The Etownian >> Features
Karen Hodges travels to Burma with NCP, offers aid
Thursday September 11 2008
Karen Hodges has recently traveled with six others from around the U.S. to Burma, a country located in Southeast Asia, making a difference with the organization called the New Community Project (NCP). This is Hodges’ fifth trip with the organization. They have traveled to Arctic Village Alaska, Southern Sudan and Nepal, among others.
“[The] NCP is a non-profit organization that provides valuable learning experiences (learning tours) to places in the world where people live in poverty and desperation – where people are struggling to survive,” Hodges explained “They give participants a first-hand look at troubling situations as well as the resilience and faith of those who live there.”
Burma, the most poverty-ridden location in Southeast Asia, has recently come under devastation from the Cyclone Nargis that struck in May 2008 leaving complete destruction in its path.
“Along with tens of thousands of deaths, the storm jeopardized food and water supplies, caused immense physical and psychological suffering, and left the educational system in shambles,” Hodges said.
With help from partners in Burma, who also give scholarships to orphans, Hodges said the NCP took to the task of looking at ways to help rebuild.
In addition, she stated that NCP also focused its attention on the education in Burma, which was also severely impacted.
Five thousand dollars was enough to provide school uniforms and supplies to hundreds of Burmese children. With additional help from her colleagues here at Etown, Hodges explained, “I was able to raise more than half of this amount from my friends and family.”
According to her, $30 is the average assistance cost per child: this includes school supplies, food supplements, living expenses and traveling expenses.
“Support from anyone is welcomed, “Hodges said, “Perhaps a student club would be interested in assisting this important cause. They can be assured that NCP sends 100 percent of contributions to the projects.”
When asked what she got out of this experience, Hodges responded, “I always enjoy experiencing cultures different from my own – learning a few new words, trying different foods, feeling what it’s like to be a foreigner – and stepping outside my comfort zone always makes for great stories and memories.”
She also discussed helpful tips she gained from Elizabethtown College junior Than Aung, who is from Burma.
“What I will remember most from this trip are the struggles and challenges still facing the people in Burma following the cyclone, and the government’s control of their society,” Hodges said.
This cause is one that should not go unnoticed. Hodges, along with many others around the United States, continues to contribute to helping areas of the world that are not well off.
It takes a great heart and a patient hand to travel to these countries and help the people deal with their situations.
“Sure would; in fact, NCP is going again in 2009 - so if anyone is interested in traveling there or donating to the school supplies, please let me know,” Hodges said.
Getting involved isn’t necessarily about putting yourself in debt, unless you choose to become that committed.
Contributing in any way will have a huge impact. As people like Hodges continue to give, we will slowly chip away at the issues of poverty around the world.
Helping out can unite different cultures and backgrounds in a great way.
The Etownian >> Features