SERVAS - Action

Servas Pakistan launched three relief camps, staffed by Servas volunteers, to collect and convey donations for victims of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

In India, strong leadership helped to organize networks and personal resources to aid victims of the 2004 Tsunami.

IIE broadens the outlook of future leaders through academic and professional exchange that strengthens their ability to think and act on a cooperative basis. They believe exchange among people of different cultures is a critical means for transferring knowledge and skills across borders and preparing a new generation of global citizens. US Servas is working with the IIE headquarters in Arcata to provide day-hosting opportunities for Fulbright students, giving them a chance to learn about American culture and daily life in New York.

If you are a host in New York and would like to day-host a Fulbright student, contact the New York office for more details.

ICCP works to create a global community for American campers. They believe that a multicultural staff is the best way to teach appreciation and respect for different viewpoints. Servas works with ICCP to provide homestays for international counselors. In the summer of 2005, US Servas was asked to give presentations on our international homestay programs at the YMCA ICCP's orientation sessions in Arcata office.

Through visiting with Americans, international camp counselors have the opportunity to explore American culture- learn more about US politics, professions, pastimes, worship, peace and social justice movements firsthand!

The NY Middle East Peace Quilt Coalition, Chaired by US Servas, is a 20-member Coalition of community groups and peace/social justice organizations from throughout New York City. US Servas worked together with these groups from January 2003-September 2003 to organize the New York Middle East Peace Quilt Project, a series of events and exhibits around the Middle East Peace Quilt aimed at bringing diverse communities together to hear each other’s stories and build vital neighborhood relationships. The Middle East Peace Quilt is an international community art project coordinated by a Servas member, together with over 300 Palestinians, Jews and others mostly from North America.

Magiari Diaz Diaz (Magi) is a member of Servas, a worldwide peace movement. Over the summer, she undertook a volunteering placement at PAFRAS; providing support and assistance in a variety of ways. Magi left Leeds to go to London on 19 October, and will return home to Venezuela in 2008. Before she left, she took the time to speak to PAFRAS about her experiences in the UK: here

Servas Uganda held its youth meeting on Saturday February 28, 2009, at the Pacific Hotel. The main objective of the meeting was to increase membership of young people and also link Servas Uganda with other NGOs. Some Servas members came with their friends.

The were 19 participants among them, Nigel from Servas UK. He is a volunteer working in Uganda for one year. Simon, from Servas Germany was also in attendance. He is volunteering for the Arua Refugee Programme.

Sunday the 21st June was the longest day of light and the shortest night of the year. It was indeed a bright day in Jerusalem full of light and sunshine.

Despite the heat, and the long distances, more than 30 Israeli Servas members from Mitzpe Ramon in the South to Mitzpe Abirim in the North, arrived at the Gloria hotel in the Old City, at twelve noon.

After welcoming the participants and reading a letter from Chaim Murik, the Chairman of Servas Israel, Claudia Sagi, Peace Coordinator and Servas coordinator of the Sharon area, gave a short presentation about mutual respect and coexistence between different ethnic groups in the Bible and in the Koran.

Naim Da'or arrived from Hebron with his wife Rana and spoke about his hopes to organize a Palestinian Servas Organization.

Adena Levine, director of the YMCA Peace Preschool, where Jewish, Mos and Christian children play side by side, spoke about the educational challenge of coexistence, and the strive for mutual respect between the parents and teachers of the three religions. Explaining that children play together easily, accepting one another openly, whereas it is much more difficult to bring the parents together.

Seven visitors from the Netherlands, including the organizers of the Jerusalem Hug, participated in the meeting. Their leader, Rob spoke about the aims of their activities to promote peace and entertained us with two original songs of peace and togetherness.

As always the participants each brought their specialties: salads, sweetmeats, and goodies to be shared at the common table, eaten on the balcony roof overlooking a magnificent Birdseye view of Jerusalem. Our guests joined in the spread and treated us to delicious Dutch cheese, breads and biscuits.

The last hour was spent sharing thoughts and experiences, as Servas hosts and travelers. Several subjects were put forward for future discussion, including:

It was a moving afternoon, getting to know one another a little better, our similarities and our differences. Later we joined the Jerusalem Hug Peace Activists at the Jaffa gate, singing and dancing around the gigantic two meter wide drum.

Meir and Lesley Hayoun, Servas coordinators of the Jerusalem area
Claudia Sagi, coordinator of the Sharon area and Peace coordinator of Servas Israel

"Servas, the civil society organisation that gathers people who care about peace and international dialogue globally, has 200 of its members in Turkey opening their houses to Armenian supporters coming to Turkey for the national football game between the two countries. The first match of historical importance in the World Cup 2010 was played Sep. 6, 2008, at the Hrazdan stadium in Yerevan, Armenia." Click here to read the entire article.

What? : We invite servas volunteers to come and live with us.
Aim?: To raise awareness about different cultures among local children, exchange knowledge and experiences and plant the ‘Seeds of Servas’ in the early age of children.
Where? : In a town of Antakya (Antioch) called Ekinci (Aydiy) in the very south of Turkey. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch, http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/antakya/, www.toprakev.com

Guests are expected to:
Teach children (08-14 aged) any of the follwing topics or else.
- English&Spanish&German, etc.
- Drama
- Music&Instruments
- Children games
- Chess
- Handcrafts
- Hand made toys (environment friendly)

We provide in return
*Food&accomodation,
*Daily excursions
*Experiencing local culture
*Learning how to cook middle eastern dishes, Arabic and Turkish languages.
*Being host by different families

What happens at the end?
Mini Children Festival will be held to present and share the products of the kids with the local people.
Note that parent(s) with kid(s) are aslo welcome.
Ultimate aim:
Doing the same activity in different countries.

Servas Youth is proud to announce the launch of its new website. New features include SYLE - an exchange program offering social, cultural and touristic activities for Servas Youth travellers. Photo galleries of Servas Youth events. And information about upcoming Servas Youth Events. Come and have a look at Servas Youth's brand new website.

Servas NYS has monthly Pot lucks in different areas. Coordinator Helga Smith – one of the most experienced Traveler and Host – is organizing the potlucks.

Rolande Hodel was our host for June's gathering. Rolande is the founder and president of "AIDSfreeAfrica" a 501-c-3 non-profit (www.AIDSfreeAFRICA.org). She told us about the work she does in Africa .

I made few announcements about UN activity, including 62nd annual DPI/NGO conference in Mexico and invited Servas membersto get more information from the www.USServas.org website.

Katherine Roff was our an international guest. She is a new Servas member from UK .

Our prospective Servas member was Bill Hanauer, Rolande's friend and Mayor of Ossining . He loves Spain and Portugal and had lots of stories to contribute in addition to everyone Servas experience in warmly and friendly atmosphere.

Create communication and cross cultural understanding to keep and promote Servas. Within our own hearts and minds we have dark places that need healing, just as the heart and mind of the world have their dark places. The health of the whole organism depends upon the relative health of the individuals within it. We increase harmony when we hold on to the light, not allowing it to be clouded by judgment, anger, and fear about those who behave unconsciously. It is easier to accomplish this if we don’t focus on the negative qualities of individuals and instead on how increasing our own light will increase that of the overall picture.

