JVN Blog

At JVN we’re fascinated by all sorts of charities, but none more so than those who deal with the exotic and the intercontinental. So welcome to our first blog about organisations who volunteer abroad. Each of this series will feature a charity that sends volunteers abroad to make the world a better place. They’ll tell their story in their own words and highlight some of the amazing work they do.

This week’s blog comes from Tzedek, the UK Jewish community’s response to global poverty…

Becoming a global citizen: a Jewish value? By Hannah Gaventa, Tzedek Education Officer

It is 7.30am. The hot sun beats on the school yard. 60 young students, wearing their hand-made blue and pink school uniform, aged between 7 and 14, have formed lines and are proudly singing the Ghanaian national anthem.

This is Morning Star Integrated School for Orphans, based in Tamale, Northern Ghana.

Jack, Go Global 2013, with Morning Star students

Morning Star School was founded by Madame Cecelia, who realised after having two daughters, that it was essential for girls to have an education. In Northern Ghana, many children are not able to go to school. Only 73% children attend primary school and only 43% children attend secondary school. (UNICEF Stats)

Each summer, Jewish university students from across the UK have to decide what to do. Should they participate in summer camps in the States; should they find an internship position; should they find a summer paid job; should they spend their time travelling around the world?

At Tzedek, we are proud that students choose to spend their summer months interning at our partner projects in Tamale, Northern Ghana. Projects range from human rights NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to micro-finance NGOs to girl’s educational and vocational training projects. At the end of every working day, Go Global participants form an After School Club for Morning Star students, collaborating with local teachers to create an informal education syllabus.

Tzedek is a Jewish charity, based on Jewish values, but our projects help those in need across Africa and India, regardless of race or religion. Go Global participants learn about international development – discussing, learning and sharing about global issues such as modern slavery, human rights, the value of education and lots more. Each weekly session incorporates Jewish learning, emphasising our responsibility as Jews to engage in the wider world and help all those in need, regardless of race and religion.

Hannah with children from Sandu village, where Tzedek supports YOVI’s shea butter project

Rabbi Tarfon would say, “It is not upon you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Mishna, Pirkei Avot 2:15-16) This is something that we instil in our volunteers from the very beginning – they are not going to Ghana in order to solve poverty single-handedly. Rather, they are going to learn, to help, and to grow as responsible global citizens. When Go Global volunteers return to the UK they continue their work to alleviate extreme poverty, and encourage others to join Tzedek’s fight.

If you would like to join us in Ghana on Go Global or with us at our UK office, we have internships available and always welcome volunteers to help us with vital work here in the UK. Email volunteers@tzedek.org.uk

Check out our website: www.tzedek.org.uk Follow us on Twitter: @tzedek And like us on Facebook: Tzedek