Blog Post

HYC La Paz, Bolivia: Hannah DeSouza

Hope Worldwide • Aug 10, 2015

"In a world where young people are taught to think more and more about themselves (the ‘selfie’ generation), HOPE Youth Corps is refreshingly counter-cultural. It is a programme that enables you to escape the comfort of your day-to-day routine and dedicate a couple of weeks to serving the poor and the less privileged. I had the opportunity to take part in the HYC in La Paz, Bolivia where a group of us served in local orphanages, schools, a hospital, a special needs institution and with the homeless on the streets of La Paz.

One of the moments that left the biggest impression on me occurred when we were visiting an institution for orphans with mental and physical disabilities – many of whom were abandoned by relatives because of these disabilities. It was here that I met Vanessa, a girl of a similar age to me. I didn’t know her exact condition but every so often she would violently throw her head back or try to punch herself, and I remember wiping dried blood from her face. One of these fits lasted longer than usual and I felt utterly helpless as I tried to prevent her from harming herself. All I could do was hug her arms, look her in the eyes and say repeatedly, “It’s ok Vanessa, it’s ok”. In that moment it suddenly struck me that we were two girls who happened to be born in different situations, and that it could quite easily have occurred the other way round. Vanessa could have been the volunteer restraining my arms and reassuring me “It’s ok Hannah, it’s ok”. I felt a wave of emotion and was reminded of a verse that says “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

I feel humbled by my experience in Bolivia and grateful for the lessons God allowed me to learn there. Since returning to London I have been in contact with a residential home for adults with disabilities in my area and I’m excited about becoming a volunteer there, as I am well aware that my journey to understanding what it means to have compassion and to serve like Jesus did is only just beginning. In the meantime I will continue to be a huge advocate for HOPE Youth Corps; it’s only a short experience away from home but it has the potential to drastically change who you are as a person, if you will let it."

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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