REPORT OF GRANT BARNES, SERVAS ARCHIVIST, TO THE 2009 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF SERVAS INTERNATIONAL, MAR DEL PLATA, ARGENTINA

The 2006 General Assembly elected me as S.I. Archivist to succeed Antonie Fried, who had kept the organization’s papers at her home in Germany and who desired to retire from the position. I was given the mandate to, first, transfer the archives from Antonie’s possession to the National Office of United States Servas, Inc. (“U.S. Servas”), in Arcata, California; second, to scan the minutes of past General Assemblies and upload them onto the Servas International website; and third, to negotiate with a prominent repository of peace and social justice-related materials to house the archives and make available to researchers, on a non-discriminatory basis, the archives. I am proud to report that each of these promises has been fulfilled.

In addition, U.S. Servas acquired the papers of Bob Luitweiler, one of the founders of Servas, originally called Peacebuilders, prior to his untimely death and sorted, catalogued and archived them according to professional standards. These documents helped Helga Smith and others prepare a documentary film on Bob’s ideals and life, and this documentary has been shown in several venues throughout the United States, and is available also in a shortened edition.

Good news! The Hoover Institution Library and Archives has agreed to maintain and house the Servas Archives. Servas retains copyright and full access to all the items in the archives. The Hoover Institution Library and Archives, located in Palo Alto, California, on the campus of Stanford University is one of the world’s most reputable archives with modern provision for document safety and security Our treasured archives will continue to be taken well care of, and we will be able to add to it over the next decades.

President Herbert Hoover, well-known for managing wide-spread humanitarian relief during the First World War, is honored with the name of the Institution, which he founded and supported. When the world was once again plunged into a cataclysmic war, Hoover proclaimed the mission of the Hoover Library: “Here are the documents which record the suffering, the self-denial, the heroic deeds of men. Surely from these records there can be help to mankind in its confusions and perplexities, and its yearnings for peace. . . . The purpose of this institution is to promote peace. Its records stand as a challenge to those who promote war.” (June 20, 1941, speech dedicating the library tower, which remains a landmark on the Stanford campus).

The Hoover is a repository of over 5000 collections, including the records of the International Rescue Committee (1946-1989); the American Friends Service Committee (beg. In 1940); the Social Protest Collection of the University of California, Berkeley (1943-1982); the Democracy and Unification in Korea Collection of the University of California, Los Angeles (1975-1990); the Ralph Bunche papers (1927-1971), as well even before the deposit of Servas International and U.S. Servas archives a home to collections relating to the history of Servas, specifically the papers of Harry Steinmetz (1917-1986), and the 20th Century Organizational Files, including papers relating to the United States Servas Committee, Inc., predecessor to U.S. Servas. An overview of the Hoover Library & Archives, a list of the categories of collections represented, and the Guide to Scholars about the Library and Archives, all available on-line here, are attached as part of this report.

Thanks to the attentive work of Judy Sears, our Office Administrator until July 2009, all the papers belong to Bob Luitweiler, were packed up and brought down from Bellingham, Washington, to the National Office in Arcata, California, where a young archivist – Sara Jarvi -- who had been trained at a Humboldt County museum, sorted the material, returned clearly personal and financial papers to Bob’s daughter, classified the documents, and inserted them into professional-standard clear envelopes and into appropriately labeled binders. Sarah was requested to identify key documents in Bob’s life, video tapes of Bob’s interviews with Servas Japan and other Servas-related memorabilia in support of a documentary film of Bob’s life, which was shown at the Annual Meeting of U.S. Servas in the Hudson River Valley, New York State, in September 2008 and elsewhere. Bob’s papers are now gifted to the Hoover for archival maintenance in perpetuity. All of us, and professional researchers, can visit the Archives and see the papers during regular business hours.

Over the course of the last three years, the minutes of the General Assemblies as far back as Antonie maintained them have been scanned and uploaded onto the website of Servas International, where any of us can see our history anywhere in the world there is an internet connection. So, see and get inspired by the historic words and work of Servas pioneers and founders at many General Assemblies since 1960 now in an online Archives on the volunteer and administration website. Just turn on your computer, go to your internet provider, and paste in the browser here . Additional documents of historical importance to Servas will continue to be uploaded onto the S.I. website.

On behalf of Servas, I have joined the no-cost ARCHIVES & ARCHIVISTS (A&A) LIS, which is sponsored by the Society of American Archivists. This broadcast e-mail list has been critical in getting the word about Servas out and has been a source of excellent suggestions for what kind of materials to use, which repositories are most closely linked to the mission of Servas, and help with individual problems that may surface.

Last year SIEXCO authorized $1500 for the transport of the archives from German to California, but careful comparative shopping and negotiation meant that we paid only US$852 for shipping, which the Treasurer reimbursed. SIEXCO authorized an additional US$1000 to complete scanning the remaining minutes, and we were able to accomplish this task for much less, hiring a work-study student whose salary is subsidized by federal grants. However, the receipt of Bob Luitweiler’s papers, which were not organized and had many non-Sevass materials interspersed required more extensive processing than the office staff could do or that an untrained intern could be trusted to do. U.S. Servas had to spend an additional $3265 for materials (binders and clear envelopes) as well as for a trained intern who worked for less than her usual rate. U.S. Servas will be applying for grants from other archives and foundations relating to the protection of non-profit, long-term organizational history but U.S. Servas would like to request that the General Assembly approve a one-time grant in the amount of US$3265 to reimburse U.S. Servas for its out-of-pocket expenses already incurred to complete the archival work.

Servas Travelers to the California (Palo Alto area) are invited to visit the Archives, research a particular topic and write an article for the Servas International Newsletter; feel free to either contact me through the U.S. Servas office or by personal e-mail at grant_barnes_jd82@post.harvard.edu.

Finally, for those who want to know why being an archivist is important, hear how Lisa H. Lewis, of the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge described the duties to me: “Archivists bring the past to the present. They're records collectors and protectors, keepers of memory. They organize unique, historical materials, making them available for current and future research.”

Servas Congo Brazzaville celebrated International Youth Day on August 12, 2009. A full report is available here. The report is in French only.

Servas Congo Brazzaville is engaging in a Youth Syle Project from November 30 to December 30, 2009. This project will include over 500 youth participants, they will teach the Mbochi language, engage in social activities and do volunteer work to support their communities. For more information on the project or to participate, visit here . [Congo Brazzaville Draft Syle Programme 2009, English and French Versions]

I would like to thank and appreciate all the Members of this organization for all their combined support and work, as it would have not been possible, alone for any person to take Servas where it stands now. Pabalo, Cintia, Magiari, Ann and other youth officers and volunteers I heard a lot about you from my fellow Servas Pakistan members and I am very hopeful to create a peaceful, pleasant, memorable and a long lasting relation with you by joining hands and working together.

As a Youth Contact Person I would want to spread awareness about the misconceptions regarding to my land, people and religion, and bring forth love instead of hatred, peace instead of war. In order to accomplish this I will need your continuous support and co-operation, and I will try my level best to attend and become a volunteer in all events, where I am required. I will give my utmost efforts to help and support each other. I have so many things in my mind that I want to share with all of you but I lack words.

We, Servas Botswana, would like to wish Servas International a Merry Christmas and a

Nine of us met for a wonderful lunch and meeting in Gaborone / Tlokweng Village at the

Breige and Frank have been travelling with Servas. Here are some of their pictures.

of registering in Cameroon and landing on the official list of Servas International.

This is my second time I visit Etienne and I had the privilege to bring important documents

I am Servas member since 1989 and main representative to the United Nations. I am the founder and president of AIDSfreeAFRICA a non-profit organization based in New York. It is our mission to help Africans to build factories and produce drugs in Africa. This was my fifth and most successful trip. I will return in May this year.

