennely travels home this weekend from Mazabuka, Zambia after

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Women’s Day 2022

March 4, 2022 in News & Events, Sustainable Development Goals, Women Empowerment /by Serve

Women's Day 2022

Nollaig Hulme and Paula Quigley from Team SERVE share their thoughts on a few of the inspiring women they know who break the bias every day.

I met Diep Thu Hien, Trần Lý and Nguyễn Phương Anh in 2019 at the airport in Hanoi after days of travelling. Their friendly faces represented the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS). Little did I know they would soon become inspirations. I learnt all about these three women and their lives while they grew up in various parts of Vietnam.

In rural parts of Vietnam, although education is highly valued, it is not very accessible due to extreme poverty. With help from CSDS’s Bright Future Fund (BFF), Lý was supported to further her education, an opportunity that is rare where Lý grew up. During the month, Lý spent time encouraging the students in Văn Tố, particularly the young girls, to not give up on their education.

Phương Anh’s interest in the English language shone through while working with the kids in Văn Tố and 3 years later she still works to inspire people to continue learning.

Hien has an extremely unique way of looking at the world and is determined to have a positive impact on those around her. She is very aware on her environmental impact on the world and at the time she was trying to convince her mother who is a shop-keeper to use less plastic.

Diep Thu Hien, Trần Lý and Nguyễn Phương Anh are inspirational women and they continue to inspire those around them and break the bias of gender equality in education.

– Thoughts from Nollaig Hulme, Team SERVE

Edwina Quialquial and I first met in 2009, during my first volunteer trip to the Philippines. I was immediately drawn to her charisma and have a great deal of admiration and respect for her dedication to the Badjao Tribe community to this day. She is one of those people who sticks with you.

Since 2003, Edwina has been a member of the Presentation Sisters Nano Nagle team in the Badjao Tribe of Mambaling, Cebu. She was teaching in a tent at the time, and she carried her teaching supplies in backpacks to get the job done.

Her fundamental belief is that education is the key to overcoming poverty and creating a better future for all, while also respecting the Badjao Tribe’s history, culture, and values.

Education in the community must always prevail, regardless of what comes their way, whether it is a damaged classroom from a fire or a typhoon, tribal customs that may discourage young people from attending school, or a global pandemic.

She is always there for the community, no matter what else is going on in her life. She is more than an educator; she is a friend and a well-known figure in the community, whether she is packing emergency supplies and handing out water containers or fighting for their basic human rights with local government officials.

There are no limits to what this powerful woman can accomplish, and I am honoured to call Edwina a friend and to have the opportunity to work with her.

– Thoughts from Paula Quigley, Team SERVE

Meet Phuong Anh

Meet Edwina

Paula with Edwina

(Left to right) Hien, Phuong Anh, Ly with SERVE volunteers

Help more young women break the bias

You can help more young women break the bias everyday with accessing quality education. This will ensure they live a sustainable life through dignified work. Your donation helps SERVE continue the work with our partners in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Mark Women’s Day with an investment in the future of young women. You can safeguard the hope for our future by donating to SERVE regularly.

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SERVE Pen Pals Project

About SERVE Pen Pals Project

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Latest updates, reports and volunteers stories

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Few takeaways from SERVE's Flirt FM take over

Sit back and tune in below

"If we want our children to become kind.... we need to keep the conversation going about the global south."

Dan Thinks Global & Acts Local with SERVE

SERVE on Flirt FM

Sit back and tune in below

Leadership and Life Skills Workshop in the Assumption Parish Youth Centre

Few photographs from the workshops

Feedback from few of the participants

"I'm here to interact with new people. To learn new things, to acquire knowledge and to become a better person. I want to be able to put into practice all I learn and share it with other people"

"I'm here to gain skills and have a vision towards achieving my future goals. I expect to get motivated, acquire the knowledge which shall sustain my action plan. I want to be a productive youth and I want to be able to serve my community."

Donate to support youth live a dignified life

SERVE's Development Work with Assumption Parish

About Assumption Parish

Community Vegetable Garden Project

SERVE’s work with the Flamboyant Special School –Chicken Project

SERVE’s work with Luyobolola National School

SERVES’s work with St. Patrick’s Secondary School & the Lukavilla Art Centre

Few Photographs from Mazabuka, Zambia

Related Articles

Latest updates, reports and volunteers stories

Donate to support youth development in Zambia

Paddy's Day Thoughts

"On the TGAL 2022 programme ... I will keep the message of St Patrick's Day close and share the importance of global unity and harmony."

2022 Youth Day in Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia​

Donate to support youth development in Zambia

Women's Day 2022

Help more young women break the bias

Related Posts

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2022 Youth Day in Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia