Micro-enterprise in Peru 2012: True Sustainability

Yanamono II is only a 10 year old village. They were the folks that lived even more of a rural lifestyle than the folks in the very remote Yanamono I, a Youthlinc site years ago. Yanamono II has a small primary school and a decent community center. Their economy most exclusively relies on agriculture. The vast majority of the people in Yanamono II are farmers. One family owns a very small store with very basic supplies. A handful of other people sell other goods, such as second-hand clothes and moonshine.

The micro committee this year had a lot of work cut out before them to assess the economic climate and needs of the village and decide where to go from there. A group of 8 people had been preselected by Carlos, our in-country coordinator, and the mayor. We taught the traditional micro lessons (loan, interest, bookkeeping, etc) to the group. They formed a single co-op, electing the proper leadership. We were able to distribute loans for all 8 of these people to build better dams for their fish hatcheries, buy better food to raise healthier fish, and to stock their hatcheries with schools of fish. They were stoked to have this opportunity and understood the vision of paying forward this generosity to the rest of the community in future years.

One of the most powerful activities the micro group lead this year was conducting personal interviews of the most poor families in the community, who are candidates for receiving livestock loans in 2013. By sitting down one on one with these families, our team members were able to connect to the people of Yanamono II in deeper and more meaningful way.

One woman's story had a particularly deep impact on the team. Gladys, a mother of 6, raises her family on less than 5 Soles per month, which is less than $2. Hearing about her hopes and dreams and hearing about what she likes to do on her free time, helped build such strong connections with team members that generous individuals on the team donated money they had been reserving for souvenir shopping to fund a livestock loan for her. She will be the first person to receive this type of a loan in Yanamono II. The 2013 team will expand this program with her as the pioneer.

Jabón – Vocational Committee Peru 2012

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to prepare for something, there is no way to know if it will work until you put it into practice. You just have to go for it, with a hope and a prayer that by some stroke of luck or good karma it will succeed. Such is the story of the Peru Vocational Committee this summer. Our job was to teach women in the community the basics of starting and managing a small business based on the 4P model (Product, Price, Placement, Promotion).

Our product was soap, or jabón, in Spanish. Prior to the trip, our committee learned and practiced the art of making soap. However, the method we learned required the use of an electric mixer to get the mixture of water, lye, and oil to trace (the stage when the mixture becomes soap and is ready to harden). Yanamono II does not have electricity, so we knew that we would have to mix the old fashioned way- with our hands and a spoon. Unfortunately, this method turns the two minute process into a five hour process, but without electricity, there was no other choice.

As we set up our lesson in the outdoor cooking area with thirteen women gathered and ready to learn, there was no guarantee that the soap was going to work, nor that the women would think the skill valuable enough to continue it. However, with a hope and a prayer, we began the lesson anyway.  The women watched, absorbed, and learned intently, taking in every step with rapt attention and comprehensive understanding.

Once everyone had the correct amounts of water, lye and oil, the moment of truth came and we began to stir. We stirred and stirred and sang and talked and got to know one another and then stirred some more. And then, after just two hours, the soap traced. It TRACED!! It became soap! It was so successful that we had not just one, but two more lessons for the community, so that by the third day no less than thirty women had learned the skill.

The rest of the lessons went extremely well and by the end of the week, nineteen of the women came together to create Yanamono II’s first ever business co-op, which they named Yanamonito (Little Yanamono). These nineteen women will use the supplies Youthlinc donated to make and sell their soap. At the end of our time in Yanamono II, they put on a soap fair and sold their first batch of soap to our team.

It was magical to see how the woman had transformed the soap at the fair with the Ps of marketing. Some soap was dyed pink and red, others were carved with beautiful designs, others were wrapped in leaves, and others were wrapped in paper with handwritten labels with the brand “Yanamonito: Makes You Whites Whiter” carefully written in bold letters. The money they made from selling to the team will go to replenish their supplies and continue their new business.

Surprise Elephant Visits are the Usual - and other news from the Thailand team

What a Surprise!

Today at the school, lunchtime was quite unusual for the Youthlinc team! Right as everyone was getting ready to eat, a big grey friend stumbled into the school yard right in front of us! 

