My Nonprofit Reviews

Project PeacePal. an NGO based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, brings together teachers and students from around the world to inspire young people to be peace building leaders through its letter writing and service learning programs. What is interesting about Project PeacePal is that for minimum costs its programs produce quality results that are measurable, because you are connecting individuals as equals and progress is seen by following their actions. Unlike similar programs, letter writing is the basis for the program, rather than an option. The project does not reinforce stereotypes of the developing world with portraits of children seen as poor, dirty, and sad to get sympathies and funds as seen in the numerous late night and day time commercials asking for potential patrons for less than a $1/day to sponsor a child. Through the letter writing, US participants gain just as much as their peers abroad and are often inspired into action to help their new friend.

Through the letter writing, the Project PeacePal is able understand the needs of the community and to direct its service learning program towards a few targeted goals to provide maximum assistance for each dollar spent. The project’s Stamp Out Malaria Program is example of this. Through the letters
from Ghana and Togo, US students learned of the tragedies that malaria brought onto families and friends of the corresponding students, Project PeacePal assisted with help of the regional partners to purchase with 1,000s of mosquito nets that proved effective in combating Malaria. Individually, students also developed projects on their own. For example, a local student organized a bake sale and car wash to support their fellow pen pal to continue school. NGOs like Project PeacePal are positive example how an idea can blossoms into action and through practice (repetitive letter writing and service projects) brings common devotion and understanding among the participants.

With a stroke of pen and a hello, the grassroot programs like PeacePal have the potential to preemptively moderate our prejudices and in-differences before they have a chance to solidify in our characters, opening a chance for a reprieve from conflict that inevitably emerges when people are disconnected from each other. For this reason, I volunteer and serve as an active board member.