2008 in review

A year ago, I lead my first team of Global Volunteers. During this year, I have had the privilege of working with 7 teams of truly committed and generous volunteers. I have come to realize to what extent the quality of the volunteers is what makes these programs work, and without a doubt, the contribution has been outstanding:

In 2008, we have provided a total of 2,265 hours of English conversation to some 4,500 students at the the Universidad Tecnológica del Norte de Guanajuato, the Universidad Tecnológica de Querétaro and the Universidad Tecnológica de León.

But, the numbers only tell part of the story. Each one of these students has been given an opportunity to speak and feel a sense of friendship with their neighbors from the north.

From a development standpoint, there are now an additional 4,500 educated young people entering the workforce who are better prepared to support local industry, whose lingua franca is English. They will undoubtedly contribute to their local community's development - and Mexico's development - and do so with a positive view of their main economic partners.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity of being part of this valiant effort and for the opportunity to work with an amazing team at Global Volunteers and equally amazing teams of volunteers.

Carl Granger
Mexico Country Manager