"It was absolutely amazing that Ruth and Japan organized the elephant for us! It was so cool that it came to the school and it was great to see all of the kid's faces light up. We all ran from our food straight to the elephant. Today was just a great day. I was able to learn a lot about everyone today through construction and it was neat to see everyone teach and how well the kids grasp each topic even though they don't speak English. We also got to go to one of the student's home, which was cool to see. Seeing their life at home really put into perspective on what they have to go through every night and it made me even more grateful for what I have. This whole experience has really made life real to me!" 

-Ali Gay. 

Everyone was very excited about the elephant encounter, including all of the kids, Youthlinc mentors and students! 

Thank you Ruth and Japan for such an exciting lunch surprise! 

The Chicken Coop is Ready for Chickens! 

Today everyone on the team was hard at work preparing the Chicken Coop for the much anticipated arrival of the chickens tomorrow. Wire cages, feed bowls, wood finishings and chain-link fences were all installed. Hopefully everything will run smoothly tomorrow! 

"Construction has been super fulfilling and everyday has been fun. We have accomplished so much so far!" -Alyssa Alley. 

Kids playing on the playground during lunch.

Thailand Team Instructs and Constructs!

Construction is in full swing! 


The Thailand Team has made a lot of progress in the past two days on the two main construction focuses; the Chicken Coop and the Fish Pond. With chickens set to arrive on Thursday, lots of focus, determination and sweat have been required to get the jobs done. Mentor and Construction Committee Leader, John Alley, has been doing a great job motivating the students and other mentors alike on how to have fun yet still get the job done! All of the Thai workers helping at the site have been so helpful and gracious. They have taught everyone something new everyday, including words in Thai!

"Construction is awesome! It is fulfilling to see the progress we get to make in just a few days." -Jordan Nielson.

Hopefully by Friday everything should be completed and ready for the much anticipated use of the new Fish Pond and Chicken Coop!

Education Connection! 


Lessons have begun! So far, all of the kids (grades: Kindergarten, 1st-3rd and 4th-6th) have been enjoying fun filled activities and have also been working hard on their English. Mentor and Education Committee Leader, Stacey McBride, has been doing a great job getting all of the Youthlinc students in order and organized for each of their lessons. We couldn't do it without her instruction and hard work!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENESSA AND EMILY! WE LOVE YOU! 


Today we were all lucky enough to spend Jenessa and Emily's birthday's with them. Emily turned 18 while her big sister is now 23! For dinner we celebrated with pizza, cake, soda and karaoke. The entire team danced, but Team Leader, Ruth Adolphson, really showed her amazing moves on the dance floor!










In-Country Thailand Blog by Jillian Queri and Jason Barth :) 

Opening Ceremonies in Yanamono II, Peru!

After spending countless hours in different airports and a couple of hours on buses and boats, we finally arrived to the beautiful Heliconia Lodge. It's a whole new world here. The Lodge is located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest and the sounds

of the jungle are never ceasing. Shortly after arriving we boarded another boat and took a twenty minute ride to our FAVORITE place in the whole wide world, the village of Yanamono. The children's laughter could be heard above the hum of the motor as we approached the village. I am pretty sure I can speak for all of us when I say that was one of the warmest welcomes any of us had ever received. Walking into the village was exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. We were obviously far from home, the trees were different, the animals were different, the smells were different, and it was all a new adventure. Walking up the path to the community center we were showered with hugs and kisses as the villagers gave us their thanks and homemade gifts. Opening Ceremonies was a great exchange between both cultures. We took turns sharing different songs and dances. The village leader said that we would begin as strangers but leave as family.

Thailand Team Takes Sunday Off For Exploring!

Exploration! 


After four days of nonstop work (and play), the team was able to take a day off from construction and teaching at the school to explore some of the local beauty of Thailand. Breakfast was later than usual, so everyone was able to get in some much needed extra sleep. At 11:15, the team headed to the school for a delicious lunch which included spaghetti! None of the kids were at school, but we were gracious that the teachers and staff had offered to prepare us a meal on their usual day off.

After eating, we took off to explore a local Buddhist temple nestled in a mountainous cave. The temple was extraordinary with incredible views and religious mystique. The experience was very special; one Monk was even praying at the top!

Once we were done with the temple, we headed off deeper into the jungle to sight-see at 3 of 9 connecting waterfalls. Locals and tourists were swimming in the ponds and some were even cliff jumping.

