Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
After spending the summer in rural China interning with the Joy in Action (JIA) group, junior Bettina Tam ’10 knew that she had to somehow share and bring her “thoroughly amazing and fulfilling experience” to students at Swarthmore. JIA, a non-governmental organization based in Guangzhou, China, works to rebuild and renew villages and schools for individuals with Hansen’s Disease, or leprosy. Tam spent time designing art projects for these villages, which are largely “remnants of ‘leprosy hospitals’ where the government segregated patients from the rest of society.”
Upon returning to Swarthmore, Tam immediately decided to start a group that would continue to work closely with JIA. Thus Global Neighbors was born. The group is currently in the process of becoming chartered and has spent the fall semester fundraising and coming up with an internal application process for a winter externship with JIA. Global Neighbors member Tom Liu ’12 says he feels “excited to be a part of and really influence or shape a new project that can really have a big impact. I’ve also always had a vague desire to go to foreign countries and experience perspectives from around the world.”
Senior Zamia Diaz ‘09 was also drawn to the group by the prospect of volunteering abroad. “I ultimately want to do a service project abroad, so this organization immediately seemed like a great way to get involved.” Diaz emphasized the importance of “working with HD villagers who are often cut off from the changing world.” The group’s ultimate aim is to develop a sustainable program that will help dissociate stigmas normally attached to HD individuals and help re-integrate them into the surrounding communities.
Using funds raised around campus and a substantial grant from the Deans’ and President’s Offices, Global Neighbors will sponsor two student externs to travel to HD villages in China over winter break. Liu says, “the externs are currently being selected out of a well-rounded pool of applicants. Global Neighbors has also been communicating with JIA and setting up itineraries.” Both externs will work to establish a local network, deepen connections with JIA, and develop a set plan-of-action for the larger summer volunteering trip.
Tam explains that, for now, “Global Neighbors’ mission statement focuses mostly on JIA’s infrastructure construction projects in and around HD villages.“ Projects in the past have included installation of water supply systems and road paving. The main focus of Global Neighbors may expand, however, as the group and the needs of HD individuals evolve. While externs are required to be fluent in Chinese, volunteers do not have to exhibit proficiency or have any prior experiences in China. New members are also always welcome to join.
Interested in Global Neighbors and the work they do? Email Bettina at ktam1@swarthmore.edu for further information.