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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-Every year, students plan how to spend their summer vacations-and for many, it's not just about "fun in the sun." According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the number of teen volunteers has more than doubled-and this year will be no exception.
The United Nations Association of the United States of America's (UNA-USA) HERO campaign-in partnership with beinggirl.com-is currently searching for 20 students (ages 16-19) to be selected as 2008 HERO Youth Ambassadors. The campaign is dedicated to providing comprehensive, school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in HIV/AIDS affected communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Students chosen will travel to Africa in 2008 to work on projects supported by Protecting Futures, a program created by beinggirl.com founding brands, Tampax and Always, dedicated to helping keep girls in Southern Africa in school.
Cause and Effect: More than 12 million African children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS, and the number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2010. This past July, 24 teens from across the country were selected as HERO Youth Ambassadors and traveled to Namibia and South Africa. The Youth Ambassadors helped make a difference in the lives of children at the HERO-sponsored schools by building kitchens, installing security fencing and playground equipment, laying the foundation for new classrooms and dormitories, and spending time teaching classes.
Race for a Place: Now you have the opportunity to see if you have what it takes to become a real HERO. Students interested in getting hands-on experience as a HERO Youth Ambassador this summer can apply online at being girl.com/hero through February 15, 2008. The application includes submitting a 300-word essay and two letters of recommendation. If you are awarded the title of HERO Youth Ambassador, you will be required to raise a minimum of $5,000 to cover your trip expenses.
Dig Deep: Getting people to hand over their hard-earned cash for a good cause may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a number of different ways to raise money without having to go door to door. Host a virtual yard sale-ask friends and family to donate items and put them up for auction on eBay. Or host a fundraising 50/50 raffle at school, with permission from your teachers. Half of the money raised will go toward the charity and the other half will go to one lucky winner.
To learn more about the 2008 HERO Youth Ambassador program and Protecting Futures, log on to www.beinggirl.com/hero or www.heroaction.org. You can also view the previous Youth Ambassadors' personal experiences from Africa in a series of webisodes that help encourage and empower all teens to become global citizens.
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