Reflections

"Thailand has been so eye-opeing. Its been neat to see and compare how different people live and to think about how well off we are. Its really amazing to see how much we can help by just doing the little things." -Caroline Coleman.

"I've loved working at the school and its amazing to see how much we really can do to make a difference in their lives. I can't wait to help out more for the rest of the week!" -Lexi Grafe.

                             Kate Rieke plays with a little boy at the Home and Life Orphanage.

Eliza Stratton and Kelly Garcia goof around on the bikes at the school playground. 

Party Rock Takes on Thailand

Welcome to Thailand!

The Youthlinc team was greeted with open arms by the students, teachers, parents and Rotarians of the Banthamthong-Lang community. The students at the school prepared traditional Thai dances and songs to show their gratitude and excitement for the days to come. The performances were beautiful and all the Youthlinc team members enjoyed the dances and songs that the students had worked hard and long to prepare. Once the Thais were finished with their portion of the ceremony, we "Party Rocked" our way into their hearts! The Youthlinc team greeted the community by singing the National Anthem which was then followed by a dance to the song, "Party Rock Anthem". Everything went as planned, and some of the kids got to join in on the fun and dancing. Right after the Opening Ceremony finished, the sky broke into a downpour of refreshing rain that lasted for about an hour. Perfect timing!

"Playing with the kids in the pouring rain was an amazing, unforgettable experience.  Everyone had a smile on their face and even though mud and grass was getting all over the place, it was not important because we were having fun bonding with these special kids. It will be a long lasting memory that I will never forget." -Sierra Schlag.

Fish Pond Construction is Underway! 


Today, the fish pond was under-construction. Gravel flooring, footing, foundation and walls of the structure were completed. The floor was also prepped for cement, which is scheduled to be poured on Monday or Tuesday. The day was long, but a lot was accomplished with teamwork, dedication and hardly any problems or distractions. Everyone was exhausted from the sun and hard work, but a special pizza dinner was arranged by Rotarian, Brad Kenny, which made everyone pleased. Thanks Brad!

Vocational Committee Teaches English to the Local Community College
The Vocational Committee taught a brief English lesson to a class of about 40 students.  They taught by using games like pictionary and hangman to help the college students learn various words and how to spell.  The students were shy at first to the Youthlinc team in their classroom, but warmed up very quickly, creating a very fun environment to play games and teach in.  One girl was even taking videos of the lessons and was thrilled to take pictures with the committee. The vocational committee will be going back on Monday to teach about business and tourism to more students at the community college.

All is well in Kajuki Kenya!

We are happy to receive news from our fantastic Kenya Team Leader this morning:  

"The team is doing well.  The dorm is awesome and the envy of everyone in the area.  Dining hall is also great.  We are being fed so well and treated will in every aspect possible.  The team is working so hard at so many projects, I couldn't be any prouder."

Finally Dancing in Thailand!

Welcome to Banthomthang Lang School in Phang Nga, Thailand! 


After 24 hours of traveling through many skies and winding streets, the Youthlinc 2012 Thailand team has safely arrived!

Our first stop was the Erawan Kok Kloy Hotel in Phuket. Exhausted, everyone settled in for a much needed night of sleep. The following morning, we were greeted with a Thai style breakfast, fit with fried rice and soy noodles. After that, our four traveling vans were loaded and on the move to the Home and Life Orphanage. Greeted by smiling faces and red bracelets, we made our way through the bakery and coffee shop before moving on to painting three murals on the playroom walls. While some painted and played with the 16 orphans, others were able to participate in the preparation of a traditional Thai lunch. The day was a success and a very inspirational experience. Thank you Home and Life for welcoming us and allowing us to serve!

"I got in a paint fight with all of the kids at the orphanage. It was really fun, even though all of my clothes were covered in paint and basically ruined. The kids were great- even though we don't speak the same language, I felt like there wasn't really a language barrier because we were able to communicate and have fun with each other by just laughing and smiling. It was definitely something I will always remember." -Kira Mercer.

I WANT TO GO AGAIN!

In response to overwhelmingly requests from our Alums, Youthlinc is expanding opportunities to ‘go again’! 

ACT NOW for these opportunities!

 NEW! GO AGAIN opportunity drawing:

·     $25 per ticket goes directly to team project funds.

