<p>I just watched an episode of Oprah going to Ethiopia, and it really touched me. I want to help out somehow. I was thinking of making jewelry and sending it to them...but how would I go about that? I don't want my hard work ending up in the wrong hands. Also, does anyone know any good, study abroad, volunteer programs. I am willing to raise some money to try and go...but I just want to really help out. If anyone has any information on this...please help me out. Thanks a lot :D</p>
<p>It's nice that you are interested in helping, but the important thing is to make a real difference and I worry a lot of the things people do/help with don't really get to the people who need them most.</p>
<p>My school runs a project in Tanzania, but are also involved with a much greater project- its called the Heifer Project. It raises money to donate cows and animals to families in poverty all over the world (works quite a bit in Africa. Animals are greatly prized and can help bring in extra income as well as milk, etc. It's something small that really helps lives a lot.
If you're interested: <a href="http://www.heifer.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.heifer.org/</a>
But if you are set on jewelry I would contact an aid agency and see how best to reach people. </p>
<p>What kind of study abroad programs? Where and for how long would you want to go</p>
<p>yeah, i'm certainly wanting to do something like that this summer, and i was looking up ways to do it last night and came across this website:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.vfp.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.vfp.org/</a></p>
<p>you may want to check it out. it's kind of confusing, but seems rather reasonable...</p>
<p>I would raise money somehow over here and donate it, rather than actually travelling to the Ope. That place would eat most people alive!</p>
<p>I would love to study abroad this summer. I could probably go for up to a month, but price is an issue. I am willing to go to any country that truly needs help. Ethiopia really grabbed my attention and it makes me want to make a difference. I am not set on jewelry exactly, but I want to do something that really helps them. In Ethiopia, men dominate, and I have a feeling that any money I send over would be put into their pockets.</p>
<p>If you are set on studying abroad the best thing you could do would be contact the local branch of an aid organization near you, they could give you recommendations of what are good programs. You need to go on a good program, because a lot of these places can be dangerous: ie poverty, civil strife, and of course you can't forget in certain places the wild animals. The best way to help would to donate directly to schools or hospitals. My schools every year donates thousands each to about 5 or 6 schools and a few hospitals. And every year when the project comes back everyone can see the difference that was made: new school buildings, books, medicines, tuition, etc.</p>
<p>each summer for the past 3 years i've studied/volunteered abroad (costa rice, germany, hungary) so i might be able to help you with some websites/places if you would still like.</p>
<p>Rotary Club has this. Try them!</p>
<p>So I have decided that I want to donate money to this program. Now I need some suggestions on the best way to raise money. I want to do a lot of fundraising and stuff, but I don't want to just go around and sell cookies. For example (and I know that this is beyond a bad example): In Laguna Beach (I know, I know), there is a land slide, and they decide to raise money by having a fashion show. I like this idea, but I would never do a fashion show. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Carwash, Texas hold em tournament, or some kind of Vegas night would be the best idea. For the love of God do not do a fashion show!</p>
<p>At my school we raise money selling flowers for valentines day or if your in high school you can do the "crush" soda sale where a week before people pay and write a message to their "crush" and yea.</p>