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• FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (FSD)

Like everyone else has said, FSD focuses on grassroots development which is the ideal form of providing sustainable initiatives. From the perspective of an intern, I can say that when FSD says that they focus on grassroots development, they mean it. They encouraged all of the interns to wait a week or two before starting any kind of project so that we could get to know our organizations and the people in them and to really find out their specific needs. I interned in Argentina and relationships are a very important part of their culture. They focus on building relationships first, therefore it would have been disastrous for me or any of the other interns to go in with a project in mind and trying to implement it without the support of the organization. I think the people at FSD have the right idea when it comes to grassroots development, it is not just development on a small scale, it is development that is wholly supported by the people where the development is taking place.

FSD is a wonderful organization that provides internship opportunities in developing countries. In-country staff, Peter, is extremely supportive and understanding. You are encouraged to make a difference while learning and growing in understanding of the people and place where you are living. FSD has been integral in supporting grassroots efforts by their volunteers to create a better world.

www.projectsofhope.org - making a difference in rural Kenya

Peter, FSD Program Coordinator, and Byron

I had the privilege of participating in a short-term internship with FSD in LaPlata, Argentina in 2005. I lived with a family of humble means and worked at a community center for low income citizens. I had grandiose ideas of heading to LaPlata to teach English in a creative and engaging way through the use of drama and speeches. However, when I arrived, I found out that my students were at a very beginning level of English. I had to rework my lesson plans and adjust my goals for what I wanted to accomplish at the school. Rather than function as a teacher, I ended up being more of a program evaluator. I observed how the classes were being taught and suggested ways that instructional sessions could be improved. I shared activities and games that could be incorporated into the curriculum. And thanks to the FSD grant money that I was able to use toward the organization, I provided the school with some very important tools to improve the English program. The resources I supplied had a big impact on the students and the staff at the school. The two young women that taught the English classes had both been university students with a concentration in English Interpretation. Neither of them had ever spoken to a native English speaker. You can imagine they were thrilled to get to practice their English with me! Those two gals became my very dear friends during my time in LaPlata. They invited me into their homes and shared their culture with me. I am still in touch with both of them (Nuria and Fernanda). FSD did a wonderful job of supporting me while I was in LaPlata. They didn’t hold my hand through the process, but I knew that if I needed assistance, I could get support. Another benefit of the program was the friendship I shared with the other FSD interns in LaPlata at the time. We spent time exploring the city together and sharing about our experiences living with host families, blending into the culture, etc. I had a very rich and memorable time living and working in Argentina with FSD. FSD is the ideal solution for those who want to be culturally immersed and educated while sharing their skills/trade to a welcoming international community. FSD meets the need for those who can’t commit to the time requirements of the Peace Corps. FSD has also impressed me by their efforts to connect and support alumni from their program. It’s a very professional, relevant, effective and passionate organization. My internship in LaPlata is one of my fondest life experiences and I hope that I can partner with FSD as an intern again someday.

Enjoying soda and snacks while "charlando" with the 2 teachers I worked with and another FSD intern.

I was a volunteer with FSD in Bolivia in 2006. The org does a good job connecting 1st World folks with local non-profits in developing countries. They use their resources efficiently. Placement with local non-profits may boost traction with communities.

I was a volunteer with this organization. I worked in Nicaragua. They managed their program very efficiently and effectively. It's a low-cost option for volunteers, but still quite well-run. I would highly recommend this organization.