Rolande

"The humanity of our world will be measured against the fate of Africa," said Horst Koehler, German President and former managing director of the Washington, DC-based

On the 25th of December 2009, the annual meeting of Servas Pakistan & the 60th Anniversary celebration of Servas International was held at the residence of Mr. Muhammad Naseem the National Secretary of Servas Pakistan, it is normally held on 10th of October every year, but due to some internal problems in the country the executive body of Servas Pakistan had to postpone this meeting to some other time.

After ten weeks delay the executive body of Servas Pakistan decided to hold the 60th Anniversary of Servas International celebration & Servas Pakistan annual meeting on the historical day of 25th of December, 2009.

The event was managed with great discipline & enthusiasm. Passion for peace-orientation could have seen on the faces of all the participants. A respected lady Mrs. Nancy Kaufmann from Chicago, USA was also there as one of the dignitaries. So many important issues were argued & discussed. Some revolutionary steps were also taken in order to have some quick & positive changes. The National Secretary Mr. Muhammad Naseem, briefly introduced Servas Pakistan as well as Servas International & its activities worldwide, he realized that the mission of Servas is to create the atmosphere of friendship through “Open Doors Open Minds” in different nations of the entire world. He also shares his experiences about the Servas GA at Mar del Plata Argentina & prayed for the bright future of SERVAS.

He accordingly, threw light upon the major role of Servas & its significance. He stressed on further enhancements & strengthening of the concept of peace & love all over the world. He conveyed his whole message of devoting lives & complete efforts for the noble cause of peace & love, to all the participants. His sincere comments & suggestions were the clear delineation that he wants Servas Pakistan to be one of the most actively participated country on behalf of peace prevailing.

Mr. Nauman Naseem Servas Pakistan Youth Coordinator offered all members to show their personal interest in Servas youth development projects. He said that we need your good suggestions for development of Servas youth projects in the region. Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan, Mr. Muhammad Arshad Khan, Mrs. Naila Imran, Mr. Muhammad Nadeem, Dr. Riaz Ahmad & all other participants supported Servas youth projects in Pakistan & displayed their views & prayed for the better future of Servas. They had shown their agreement to help the Servas youth in future & also promotion of Servas in Pakistan.

Some other personalities expressed their views for the betterment & integrity of Servas Pakistan. Mrs. Nancy Kaufmann showed her satisfaction towards the leadership & expressed her noble wishes for future of Servas Pakistan.

All members actively participated & proposed suggestions to uplift the activities of Servas Pakistan & Servas Youth.

All of us in Servas can help Haiti now. Our Servas strength is our unique local and world network of good people, like you, offering friendships, understanding and Peace.

Relief: Make a donation for Haiti now, to a fast-working charity like the Red Cross. Haiti roads, post offices and harbours are wrecked. Do not try to send items. Give money instead to proven and trusted charities who can rush your gift to Haiti.

Recovery: Reach out to people who support Haiti. Many Haitians work at low-paying jobs in the North. They send money home to help their families. We can befriend these people who help Haiti through Servas kindness.

Rebuild: Haiti is devastated. Its city and forests and farmlands are ruined. Its people are poor. Its land was once strong and beautiful. Global change and bad forces made Haiti suffer like many of the new African states. All these places used to host many Servas travelers. Now they are in dreadful decline into poverty. Farms abandoned, villages wrecked, lives lost in huge, unworkable and violent cities of desperate beggars. It is time for Servas Peacebuilding Teams, to look beyond just survival, to justice. Wherever Servas meets, think of Haiti. Search solutions. Get active.

From this day, January 15, 2010, Martin Luther King’s birthday, let us admit the need and meaning of Haiti to our lives; commit to a true Servas vision of global justice and community.

On February 27, 2010, a catastophic earthquake hit Chile. It's magnitude was 8.8. Servas International extends its sympthies for the more than 700 lives lost during the earthquake. Servas International is also organising its volunteer to help coordinate relief efforts. In the mean time,this is how you can help the earthquake survivors in Chile:

Relief: Make a donation for Chile now, to a fast-working charity like the Red Cross. Do not try to send items.

Give money instead to proven and trusted charities who can rush your gift to Chile Recovery: Reach out to people who support Chile.

On July 31, 2010, the worst monsoons in living memory devastated large areas of Pakistan, killing hundreds of people. Due to heavy rains, many districts remain inaccessible.In some areas, the only way to deliver supplies is by military helicopter. The roads are completely washed out.

The worst floods in the Pakistan’s history have now killed more than 1600 people and affected more than 10 million more in all over Pakistan.

Torrential rains pounded Punjab province -- the nation's breadbasket -- and the National Disaster Management Authority estimated more than 252,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed in the affected provinces.

Officials reported all wells in the worst-affected areas in the country's northwest had been contaminated and water-borne diseases were spreading fast.

Even as rescue and aid efforts continued in the stricken northwest, authorities began evacuating half a million people further south as floodwaters from the bloated Indus River gushed towards the southern province of Sindh, where hundreds of thousands of people live along its banks.

The floods are the worst natural disaster to hit Pakistan since the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which killed at least 79,000 people.

Monsoon rains still continue after ripping out bridges, roads and villages.

Government and private relief agencies are managing to provide only 5 percent of what’s required, so please help the flood victims as much as you can.

Comments on the 1st South American Congress in Salvador de Bahia, Brasil

I think the meaning of a Servas South American Congress should be appreciated as a starting point in which representatives from eight South American countries had the chance to redefine actions towards accomplishing the objectives of GA 2009 and to plan joint actions. I believe we moved several steps in the direction of opening ways to regional projects.

From the human point of view, it was rewarding to feel that we are accompanied by such a wonderful group of Servas Youth representatives. All of them showed high personal qualities and a strong conviction of their mission.

Bahia, - the city outside Africa with the largest population of African origin - in which history, art, traditions and culture find multiple channels of expressions, was the perfect location to raise conscience of diversity and and feeling the richness it brings about.

Last but not least, we are all very grateful and want to express recognition to Brazil NS Alvany Santiago, Latin America Coordinator Jaime Romero and SY Coordinator Pablo Chufeni for all the tele-work and the great effort that the organization of such an event implied, and congratulate them for its successful realization. Dinorah Sanz - NS Servas Uruguay

Yours, Dinorah

The group is riding by Bonde to reach the "Monte Serrat", there is a old building that was a Casino in 19somethig. The city is Santos, the biggest port of Brazil and the sea

Serves Pakistan annual general meeting was held with all its vigor & elegance at Lahore on 25-12-2010. The meeting was presided over by Muhammad Shoaib Khan, The National Secretary of Servas Pakistan. When the proceedings started, Servas dignitaries gave vent to their feelings about the concrete future plannings in order to make Servas Pakistan role more effectively purpose-oriented & to make Servas International think " For better Servas Pakistan efforts than ever in the past" .In this regard, so many inspiring suggestions were given..On this occasion the founder President Mr. Muhammad Naseem said, "We have made selfless efforts & offered devotions for the better tomorrow of Servas.Now ,it is the duty of newly elected cabinet to keep up the same spirit for the more & more scintillating & increasingly powerful the role of Servas.Muhammad Shoaib Khan, also conveyed his feelings about the solidarity of determination of all the Servas team to make their peace-prevailing efforts in a balanced way.

Dr. Riaz Ahmad, focused on the topic that always calls for serious attention, that is , decreasing the illiteracy rate by putting up revolutionary efforts all around us. All the dignitaries of elected cabinet Said, "It is the first & foremost & obligatory duty of all of us to make the environment well-enlightened & well-educated, because it is the only source to turn a panic & oppressive society into a peaceful, placid & calm one.

