Almost 17 months ago, I came to Ukraine with a group of American volunteers to help the Ukrainian people, specifically youth, to learn English, develop certain skills and communicate effectively in another language. During my experience here, I have achieved some personal goals, such as language expansion, friendship building/making, and have even begun to narrow down my own future plans post service. All of these things seemed incapable of achieving, but with your support and the American government, I was able to grow positively. In Ukraine, the youth are not as lucky.
Ukraine, as a young country, has grown tremendously in the past twenty years. However, looks don't mean everything. Behind the curtain of development, deep cultural attitudes and a legacy of Soviet leadership lessen people's ability to organize themselves and improve their country. In a society where individuality was discouraged, few people are creative enough to solve problems. In a country where native leadership was destroyed, too few Ukrainians have the skills to change and develop their country.
This summer I will be working at Camp MAKE, a Peace Corps ran camp dedicated to leadership development and Ukrainian youth. Our goal at Camp MAKE is to develop homegrown Ukrainian leaders by teaching youth about project management, teamwork, and multiculturalism. Camp MAKE motivates, encourages, and opens the minds of youth to new ideas.
Ukraine needs of lot to meet the challenges of the 21st century: clean water, medicine, safe transportation, paved roads and more. This project is designed to correct the underlying challenges that keep Ukrainians from solving their own problems: a wholesale lack of native leadership and innovation. Camp MAKE aims to create a generation of curious, creative, compassionate Ukrainian leaders. MAKE stands for Multiculturalism, Action, Knowledge, and Empowerment, but it means much more.
Camp makes change. Camp makes waves. Camp makes a difference.
To read more and consider supporting our chance to make change, please visit our website at: campmake.wordpress.com, or go directly to the Peace Corps donation website at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
To read more and consider supporting our chance to make change, please visit our website at: campmake.wordpress.com, or go directly to the Peace Corps donation website at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
I appreciate any help you can give. Donating to Camp MAKE 2012 will help make the possibility of a better future for the promising Ukrainian youth.
Thank you,
Avital Muth
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