·     For every 100 tickets contributed, an alum name will be drawn to ‘go again next year’ on the team of their choice.

·    $700 of the cost will be waived.

·    To participate go to www.youthlinc.org, Click Donate, and the Donate Now button. Contribute $25. Be sure to Specify Fund: GO AGAIN

·    Open to everyone, but if winners are under 21 and not Youthlinc alums, local service will be required for Service Year teams.

 Development intern:

·        Open to Alum students.

·        Make phone calls to your own team, mentors, parents, and your own donors.

·        Plan an event (or events) to raise $2,000 in project funds for the team of your choice.

·        Reach the goal by November 9, 2012 and you can go again. Local service not required.

·        Email judy@youthlinc.org and you are IN the race.

·        Training meeting Saturday, August 11 10am at the office.

Applications due Monday, August 13 for the Leadership positions below:

Applications posted August 1 on the APPLY page of our website www.youthlinc.org

NEW! International Service intern: assists our International Service Director in all aspects of planning and overseeing our Service Year teams. Spend 8 weeks next summer in Southeast Asia – on us - helping 4 of our teams: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Friends & Family Vietnam.

Real Life in SLC intern: assists our Local Service Director in administering our afterschool teen refugee program. Free trip to the site of your choice 2012-13 Service Year.

Team Leader: Alum mentors make the best candidates. 7 Team Leaders in 2012-13 receive a free trip for their leadership.

 Alum Leader:  7 Alum students act as Assistant Team Leaders locally & internationally, receive $1100 off cost of international trip.

Guatemala team teaches marketing, builds a trail, works hard, plays hard at Ak'tenamit in the jungle

Blog created by Jadyn Carlsen

6/22/12

Vocational Lessons Begin

This was the first day that we were able to start working with the students and the Vocational Committee began teaching the eleventh grade class about the 4 P’s of Marketing. We split our group into four groups and assisted the Ak’Tenamit students with their agricultural chores.  After chores, we were able to go play a game of soccer. After the game, some students and some of the team headed down to the river to take a swim and cool off from the heat. We then went to work on the different constructions projects.  The construction projects included: Painting the Girl’s dormitories; making a path from the river to the bungalows; computer lab and Commodore expansion projects.

One of the Agricultural Projects - clearing the field.

Painting the Girl's Dormitories

 

6/23/12

After breakfast, we headed to Livingston. On the boat ride, we traveled to the Atlantic coast and were able to see Belize off the coast. Before going shopping, we went to Seven Alters and were able to hang out and swim. After hiking back down, we headed to Bugga Mamas to eat and then we did some shopping in Livingston..

The Seven Alters near Livingston, Guatemala

 

6/24/12

After breakfast today, we went to the Cave of the Tiger. After hiking in, we were able to jump off into the water and swim/climb back to a second waterfall. If you looked up into it, you could see bats just swarming around and some of them were the largest bats I have ever seen! Following dinner that evening we attended a Evangelical Church in a nearby village.

Visit to Cueva del Tigre

Evangelical Church visit in a nearby village

 6/25/12

Our structure teaching began today.  The students were so eager to learn and participate. The team members that were not teaching helped with construction.  After lunch we all continue with various construction projects such as: hauling bricks up to the lunchroom, painting the girls’ dorm, and mixing cement. 

 

6/26/12

Teaching again today and everything went smoothly. After teaching, we broke up and went back to the different construction sites which were progressing very well! A few people decided to pull a prank on Ryan today by putting a crab in his bag. Sandy found a coral snake, a poisonous snake, under a rock, but Greg was there to be the hero and chopped it in half.

6/27/12

After breakfast, we went to the village PG Tatin. We delivered 32 water filters to the very excited village families.. We also had some time to play with the kids of the village. Some people who were sick on the day that we had gone to the Cave of the Tiger took a quick stop and toured the cave. The other part of the group headed back to the lunchroom to eat some lunch. We then split up to go work on the construction projects. The walkway to the boys’ bungalows was about ¾ of the way done, murals are going very well and we got all we could get done on the extension of the commodore before we ran out of supplies for the day.

Delivering 32 Water Filters to the Village of PG Tatin

 6/28/12

The day began with lessons and construction – the construction projects are almost finished.  At 10:40, we had a dance with the locals. Not only did we dance to some of their traditional music, we also heard music that many of our kids listen to today. We all had a ton of fun and were able to bond as a team and with the locals also. We continued the dance until lunch. After lunch, we went back to work on the construction projects. All throughout the day, the Medical Committee were giving eye tests to the students and surrounding villages. At the end of the day, everyone was able to feel very accomplished.