Servas Pakistan is grateful to Servas Germany, Servas Australia & their members for the financial help of flood victims in Pakistan, we also thanks to all Servas members & friends who offered their services & devotions for the relief & rehabilitation work for the flood victims throughout Pakistan…” we owe greatly to all the people around the world including so many volunteers in Pakistan for their selfless & human devotions,” Commented the president.

In the end, Mr. Muhammad Naseem along with all Servas Pakistan team prayed to the almighty for the betterment and required achievements of Serves Pakistan in their mission.

Here are some Youtube videos of the events, site seeing tours and of Indian folk music.

Our yearly picnic combined with a cultural visit, a walk and an extended desert buffet has become a tradition.

The comment of our Servas guides made the visit very interesting and valuable. For the picnic and the walk we were happy that many families with small children joined us; we were lucky having a sunny day to enjoy the beautiful nature of Sprimont/Fraiture, a pearl of the Ardennes.

Meeting and making friends in the spirit of Servas is making Servas a bit stronger.

2011 started with a gathering in Antwerp, 23^rd of January. After a guided tour in the city by members who live in the city, we went to the restaurant ‘De Lokeend’ in the heart of the city. The family Boumans, Servas members, are running this beautiful place for 25 years. A delicious meal was waiting for us; 75 persons (there was no space for more…) were lucky to be in such a charming restaurant. Once more it has been a nice opportunity to share Servas experiences and to get to know each other better.

For both events people could stay with hosts of the region before or after the event.

Thanks to all people who helped organizing these events, to our guides, to all participants from Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, France, UK, Canada. It was wonderful to meet you!

31 July-6 August 2011 in Kampala on Lake Nyanza (Victoria). Lweza Training and Conference Center

Following the experience and the success of an important line of international youth events in the world now here we are presenting our first edition in a beautiful African land.

Argentina, Britain, Turkey and Mexico has hosted this event before and now here we are planning at this time, thirteen month ahead of landing in Uganda, to learn and be stimulated by this fantastic country. The annual youth international events are open to all of those members that believe in the youth as a value, that believe on the power of the young minds and spirits. We are working hard to offer Servas new generations of leaders. Leaders connected with the experience of the older and with the enthusiasm of the younger Servas people.

Every member that at some point has had the chance to experience and live one of this events know about the power and moving transformation that take part during them.

We have a plus on this opportunity, will be sharing the venue and agenda with the African Regional Meeting. It will be an excellent moment to increase our synergy and outreach. A new line of young African leaders is on the way, you need to be there to take part of this historic moment for Servas.

The event will occur during the month of July- August 2011 (31 July-6 August)in Kampala, Uganda, hosted by Servas Uganda.

Contacts and more information on the event will be provided through various Servas channels. Make a note on your next year agenda right now !!

A delegation of 9 Servas Pakistan members set off on a peace tour to visit Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka from 24^th May to 5^th June 2011.

The aim of this delegation was to promote peace and inter-faith harmony; because of this tour we had the pleasure to meet the National Secretaries of the respective countries once again. We had a great reception on our arrival at Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Kandy. We are very thankful to the NSs and the fellow Servas members for their hospitality and to arrange the local Servas meetings for us. We talked on different matters about how tours like this can benefit Servas in exchanging cultural and traditional views.

My fellow members really had a great time and they learnt several new things about travelling with Servas, and due to this tour they had a chance to observe the culture and customs of these countries. We think that these kinds of tours can be a helpful source for countries to interact and promote peace and love.

In a nutshell I would like to say that this tour was over-all a complete success. We are once again very thankful to Mrs. Kiat, Mr. Thongchai and Mr. Walter the NSs of Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka and the fellow members of these countries for giving us their precious time and for their generosity. We also invite them to visit our country and to give us a chance to serve them.

Another exciting Peace Building Course at El Bosque University- Bogota (Colombia) directed by professor Jaime Romero and run by trainer Martin Krajcik!!. It will last four weeks and is attended by a good number of students.

Here's the welcome address via skype by Luisa Corbetta, Servas International Peace Secretary, on their first session February 16, 2011.

Any Servas National Peace Secretary who would like more info on how to organize Peace Building Courses please write to

The undiscovered lands are waiting to embrace you in the south west of Turkey on the Taurus Mountains . This magnificent place is called Yenişarbademli/Isparta. Servas Turkey is organising an event called Peace within Nature Meeting. Why don’t you come and join us to observe and welcome the bloosom of the spring, sleep under the bright millions of stars very far from the ‘modern life’, mix up with the local people and share our hopes, actions and worries about peace. Chatting from tent to another in the darkness with the sounds of the wild animals in the middle of nowhere is thrilling, isn’t it?

If you are willing to be among us, in the heart of the nature and an authentic culture get in touch with us for registration and more info.

31 July-6 August 2011 in Kampala on Lake Nyanza (Victoria). Lweza Training and Conference Center

Photo: Servas International President Gary Sealey on skype (internet chat) from Canada with local children in Uganda.

The SI Youth Meeting and Africa Area Meeting has impressed all participants and has more than met the expectations.

It has been a deep Africa experience. 15 participants from 9 different countries out of Africa: Argentina, Belgium,Great Britain, France (Reunion), Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal and Russia.

The outcome of the elections organised by Pablo Chufeni and me (Rita Dessauvage) on the 5^th of August 2011

1. Motion to change the name of the Area to “AFRICA” Motion has been accepted

2. Motion to amend the past structure decided on the Africa Area Meeting held in Zambia in 2007 (Minutes 36) (to reduce the number of positions in the Area:

Area Coordinator/Deputy Area Coordinator/Newsletter Coordinator/Website Manager/Host List Coordinator/ Youth Area Coordinator)

9 countries of Africa took part in the election: delegates of Member Countries and not (yet) Member countries that were present

Servas Malawi has filmed some short videos. They are available to view on You Tube.

I am feeling great pride to announce this splendid news that our respected President of Servas Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Naseem has been elected as Area Coordinator for Servas South Central West Asia. This is the first time in the history of Servas International that a Pakistani became an Area Coordinator.

This great landmark shows the stability of character & consistent efforts by this great man on the platform of Servas.

On this magnificent occasion I, along with all Servas Pakistan Executive team highly congratulate Mr. Muhammad Naseem, hopefully the honorable president will keep on doing his remarkable job in the future & give opportunities to all the Servas team to work under his great guidance.

His loyalty to the peace mission has always been the key point for more & more brighter image of Pakistan in front of the whole world.

Alvany Santiago, National Secretary pictured above, in a productive meeting with Norma Nicholson, National Secretary and Gwen Gregg, Secretary of Peace Servas Australia. Besides the opportunity to build a new friendship, they also discussed activities for the World Day of Peace on September 21, 2010. This year's activities focuses on young people and other Servas in both countries. "I was impressed by the organization and hospitality of Servas in Australia."

The meeting began with the recitation of Holy Quran by Mr. Imran ul Huda (Regional Coordinator Baluchistan)

Mr. Shahzad Akhtar Siddiqui (Deputy Secretary) Mr. Imran ul Huda (Regional Coordinator Baluchistan) Mr. Muhammad Amjad (Information Secretary) Mr. Nauman Naseem (Youth Contact) Mr. Muhammad Afzal (Host Member) Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan (National Secretary) and Mr. Muhammad Naseem (Area Coordinator SCWA) addressed to the meeting regarding peace and other Servas activities in Pakistan and SCWA region.

