Developing World Connections

2000年,加拿大人韦恩McRann和丹·米勒回答e in the jungles of Guatemala, installing water systems and building houses on a Rotary International trip. They felt people other than Rotary members should have the same chance do something to make others’ lives better. Here’s our story about Developing World Connections. Four years later, the first Developing World Connections meeting was held in Kamloops, B.C., but getting up and running took a while longer.

Then, on Dec. 26, 2004, a massive tsunami pounded 14 countries in the Indian Ocean, killing 230,000 and destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands more. The horror of the devastation sparked DWC to life, with the first teams rushing to Sri Lanka to rebuild homes and community buildings. The fledgling group got itself organized, got teams over to Sri Lanka, and McRann took the helm as executive director.

“The tsunami galvanized people in a way that was unseen. The loss of life was so huge; the devastation was so huge. It was the biggest thing that ever happened in terms of disasters. For some reason, people just decided this was their opportunity to give a hand,” McRann said.

DWC has been on the ground ever since, first in Sri Lanka, then spreading to other parts of Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin/South America. Marking one decade in 2015, DWC had organized 200 trips and sent more than 2,000 volunteers to build homes, schools, training centres, latrines, water systems, computer labs and other projects.

At DWC volunteer projects, volunteers will roll up their sleeves and work on a community development project. These projects do not require any special skills, just a lot of heart and willingness to help. So come volunteer and meet great people at our destinations.

Most projects are located in rural areas where you will get to see how villagers live. We make sure your accommodations are clean and comfortable and that your meals are hygienically prepared. While you can expect to work hard, there is also ample time for rest, reflection, exploration and play while expanding your worldview.