help2kids Non-profit Organization
Contact:
Frank Hakenjos
Phone: +41 79 285 85 88
E-Mail: frank.hakenjos@help2kids.org

Pressbox

Zurich (pts021/25.11.2013/15:00) - Travel today is not just about fancy hotels or cheap all-inclusive deals, but also about creating lasting memories through interactions with local people and cultures. More and more young people and experienced professionals dream of traveling and getting to know a foreign country and culture while contributing something meaningful at the same time. The Swiss-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) help2kids gives people from all over the world the exciting opportunity to participate in service projects in Tanzania and Malawi. The aim is to make a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children at the various help2kids projects. Those interested can find out more information at http://www.help2kids.org/orphanage/volunteering.html

In the past two years, more than 100 volunteers have completed the volunteer program at help2kids. "We get more and more people interested in volunteering - from students to senior managers who are socially committed," said help2kids President and Founder Frank Hakenjos. "At our projects, it's all about cultural exchange, where people can broaden their horizons, gain new experiences and pass on their knowledge and skills to those less fortunate than themselves."

"Voluntourism"

help2kids projects are currently located in Tanzania and in Malawi. Tanzania is well-known as a safari destination that offers the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, amazing national parks and wildlife, and the Indian Ocean. Malawi, Tanzania's neighbor, also has its fair share of wildlife and the beautiful Lake Malawi, one of the largest lakes in Africa. Additionally, Malawi is commonly known as "the warm heart of Africa" based on the kindness and friendliness of its people.

While the natural spectacles in Tanzania and Malawi are truly breathtaking, much of the population in both countries lives in absolute poverty and faces difficult challenges every day. help2kids strives to address these issues by creating projects that vastly improve the quality of life for children, so that they can go on to lead happy, productive lives as adults and end the cycle of poverty.

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the organization provides food, education, shelter and a loving family environment for 31 orphaned or abandoned children at help2kids children's home. help2kids also supplies the complete budget for a local primary school with over 300 children who otherwise would not be able to attend school because they could not afford fees for uniforms, tests, etc. The goal is to provide these children with an excellent education but also to be more than a school by providing meals and medical assistance. Additionally, help2kids supports a nursery school in an impoverished fishing village with the goal of preparing young children for school as well as providing them with a nourishing morning meal.

In the village of Lifuwu, Malawi, help2kids works directly with the local government primary school, a nursery school, and the local clinic. At the primary school help2kids supports English and math classes, a sports program, and an afterschool program. At the nursery school help2kids provides a hot breakfast and fun learning activities. help2kids also assists at the clinic and with the clinic outreach program that visits remote villages to educate about health and nutrition, provide immunizations and medical attention, and provide care for those affected with HIV/AIDS.

Volunteers participate in various programs offered in each country. Giving children individual attention, as well as helping them improve their academic and English skills is greatly beneficial for their future success. Volunteers also have the opportunity to organize events such as sports tournaments and special workshops. The volunteers love the children and the children love the volunteers!

One thing that sets help2kids apart from other organizations is its model to generate some of its own income through its Friendly Gecko guesthouses. Volunteers live at the guesthouses, as well as guests, providing a fun, dynamic environment where travelers and volunteers can exchange stories and get to know each other. In both Tanzania and Malawi the guesthouses are located close to the volunteer projects. Please see http://www.friendlygecko.com for more information.

"We help kids NOW!" is the mission and guiding principle of help2kids. help2kids is registered in Switzerland, Tanzania, and Malawi. The Board of Directors in Switzerland consists of seven members, and is supported by a competency team of experts from different areas who work on a voluntary basis. help2kids is audited by KPMG in Zurich, Switzerland and guarantees absolute transparency. The Africa Director is Karina Catlin (USA) who oversees all of the projects in Tanzania and in Malawi.

Videos from our help2kids projects: http://www.youtube.com/user/help2kidsChannel

Address in the United States
help2kids Non-Profit Organization
Cassandra Seidler, Director
1007 Victoria Ave.
Corona, CA 92879
USA

cassandra.seidler@help2kids.org
http://www.help2kids.org

Head Office Switzerland
help2kids NGO Organization
Frank Hakenjos, President & Founder
Zugerbergstreet 49a
6301 Zug
Switzerland

frank.hakenjos@help2kids.org

To make a donation: http://www.help2kids.org/orphanage/donation.html
Account for donations: PC 60-432538-4
In favor of: help2kids, PO Box 407, 6301 Zug
IBAN CH48 0900 0000 6043 2538 4
SWIFT Code (BIC ) POFICHBEXXX
Clearing Number 9000

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Submitter: help2kids Non-profit Organization Contact: Frank Hakenjos Phone: +41 79 285 85 88 E-Mail: frank.hakenjos@help2kids.org Website: www.help2kids.org