Mr. Shahzad Akhtar Siddiqui and Mian Muhammad Afzal shared their travel experiences about the SE and SW Asia peace tour and gave us their valuable suggestions to uplift the Servas in the region. Mr. Nauman Naseem (Youth Contact) introduced the newly created Servas Pakistan Youth blog dedicated to Servas youth.

Mr. Imran ul Huda (Regional Coordinator Baluchistan) briefed about the Servas activities in Quetta and the current situation in Balochistan.

Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan, National Secretary of Servas Pakistan paid his thanks to the members for their keen interest regarding Servas activities within Pakistan. He said that we must increase the number of good members in Servas family in order to spread peace in this region and on a global level, in an efficient manner. And this noble objective is only possible, with the sheer efforts and dedication of the members. At the end he thanked all members and visitors who attended the meeting, especially to Mian Muhammad Afzal for hosting the Eid Milan Party and National meeting.

The honorable Area Coordinator Mr. Muhammad Naseem addressed the meeting and stressed on the need of peace for humanity.

All members congratulated Mr. Muhammad Naseem on being elected as AC for SCWA. A shield was presented to the Honorable Area Coordinator by the National Secretary on behalf of Servas Pakistan.

In the end I would like to say that this national get-together was a complete success. Not only we had a great celebration and the pleasure of meeting different honorable and new members all over Pakistan, but we also got the chance to discuss some future agendas and planning for the upcoming events and activities.

Burundi, Congo Brazaville, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi have now a Youth Local Contact apointed. This YLC not only are in touch with their NS but among them increasing the interaction and comunication within the area.

The presence of the YLC of Russia, Israel and Portugal were vital to coordinate the meeting

SYLEs are now under discution in several countries of the area to offer them inside africa from francophone countries to anglophone and viceversa. Also a SYLE in Swhajili is being consider.

The youth members at the event took part in all the agenda items and run as many workshops as the non young members. A clear integrated meeting.

The coming SY International Anual event has been presented to be hosted in Poland next year as was agreed in Mar del Plata during the last GA. This anoucement was made with the polish delegate at the event.

Two youth programers on line has presented their intention to help on the update of the servasyouth.org also.

The help of Rita D. from Servas Belgium and Luxemburg was more than apreciate and her support during the elections has been also very important.

Servas Israel - Sharing Experiences meeting at Sde Warburg , Saturday 26 November 2011

First thanks to Nirit and Yosi Harel from Sde Warburg, who initiated the meeting and invited us to hear impressions about their participation in the first Servas Youth conference in African, which took place in Uganda, on July - August 2011.

Over 50 Servas members arrived to the meeting, from the Center, Sharon, Tel Aviv and Haifa area - impressive responsiveness.

Nirit's presentation on Uganda conference and the meeting with Servas local hosts was instructive, and aroused great interest for everyone.

Thanks to all the members who responded, listened, asked questions and shared experiences – Benny Gefen about his experiences in Kenya, Roberto Mittelpunkt about his experiences in Spain.

We also heard updates on the activities of Servas in Israel, and the world - increasing activity related to minorities, awareness-raising publicity activities, Servas International Newsletter and Events, Dolphin system, Servas on Line,.....

We learned how to see for ourselves what's going on – searching Servas Israel and International websites.

Members discussed new and fresh ideas like Calendar publishing and delivery of the newsletter ....

Just few words to inform Servas worlwide that São Paulo area held its regional meeting last Sunday in São Paulo city. We are few but determinated to get together - friends & families. The idea is to invite people to join us, mainly youth. Thus the group met each others in a park in the Paulista Ave. to chat, to talk about news, to remember good times, to share new experiences and so on. "Paulistanos" (people living in São Paulo city) are known as hard worker but they also like to have some fun and have a good time particularly with friends. For that reason another meeting is coming in February. Let's go ahead.

Dear friends:

Servas Spain are organizing an Exposition with 30/35 posters (size Din A 0, 84 x 118 cm) about Servas. This exposition will be in the International and Tropical Medicine Center in Barcelona this summer.

One of the poster is dedicated to Servas Youth. We are asking all the countries to colaborate with pictures from Servas young members, like the example I send in this message. A young person with a simple sheet with the word SERVAS in capital letters, and the country in lowercase letter.
We want to create an international and colorful poster. You can send to me your pictures.
Waiting your contribution!!

Thanks to everyone.

Susana Martínez
Servas Spain Secretary

Queridos amigos:

Desde Servas España estamos preparando una exposición sobre Servas que constará de 30/35 carteles tamaño din A0 (84 x 118 cm) y que estarán expuestos en el centro de Medicina Internacional y Tropical , en Les Drassanes de Barcelona. Con esta exposición queremos dar a conocer los aspectos mas relevantes de nuestra organización, su filosofía y principios.

Uno de los carteles estará dedicado a Servas Juventud. Queremos pedir la colaboración de todos los paises y miembros que quieran participar con una foto, en la que se vea a un joven con un cartel tamaño folio (o Din A) en la que se lea SERVAS, y el pais o la ciudad de donde procede. Os mando un ejemplo.

Esperamos que colaboreis ya que deseamos hacer un cartel lo mas internacional posible.

Un saludo y gracias por vuestra colaboración.

Susana Martínez
Secretaria de Servas España

Servas Brazil gathers among dwarfs, fairs, witches and wizards in Visconde de Mauá, RJ

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, Servas Brazil National Meeting (EnServas) took place in Visconde de Mauá (Rio de Janeiro State). We were few but undeniably enthusiastic for Servas wherever we are.

We discussed about Servas Brazil challenges to the future especially in the country. Gathering youth, rising membership, spreading Servas principles and ideas around and planning activities are some of the matters we talked about.

Besides administrative discussions we also shared great moments by playing a good knife and fork thanks to Thomas Tatklin (Minas Gerais State Coordinator) who delighted us with his simple but unforgettable dishes.

Moreover the exuberant nature surroundings helped us to relax and renew forces to continue working. The Alcantilado Valley – location we stayed - has several waterfalls and it is an Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) region. It’s also known as Dwarfs, Fairs, Witches and Wizards’ Land. And who knows, they are Servas too?

Former Servas International President Calls for all of us in Servas to fulfil Bob's dream of a Global Village

Servas was founded by Bob Lutweiler on the basis of Work- Travel – Education. Many of us have noticed travel becoming the dominant theme of Servas and we worry at meetings about rivalry with Couchsurfers and others and declining membership.

During the summer Chris and Marian Slader wanted to revisit Romania, a country they had visited in 1969, a beautiful, wild [complete with bears and wolves in the winter], mountainous country with an interesting history. We had all heard the horror stories of Ceausescu’s Romania and the aftermath. We had heard of Romanian children begging on the streets of London [since been on TV]. We knew Romania had joined the EU and now, it is easy to travel to, by road, rail or air and with no visas. With Brian and Anne Heagney, another Servas couple from London joining us, we decided to see for ourselves, a still remote country, with about 10 or 12 Servas hosts. So our education was the goal.

The Sladers drove their camper to Bucharest, 2000km from Calais and met the Heagneys there,. Simona Dragoi is the national Secretary and we had a wonderful welcome. We went with her to Sinaia, a spa town developed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire which ruled maybe half the country at the time. There is still a 15% Hungarian speaking minority in Transylvania. We found it an easy country to travel in with friendly help all the way, lots of English spoken and little bureaucracy for the tourist.

The Servas hosts were keen to meet us and discuss. While staying with Maria Toth, a Servas host in Hungarian speaking Transylvania, we were introduced to an organisation ‘Alliance for Life’ founded by Father Csaba Bojte ofm, a Franciscan Monk. He has set up his organisation to care for destitute children of all religions and ethnicity in Transylvania. 2300 children are looked after by his organisation, in 60 homes and cared for in small family units of about 10, each with a house parent.

