Village Voices
Haiti has experienced so many economical, social and cultural problems. Our people were fighting all the time and there was very little peace within our communities. But, there is the Haitian Proverb, ‘Many hands make lighter work,’ and immediately our found unity brought strength to our people. - HAITI
When the earthquake came we went out of our house, looked at the beach and saw many, many fish. Then suddenly everyone was screaming that the water was coming. We had not even the chance to run when the wave hit us. There are not even ancient stories of a Tsunami like this one. - INDONESIA
My first daughter was married when she was thirteen and of course, she suffered because she never had a chance to play like a child. Many years later she told me her stories of sadness. It made me open my eyes. I decided to treat my younger children equally and give them freedom. If you want a bird to fly, put it outside the cage. If it is in the cage, it is wrong to think it can fly. I was born a free man and now I believe in freedom for my daughters. - NEPAL
After all that we have been through, we cannot imagine the fortune we now have. Because of this project, our lives are full of hope again. - CAMBODIA
I would like to be a teacher like my mother and father have been to me. Or, a leader like my mother who has taught me that you must love others as you love your family. They have made me proud. - HONDURAS
It is important for us to understand that until we get to heaven, life will always be a struggle wherever you are. Life manages challenges. We must all take advantage of opportunity to improve our own lives and the lives of others. Happiness comes when we go beyond ourselves and suffer for others. Wangari MaathaiNobel Peace Prize Laureate
It is difficult for us in this village. We have little land for cultivation and until recently, no water or sanitary conditions. Half the year we could dig for water but it was not clean and the rest of the year was the dry season. Our health deteriorated because of lack of water, nutrition and poor hygiene. Today we feel we live in paradise! We have been given a new life with kitchen gardens, toilets and running water. Everyone is happy. - THAILAND
This project will be the finest funding source for our family. For our children, the animals will become not only their assets but their legacy. - Cambodia
In the past women were shadow of men. A shadow doesn’t speak, a shadow doesn’t move on its own, it just follows man. Women have become more active, more vocal and less scared of strangers. These are very important aspects to a unified community. Both sexes are human beings. It is a happy development that our society is learning. - INDIA
This project has brought our family not only aid but spiritual assistance as well. We have released our fears for the future. I am looking around myself. We are poor but I am using our surplus of cow’s milk and sharing it with other families. It may be just a cup but it’s assistance. - REPUBLIC of GEORGIA
Being poor is not so bad, but I believe harmony with respect for the old and love for the young is most important. Based on this faith, we can change our poor conditions into happy conditions. - CHINA
When my parents died my grandmother was in charge. We don’t believe we lost anything because she does so much for us. I love my grandmother because whatever I ask from her, she tries. Even if she cannot give the whole portion she gives from the heart and reminds us all that we are protected and loved. - KENYA
Through humanitarian assistance, just like drops of water can create an ocean. We have joined together as women to create ourselves. We have proven this possible. - NEPAL
Here in Cambodia families are so poor and there is little outside help. We try to contribute as a community (to the orphaned children) but we have so little amongst ourselves. We continue to help with our hearts. Personally, I cannot turn my head from their plight. - CAMBODIA
Please do not weep for me for I am no longer afraid to die. To me, I fear for others and not myself because I already know what AIDS has done to our home. At this time when I come out of my home and see our maize, I no longer feel sick. I thank those who contributed to the future lives of my children and the children of Africa - KENYA
Even though I am poor, I hope to live with a greater light and provide a better future for my family and especially for my children. - HONDURAS
Three countries, people and children can play, dance and sing together. Share and learn together. The impact of this project on the Caucasus has created a peaceful environment to do better things. Be together. We have learned that we (the children) are in charge and must say, ‘We want you to guarantee our Peace!’ We never want to see war. - REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA
During the war we prepared to die. We dug a big grave and just waited. And yet we somehow survived. We suffered greatly in the past years but because of this project, a good life has returned to us. Today as far as I can see, life has returned to normal and our future is bright. - KOSOVA
Our society is taking positive steps toward women. It is difficult to discuss traditional values, but personally I want women to become a larger part of society. Individual perception of how you feel and the results you experience is how changes will eventually take place. I have only the desire for my family to have a good life and happiness. - INDIA
After Hurricane Mitch we walked from our old village with all our belongings on our shoulders. We had no food, no water. Where we were placed there were no streets, no houses – only dirt and earth from the land. We suffered because of our hunger and all the wind came upon us in the form of dust. We were like the bible without anything. But today we have streets and houses and a commitment from our people. - GUATEMALA
I was only nine years old but remember sleeping in the bush and the cold without any covers and shaking in the night. We would wrap our feet in plastic bags we found to keep them warm. I remember seeing only the movement of people running in fright. I also remember the soldiers stole all our possessions as well as our lives. I am now married with young children. This project is a gift to our family and our country. - MOZAMBIQUE
