After finishing my studies in Switzerland (Social Anthropology) and New Zealand (Human Resources) I got my first ‘real’ job in the finance sector in Zurich. However, now it is time for a change – my long-term career goal is to work in the non-profit sector, make a difference at least in a little way.

Before attempting to find employment in this area, however, I came to the decision to volunteer abroad, join a humanitarian effort – and I feel rather strongly that I’m meant to go to Haiti, to offer my services to the people there in the aftermath of the earthquake.

For this purpose I’ve signed up with the Global Volunteer Network and plan to join their Haiti program in October 2010. I decided to do so because I feel it’s rather important to be part of a professionally run, stable project, especially in the uncertain circumstances in Haiti.

And that’s why I need your help: Volunteers have to pay their own costs (flight, insurance, etc.) as well as the costs of the program (board & lodging, project costs, etc.). I would very much like to go for 1-2 months, but this is rather stretching my personal savings, especially since I don’t have employment for the time after yet but will almost certainly earn less than in the finance sector. In addition I would love to be able to bring some donations straight into Haiti, to help where it’s needed most.

Every little contribution would be great appreciated and I’d be incredibly grateful for your support in this adventure…

What know so far is that I have to be in Port au Prince by October 14. In the GVN Placement Guide, the program is described as follows:

Volunteers will be working with children, youth and adults within GVN’s two placement sites- Jacmel and Croix-des-Bouquets. Projects will vary for each site depending on the needs of the community. Currently both sites are offering opportunities for volunteers to teach adult literacy programs in addition to assisting with child care and child education programs for IDP (internally displaced people) camps and/or local communities near each placement site.

There might also be construction, rubbling (removing rubble), health care/health education and arts/crafts programs available. Please note that volunteers are not allocated a specific project. Volunteers skills will be utilized where possible, but we need to ensure that all the projects receive an equal number of volunteers and therefore volunteers may find themselves working on a number of projects throughout their placement. The aforementioned programs are constantly changing according to the needs of the community in question. Flexibility is a priority within each placement site.

I hesitated a long time before deciding to look for sponsors – it felt so much like “begging”. But after friends actually suggested it to me, I decided to go ahead with it, because it is a fact that without your help I’ll only make it to Haiti for a couple of weeks. Barely enough time to get settled into a project.

But naturally not just financial support is precious – your thoughts and prayers, during my preparation and of course during my stay in Haiti, are immensely welcome. I’m already aware that many wonderful people are thinking of me, and that is and invaluable help!

My network:
- My family; as always, I couldn’t do it without them.
- My circle of friends; always supportive and with good advice.
- Anti, convincing me that looking for sponsors isn’t something to be ashamed of.
- Lis, providing information about Haiti.
- All of you – and I’d love to name names, with your permission (just let me know when you donate or offer your help otherwise).