We were introduced to his children’s home in Baile Tusnad, The unit cares for 104 children. They are aged from 3 to 19 years . We spent the day at this childrens home in Baile Tusnad and talked with an 18 year old German volunteer; a family volunteering from Hungary who had decided to work for the home doing repairs and endless washing; and the ‘boss’ a young man with a degree in Psychology, named Tibor who speaks perfect English and told us all about the home and organisation. He has been there for 5 years, is married and has his own child in his own ‘family’ quarter. All the homes have a visitors’ wing and it is possible to go and visit or volunteer.

We next went to HQ in a town in South Romania called Deva and met the Economic director of the organisation. Cecilia has a degree in Economics. This home has 200 children and was similarly impressive.

The children all seemed happy and looked in good health. They clearly responded to the staff and the love and friendship was a joy to witness. They fundraise to find one euro per day per child.

Both Tibor and Cecilia showed great interest in the spirit of Servas and have taken steps to join. We think they will be a great asset to Servas Romania and their organisation could provide a focus point for Servas travellers in Europe and Romania. Any help, volunteering, or donations given, are a personal undertaking but perhaps we can all use our Servas network to raise awareness of this need and similar needs in other countries. Our travel experience is much enriched by becoming part of such projects.

Why not travel in Romania and see for yourself? You will be welcomed and informed and, like us, may be inspired to help them.

We would like to see many examples of projects such as this, joined into the Servas family, and on the Servas map. We know many Servas people are involved in projects around the world. Tell us about them. Lets give our travellers a focus. Help fulfil Bob’s dream of a Global Village.

If you want to see details of this particular organisation there is a web site www.magnificat.ro It is in Hungarian but if you access it through Google it can be translated . There is a section about the St Francis Foundation, with subsections about its history, parenting, donations etc. Pictures of children at Baile Tusnad https://picasaweb.google.com/105175868922491393927

Servas Israel Meeting - David Schwartz's presentation on science learning for children Saturday 04/02/12

David Schwartz from Servas U.S., who is an internationally known author of more than 50 children's books about math and science. David took the time during his stay in Israel to talk to us about his books, and to give us a lively demonstration of his teaching methods, which use exciting visuals (including big bags of popcorn!) to make mathematics understandable and enjoyable.

As quoted in his website: "… how to make math and science come alive for kids and teachers ".
The presentation was held at Claudia and Shlomi Sagi's home in Hertzliya, and was attended by more than 20 adults and more than 10 children.
Everyone listened with full attention, thirsty for David's ideas and experience , enjoying the interesting and lively way of presenting the techniques and examples ..
We thank David and are happy that we had the opportunity to hear and view the fascinating presentation.
Anyone who is interested to further explore the methods and materials presented by David, read more at the link below:
http://www.davidschwartz.com/

We hope that David's books will be translated into Hebrew and will be sold in Israel, both in English and in Hebrew.

Servas Israel welcomes travelers arriving from all over the world

Some Local Data and Challenges

Servas Israel – established in 1966 – currently 237 families – hosts/travelers

Current Challenges:

-Lack of volunteers to help with peace activities, events, website content management, administration

-Vision, not only travel and host – while staying apolitical – not simple task

More Local Issues

-Few Israeli Druze and Israeli Arabs, Bedouins – no new comers, despite efforts – no volunteers for help

-Palestinians (2 families) are listed in Israeli HL for convenience - meetings and join activities are hard to do

-Invest time and efforts to identify potential minorities new comers

- Organize social regional and national events – publish events impressions and newsletters

How we handle these local issues

- 5 areas/coordinators although small country – to strengthen direct regional relationships with hosts, organize regional events

- Centralized management of a group of volunteers, who perform personal interviews, issue digital LOIs, collect fees, organize national events, update records

- Extensive use of computing and sharing tools – only the stamp is not digital yet

Peace initiatives

- Mediteround project – creating a trek around the Mediterranean Sea – started with Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal

Vision – contribute to a multi cultural /multi ethnic society

Goals:

All of us are ambassadors in Israel and abroad – spreading the word about our vision and actions

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Some Servas hosts’ personal activities:

- Visiting Druze, Chircassian villagers in Galil and Carmel to study their heritage

Sing and dance together:

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects (unrelated to Servas):

- Lautman Foundation - lautmanfund.org.il , Abraham Fund - http://www.abrahamfund.org - Advancement of formal and informal education, and promotion of partnership and equality and narrowing the gap between citizens of Israel

-Reut – Sadaks (Friendship) Israeli Jewish-Arab youth organization - http://en.reutsadaka.org/ - Running Jewish-Arab workshops, which aim to provide Jewish and Arab youngsters their first opportunity to meet each other

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects - cont:

- Collaboration in Art – Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery - http://umelfahemgallery.org/ - home for Arab artists and Art and to create a meeting point for a meaningful dialogue between cultures, also collaborating with Tel Aviv Museum of Art

We believe that:

Contact us by email:
israel@servas.org

And visit our website in English:

http://israel.servas.org/?CategoryID=161

While the National Secretary met in São Paulo with the list Coordinator and former peace Secretary and deputy, Servas members in Salvador da Bahiagot together for another evening of good conversation, building friendships and good food. Under wonderful view of the All Saint Bays at Martha Almeida’s place, the getting- together was organized by Alice Cardoso, Regional Coordinator in the State of Bahia.

Report of event Youth 28/02/2012
Topic: Youth meeting
meeting organized by Servas Littoral, the representatives and students of the secondary school Mbamy Fochada Territoire Globalized the 06 /12/2011

located in the city of Nkongsamba, region of the coastal region region of the coastal region seen this day to be encircled with all responsible for this merciful, main establishment Mr Tchapda head master encircled with Mr Agbo ocar and with teaching profession
The purpose of meeting:

Philosophy of Servas International, legitimacy of the servas, Sensitization of new members, Reception, passenger, the servas in L 'O.N.U
The prefect of this school Mr Mbongho Rodrigue member Servas Cameroun gave us 4 hours of courtyard information.

The 2 hours of lesson 60 forms of the universal statement of rights of l being broadcast by Mr Njiokem nkwatchou alain noel on l 'éducation human and the knowledge of the right human beings, 'homme were distributed to 77 pupils of this establishment by Group Servas Cameroon, present persons: Njiokem Nkwatchou Alain noel, Ketcha blue jeans-Jacques come from Douala to assist in this sensitization, Ngameleu Angelot, Neleng Elvis Ndingkang, Mbongho Emishieh Rodrigue subject made object d 'un debate on the catch of responsibility of every member servas instruction and the education of Servas in the coastal region, a collaboration was every week establishes Servas for 30mn d 'éducation free and in classifies them of Tle classify these lessons d 'éducation A, D, C,
these lessons instruction of servas which carry on the philosophy of the servas, l 'accueil, tourism, the passengers, l 'éducation human and on top of that the catch of responsibility on protection of l 'environnement and of plans bio, tourist Nkongsamba city encircled with 3 mounts (Mount Koupé, Nlonako and Manenguba, tourist centre of dschang broadside of lakes and chûtes in l 'exemple of the chûte d 'Ekom-nkam) his youth meeting in caused l 'enthousiasme representatives of this establishments, the pupils, of this catch of responsibility of ' ' PEACE ' '

It results from it of this meeting 2 representatives for this establishment who recorded themselves member Servas Host added to 3 students, which recorded themselves members servas host
The evidence of the students here Servas Renovateur of philosophy, d 'accueil, peace, trip, d 'éducation in the rights of l 'homme which are necessary for humanity this event in caused sensitization around 300 students added to sides 17 professors Together with Servas Cameroun, We construct Peace without border as adds Mr Etienne Françis, Ambassador Servas-Cameroun, we are going to construct the World together without border and d 'accueil in solidarity.