Michelle Moynihan and Hannah Choi assisting with eye testing.

Jessica Beauchamp

6/29/12

This morning the students at Ak’Tenamit taught us how to carve coconuts to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. When we finished up, we went to the commodore and taught the locals how to do the Virginia Reel. and then we had a soccer game between Youthlinc and Ak'Tenamit.  After lunch we went to work on construction projects.  By the end of the day, the commodore expansion was finished, the trail to the boys’ bungalows was finished, and all of the painting in the girls’ dorms was finished, with a few murals left for the girls to paint. The work that we accomplished was phenomenal and we were all very proud of the work we were able to complete.  Our last meeting and reflections at Ak’Tenamit was an emotional ones and the last night at Finca was bittersweet.

 6/30/12

Following breakfast, we had our fun fair where we passed out our friendship bracelets that we made, worked on teamwork building games (such as the human knot), and played some ultimate Frisbee, football, and dodge ball. After we finished with the fun fair, we had our closing ceremonies. There were speeches from Ak’Tenamit Board of Education, Ak’Tenamit students, our leaders and our youth. We realized here how much of an impact we had on them, and the impact they had on us. After we left, we were able to get all of us on the bus to Tikal. 

7/1/12

At about 8:30, the tour of Tikal began.. We were able to see the Grand Plaza with Temples 1 & 2, we saw Temples 3 & 5 and hiked up Temple 4 which is the highest known temple in the Mayan world. The weather was very nice and not very hot for most of the day.  Following lunch we took a zip line tour through the jungle canopy. The jungle looked amazing from the heights that we were at. When we finished, we headed off to Flores to get in some last minute shopping. 

 7/2/12

Travel Day from Tikal to Guatemala City.  We drove for about eleven hours that day.  We stopped only a couple times and one of those times the bus broke down. While they were trying to fix it, we went over to the gas station and bought some ice cream and snacks. That evening we had our final reflections and awards ceremony.

7/3/12

We left ready and packed by 5:30 a.m. and carpooled over to the airport. We were able to get through security and to our terminal plenty early. The plane was on time, unlike the last time, and we were loaded quickly and efficiently. We had to say goodbye to Guatemala, a country that we now all loved and have a special place in our heart for. When we got to Dallas, we broke off into small groups that went to find food. We were ready to start our six hour layover. Although it was very long, it went by fairly fast and we were able to entertain ourselves. When we boarded our flight in Dallas, all of us were very excited to finally be going home, but we all knew that we would miss our new family and miss the amazing country of Guatemala.

Only 4 More Days Till Our Arrival In KENYA!!

      Well, it's almost here! The time has flown by so extremely fast, but all of our hard work and preparing for this trip is ready to take into action. Each of our committees have been working very hard in trying to gather and fundraise supplies. 
      The Education Committee held a yard sale in June and made over $550 in doing so. They have also gathered loads of school supplies and have planned and prepared multiple school lessons.
      The Construction Committee had a yard sale and car wash to help fundraise for their supplies and made over $1100. Great work you guys!
The Medical Committee has gone far and beyond in fundraising. They have gathered endless amounts of supplies and they continue to gather more and more everyday. As a whole team we have over 250 feminine hygiene kits and over 100 hygiene kits, hundreds of toothbrushes, toothpaste and lots more.
      The Cultural Committee has been gathering jump ropes, nail polish, face paints, and bubblegum for the african kids. They have also planned for lots of fun games and events as well as preparing for the closing ceremony which will take place. They have a dance that involves the whole team! A big shout out and thanks to Madeline, Erica and Callie for teaching us how to take out our dancing shoes and created the whole dance together. The closing ceremonies will be great and I am sure everyone will have so much fun!
      Everyone has completed their service hours, and we ended up with a total of 3,418 hours! Great work everyone! We have made a huge impact and difference in so many lives and will only continue to do so. We all have been working and communicating so hard to construct and put everything together. It's finally almost here!!! 
      We have one last meeting this Friday, July 13th @ 6:00 pm, where we will be packing and getting the last minute items before takeoff!