Global Volunteers was incorporated Jan. 26, 1984. Its first service programs focused on construction and health care in Jamaica Blue Mountains and over the ensuing years, new partnerships have been forged in over 100 communities and 30 countries. To date, more than 22,000 volunteers have lent their helping hands and loving hearts on service programs around the world. Here's a look at special achievements:

Jamaica: Through 25 years of service, over 120 volunteer teams have built river bridges, expanded community centers, installed water systems and performed health and dental exams.  Perhaps here, more than in any other host community, Global Volunteers has demonstrated its sustained commitment to genuine human and economic development assistance guided by local leadership through the continuous use of short-term volunteers.

Tanzania: Since 1987, more than 1,100 volunteers have brought hope, helping hands and school sponsorships to small rural villages in the Iringa District. Working with local people, volunteers have built roads, installed water systems and constructed dormitories and taught English language skills and assisted with health projects.

Mexico: Since 1988, nearly 1,000 volunteers have served rural villages throughout Guanajuato. Early teams worked on village labor projects and in recent years, volunteers have taught English to university students.

Poland: Over 2,200 volunteers have engaged tens of thousands of youths in eastern Poland through English-language instruction since this program began in 1990.  Working as invaluable resources in small rural village schools, volunteers have helped students advance their English language fluency, and thereby multiplied their employment potential.

USA: In struggling Native American, Appalachian and Immigrant communities, thousands of volunteers have built homes & community centers, repaired playgrounds, and befriended elders and at-risk children, and contributed to broad-based community development projects.

Costa Rica: Since 1992, over 2,000 volunteers have helped preserve fragile forest ecosystems and traditional village practices in the Monteverde Cloud Forest region.  Working through a women’s cooperative, local educational programs and informal farmer networks, team members help build a bridge of mutual international understanding through direct, hands-on support.

Italy: Over 1,100 volunteers have shared English language skills and goodwill with students in elementary and secondary schools throughout the Puglia region since 1995. In a country known widely by tourists, Global Volunteers team members connect in a distinctly “non-tourist” way through locally managed service projects.

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