Trainings for all from the instructive community of this secondary school on the right human beings... The parents and teacher are the actors of first plan of peace, in the foundation of acts d 'éducation. in the class, participation in the preparation d 'évènements of Peace and human education
all personnels of education situations of sexual acts of violence and events traumatisants in a scholastic frame are to fight authority accompaniment(mockery, harassment to fight
the areas of l 'industrie tourist such as l 'hébergement, restaurants and restoration in general, charm, entertainment, events d 'education human by volunteer of the world were concluded with the representatives for this school for this any timelong...
Tourism, an opportunity to make more dynamic the medium cities

The authorities of this school like to receive volunteers for strengthening of human being, cultural and receive volunteers to learn tourism.

For acts, the authorities of this school wish lessons of tourism integration, right human beings and wish organized by worldwide cultural meetings in theirs school for the members of the international servas, this students and authorities open their door to servas international and wish help docuements education of the right human beings and tourism.

The authorities of this school declares their secondary school as a secondary school Servas member for peace, hosting worldwide for every member servas, instructive, tourist voluntary work worldwide like teaching human education, tourism education, hosting

Ambassador Servas Cameroon
NS. SERVAS CAMEROUNMr Etienne Françic Maemble
mail: amour_pardon@yahoo.fr
Yaounde

Brazil is a huge country. Last week, Servas members in Santa Catarina state, south of the country, got together to host Tom Tatkin, Minas Gerais regional coordinator and to plan our next National Meeting in October 2012.

SERAVS CONGO BRAZZAVILLE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES DAY WITH CHILDREN VICTIMS OF THE LAST 4 MARCH TRAGEDY HOST TO THE CENTRE POPOUNIERE IN BRAZZAVILLE MAKELEKELE.

On the occasion of the International Day of Family celebrated every May 15, Servas Congo organized a tour to the nursery center that hosts some children orphaned and another lost during the disasters related to the explosions of ammunition from the camp Mpila in Brazzaville on last March.

This visit, which was to bring some smiles to the children deprived of family life, was marked by a donation to these children by Servas Congo. Opportunity here to thank on behalf of those children’s , members of Servas Congo and my own behalf, the Servas members of REUNION, who have allowed by their financial participation the constitution of this gift. Special thanks to Jocelyn VIGNAL and Genevieve who have spared no effort to make possible the participation of Servas REUNION.

Confront to several challenges for the management of 15 children that has the center, this gift will allow the center to slightly these difficulties we suggested the center manager, Ms. MALEKA, to whom we gave symbolically some component section of this gift.

Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in its resolution of 20 September 1993, this is an event that reflects the importance the international community attaches to families, the basic unit of society and the interest it door to the situation of families worldwide. And encourage governments to focus their efforts on family policy.

The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to better understand the problems facing families and stimulate appropriate action.

And through the realization of this activity who known that local media coverage, Servas Congo hopes to have attracted the attention of public power on the situation of children deprived of family life on this the time of the celebrates the International Day of Families.

PS . Attachments please find some images reflecting the holding of this activity.

Ondon titan serge
SN Servas Congo

SERAVS CONGO BRAZZAVILLE CELEBRE LA JOURNEE INTERNATIONALE DE LA FAMILLE AVEC LES ENFANTS VICTIMES DE LA TRAGEDIE DU 4 MARS DERNIER HEBERGER AU CENTRE LA POPOUNIERE DE MAKELEKELE A BRAZZAVILLE.

A l’occasion de la de la journée Internationale de la famille célébrée chaque 15 Mai, Servas Congo a organisée une visite du centre la pouponnière qui héberge les enfants dont certain sont orphelin et d’autre égarés à la suite de la catastrophes liée aux l’explosions des munitions du camp du régiment blindé de Mpila à Brazzaville le 4 Mars dernier.

Cette visite, qui avait pour but d’apporter un peu de sourire à ses enfants privées de vie de famille a été marquée par une remise d’un don à ces enfants par Servas Congo. Occasion ici de remercier au nom de bénéficières, de membres de Servas Congo et à mon nom propre, les membres de Servas REUNIONqui ont permit par leur participation financière la constitution de ce don. Un remerciement particulier à Jocelyne VIGNAL et Geneviève qui n’ont ménagés aucun effort pour rendre possible cette participation de Servas Réunion.

Confronter a plusieurs difficultés pour la prise en charge de ce 15 enfants que compte le centre, ce don devra permettre au centre la pouponnière de tant soit peu comble ces difficultés nous a laissé entendre la responsable du centre, Mme MALEKA, à qui nous avons remis symboliquement quelques article composant ce dont.

Proclamée par l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies dans sa résolution du 20 septembre 1993, cette est une manifestation qui reflète l'importance que la communauté internationale attache à la famille, cellule de base de la société, ainsi que l'intérêt qu'elle porte à la situation des familles dans le monde. Et inciter les gouvernements à faire porter leurs efforts sur la politique familiale.

La Journée internationale des familles est une occasion de mieux faire comprendre les problèmes que connaissent les familles et stimuler les initiatives appropriées.

Ainsi à travers la réalisation de cette activité qui a connue une couverture médiatique de quelques organe de presse locaux, Servas Congo a espère avoir attiré l’attention des pouvoir publique sur la situation de ces enfants privés de vie de famille au moment ou se célébrée la journée Internationale de la Famille.

En pièces jointes veuillez trouver quelques images témoignant de la tenue de cette activité.

Servas Uganda held its National Meeting May 12, 2012 at Vicview Motel, Lweza 11 Km Entebbe Road. The vacant posts on the Committee of Servas Uganda would be filled in the next meeting. The Area Co-ordinator for Servas Africa outlined tips on how travellers worldwide could use Servas in Africa. Moses Kigozi informed members about the forth coming International Youth Meeting, to be held in the Southern Mountainous part of Poland August 5-11, 2012. The Servas General Assembly would also be held in the Mazury Region of Poland 18-25, 2012. The Area Co-ordinator for Servas Africa emphasized publicity of Servas Uganda in the community through sport.

At these days that governments are talking about war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, people of my ancient country are happy and are going to welcome to spring and Nowruz celebration.

NOWRUZ is an Iranian ancient celebration and is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year in Iranian calendar and marks the first day of spring. The celebration has its roots in Ancient Iran. Nowruz is celebrated and observed by Iranian peoples and Persians that has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of Central Asia, Caucasus, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Crimea and some groups in the Balkans, covering Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan countries for over 3,000 years.

Nowruz was recently added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And UN's General Assembly in 2010 recognized 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz.

For three thousand years of world history and for three hundred million people today, Nowruz unites regions and nationalities, religions and languages to share in the renewal of life on the first day of spring."Ban Ki-moon message for Nowruz 2012"

Nowruz holidays are a good opportunity for people during the rebirth of nature, to think about and rebuild a safer and more peaceful world for generations to come.

I invite all Servas members from all over the world despite of religion, culture and color, to have a travel to my country in order to be acquainted with ancient and glorious culture of IRAN and peace-loving people, an ancient and rich culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.

SERVAS WILL BE IN RIO+20 (June 13th to 23rd, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Servas will be present at the Rio + 20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Two members of Servas Brazil will be our representatives - one interviewer of São Paulo estate, Andrea Assis and other the assistant managing, Alvany Santiago will be at the Conference.
The idea is spread out the Servas ideas and principles in the event and make Servas present in this great global meeting on Sustainable Development as part of civil society.
In that occasion the representatives will take part in two events: SD Learning and Side Events both organized by the UNO in partnership with other NGOs.
After the Rio + 20 a report of events and photos will be posted.
Wait for news !

Servas Youth Language/Volunteer Exchange - SYLVE Come on think about it – could ‘MALAWI’ be for YOU? Page 7 of 8 in June 2012 Malawi newsletter link

This letter is to thank you in person for the warm welcome and great hospitality that we received in the last two days at your house .

Our stay with you was an asset to us and it added to us lots of new meanings and love and respect.

I hope we will always be the " big SERVAS family "I remember when we asked a person near Jafa beach to take a photo for the four of us ,he said" you are really look like a family"

I would also mention how much the meeting at your house with more than 25 SERVAS members ,was a success and emerges many new ideas that I hope we will be able to implement for the sake of a better life.

We would like also to Thank Lesley and Meir for their help and support. Judy , thank you very much ,you will be always an asset to SERVAS.

Ada and husband, your care and fight against oppression will be always respected. Thank you all again and wish you the best ,

Servas Italy is promoting encounters among young people .It is participating actively to enhance their presence within Servas as other countries that have agreed to open their doors to young servas travellers.

We also offer accommodation for 4 weeks according to the SYLE project ,to give members from 18 to 30 years the possibility to learn the language, the culture,and to live everyday life in welcoming families.

The 4families who are available to host a young servas(18-30 years)for one week each,live in Central Italy, Region of Umbria and Marche.

I am so excited and happy to announce that we are going to hold the 4th Servas Live with us Share with Us Children Programme in my village, Ekinci (3aydiy) in Antakya, Turkey next July. Within this project we ask servas people to come and volunteer in the village (Teach kids in an informal way anything they know), stay with parents and exchange experiences also with local people. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and ready to hug the comers. :)

The children and the parents are already asking for this event like every year and want to know who is coming this year. We have created seeds of servas with children (70 kids with their parents) and asking you to come and water these seeds next July.

wanna share your experience and knowledge with kids? Then come and live with us ...

1. Facebook Link. Here you can see what we have done for three years. With photos and activities.

To be friends with me find me on this email: mehsevi@hotmail.com Communication would be faster.

Pablo Chufeni has organized this Yahoo Group and invited me to moderate the discussion of motions that are specific to Servas Youth.

The USA submitted motion related to Servas International (SI) youth activities.
You must join the Argentinean Yahoo group site. Go to:
<http://ar.groups.yahoo.com/group/servasyouthpoland12/>

CALL FOR HELP

Sunday, March 4, 2012, an armory of War armored regiment Mpila a neighborhood located east of Brazzaville has exploded due to fire, causing over 200 deaths according to official figures and about 2,500 injured and 14,000 displaced persons homeless.

In the streets near the ammunition depot, hundreds of homes were devastated.
The authorities have opened different sites welcomed the homeless, whose numbers are estimated at over 14,000 [people] right now.

Dozens of children are separated from their parents since this tragedy.
Just hours after the disaster the Congolese government issued an appeal for help to rescue many families victim of this situation. To date the national and international assistants continue to occur at the location of victims. Despite this mobilization help are still needs for families affected.

We think to bring our block to the building for any degree eased our brothers who are in distress.

We are launching an operation of collecting clothes for children, toys as well as school supplies that will give to the children claims as needed. Other essential items are always welcome. We count with the participation of all members of Servas end to carry out this humanitarian project.

We therefore call upon your generosity to help the Congo.
If you wish to participate in this operation by making your contribution, we would be rigged [?? please, see original French version, Sheldon as follows Si vous souhaiter participer a cet opération en apportant votre contribution, nous vous serons grée de contacter:] to contact:

Ondon TITAN SERGE
National Secretary of Servas Congo

The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 61/271 of 15 June 2007, decided to observe the International Day of Non-Violence each year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence, and desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence, the General Assembly has decided to observe 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. By its resolution 61/271 of 15 June 2007, the Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

“Let us end violence in all its manifestations, and strengthen our collective work for a safer, greener and more peaceful world.” (UN General Secretary message on October 2, 2009)

In early July Servas Brazil in Minas Gerais region had a meeting held in Belo Horizonte, the state capital.

Walking down Mangabeira park, having a lunch together and talking about Servas were some of the activities experienced by mineiros (people from Minas Gerais) members. They also had yoga and stretching classes. During the afternoon they talked about Servas matters. For closing the regional meeting, dance of course !!!!"

The meeting was called by Nauman Naseem (Servas Pakistan Youth Contact) at 153-A T&T Aabpara Housing Society, Raiwind Road, Lahore.

Muhammad Naseem, Muhammad Shoaib Khan, Shahzad Akhtar, Nauman Naseem, Saqib Shahzad, Sarmad Shadzad, Rai Imtiaz, Zafar Ali, Faiz Rasool, Saqib Butt, Saad ul Hassan, Rizwan Nabeel, Imran Ahmad, Adil Nisar, Osama Bhatti, Yasir Javaid, Abdul Razzaq Pasha, Dr. Khalid & M. Afzal

The meeting was initiated with the recitation of Holy Quran. The minutes of meeting are as follow:

It was discussed, that a group of 4 to 6 youth members should be formed in order to engage cultural and educational exchange programs with other Servas International Youth groups. It is only possible through coordinated efforts and support of other countries
It was decided that Servas Pakistan Youth should channelize itself on the platform of local media to expand the awareness circle
A new type of idea was formed during the discussion “Travelling Instructors”. This idea is based on the concept of summer vacation camp. The main focus is to educate people from different parts of Pakistan during the summer holidays through Servas volunteer travelers that are well educated

The next meeting will be held on the last week of December in order to follow-up the decisions that were taken in this meeting.

Web: http://servaspakistanyouth.blogspot.com
Web: http://pages.intnet.mu/servas/Pakistan
Web: http://servasyouth.org

Servas Israel welcomes travelers arriving from all over the world

Some Local Data and Challenges

Servas Israel – established in 1966 – currently 237 families – hosts/travelers

Current Challenges:

More Local Issues

-Invest time and efforts to identify potential minorities new comers

How we handle these local issues

Peace initiatives

Vision – contribute to a multi cultural /multi ethnic society

Goals:

All of us are ambassadors in Israel and abroad – spreading the word about our vision and actions

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Some Servas hosts’ personal activities:

Sing and dance together:

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects (unrelated to Servas):

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects - cont:

We believe that:

Contact us by email:
israel@servas.org

And visit our website in English:

http://israel.servas.org/?CategoryID=161

Servas Israel welcomes travelers arriving from all over the world

Some Local Data and Challenges

Servas Israel – established in 1966 – currently 237 families – hosts/travelers

Current Challenges:

More Local Issues

-Invest time and efforts to identify potential minorities new comers

How we handle these local issues

Peace initiatives

Vision – contribute to a multi cultural /multi ethnic society

Goals:

All of us are ambassadors in Israel and abroad – spreading the word about our vision and actions

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Some Servas hosts’ personal activities:

Sing and dance together:

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects (unrelated to Servas):

Examples of multi ethnic/cultural projects

Israeli projects - cont:

We believe that:

Contact us by email: israel@servas.org

And visit our website in English:

http://israel.servas.org/?CategoryID=161

Contact us by email:
israel@servas.org