An Inspiring Story of an Australian Man's Fight Against the Trafficking of Children - Blue Dragon

Listening to Michael Brosowski speak with Richard Glover on 702 yesterday, you could not help but be inspired by what this man has achieved in the past 11 years.

Here is his story taken from the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation website.

The Beginning

"In October 2002, an Australian teacher, Michael Brosowski, arrived in Hanoi to teach English at the national university. However, within two months, Michael found himself teaching English to a group of kids he never expected to meet: shoeshine boys who walked the streets hoping to earn enough money to survive. Michael recognised the potential in these boys and took it upon himself to help them turn their lives around.

Enlisting the help of one of his university students, Pham Sy Chung, Michael and some friends began to offer classes in English, maths, art and yoga to the boys. Eventually, in an effort to give the boys a chance to just be kids, they started a football team – “Real Betis Vietnam”. The first game was attended by three teenage boys. Today an average of 45 boys and girls play every Sunday at a stadium by the Red River.

At the start, Michael and Chung taught lessons once a week for 5 to 10 kids. It wasn’t long before more and more kids were coming for help, all with varying needs. As the number of kids grew, so did the challenges presented to Michael and Chung. It was at that point that Michael decided to quit his job at the university and work full time with street kids, thus creating a snowball effect that continues today.

Birth Of The Dragon

By February 2003, many more kids were coming with medical needs, seeking a place to sleep, and wishing to return to school and training. Realising that nobody else in Hanoi was willing to help these children, Michael and Chung decided to create their own organisation.

The transformation from an informal group of volunteers to a registered organisation was a slow process and wasn’t completed until March 2004. In the meantime, Michael and Chung set up the first Blue Dragon residence for six former street kids, launched a program keeping poor rural children in school and continued reaching out to street kids in Hanoi.

Growth by Leaps and Bounds

When Chung left Blue Dragon to study in the US, Michael began employing staff to reach out to more children. In March 2005, with just two staff, a combined drop-in centre and office was opened in the Long Bien area of Hanoi, close to the Red River, where thousands of rural migrant families and street children live in poverty. Two and a half years later, Blue Dragon moved to a much larger centre to cope with the huge numbers of children coming every day for help.

From late 2005, Blue Dragon started working with children from central Vietnam who had been trafficked to Ho Chi Minh City to work on the streets or in factories. After Michael and a law student, Ta Ngoc Van, rescued a 13 year old boy who had been bought by traffickers, they decided to find ways to break the trafficking rings altogether. Two years later, one major trafficking ring had been permanently disrupted and over 30 trafficked children had been returned home. Van and his wife are now employed full time with Blue Dragon as Vietnam’s only Child Rights Advocates.

In 2007, Blue Dragon’s work expanded to Hoi An, in central Vietnam. A government run home for 30 girls and boys was badly in need of extra support and Blue Dragon offered to look after the daily running of the home for several years, while putting in place new systems and practices that would ensure the children could grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Since then, Blue Dragon partnered with another charity, Children’s Hope in Action, to manage the home. Also in 2007 a new combined office and drop-in centre opened back in Hanoi; more children than ever came to the new centre, many for the new free lunch program to fight malnourishment.

Blue Dragon rescued 3 girls who were kidnapped and sold to brothels in China in 2007, marking the expansion of our anti-trafficking efforts. Since then we have continued to fight international sex trafficking by rescuing young women and girls taken across the Vietnam-China border. To date, Blue Dragon has been involved with the rescue of 19 girls from brothels in China.

At the beginning of 2008, Blue Dragon was bigger than ever with 37 staff across four main programs. That year a re-named football team, “Blue Dragon United,” attracted between 40-80 children each week to the pitch. But games weren’t the only thing on our minds. VIP Bikes, a motorbike repair shop, was opened by Blue Dragon with funding from a private individual that year to provide vocational training and employment for disadvantaged youth. In 2010, a hugely successful VIP Bikes became an independent social enterprise that still retains its ties to Blue Dragon today.

2011 was a year of milestones. Blue Dragon rescued its 100th trafficked child, and played its 1000th game of football. Michael Brosowski was also honoured for his role in Blue Dragon. In 2011, he was nominated as one of that year’s “CNN Heroes”. He was most recently made a member of the Order of Australia in early 2012, a great honour that reflects the huge impact of the organization he co-founded.

Today

Blue Dragon today has 50 staff and cares for over 1,500 children in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hue, Hoi Anh and Dien Bien Phu. In 2012, Dragon House, a new centre in Hanoi, was opened, and in 2013, two new shelters have been established. Blue Dragon is able to reach out to more kids than ever before, building on the terrific results from the past ten years:

To date, Blue Dragon has:
• Sent 2,621 kids back to school and training
• Provided accommodation to 138 girls and boys
• Served 306,390 meals
• Built or repaired 59 homes for families
• Distributed 35,210 litres of milk
• Handed out 38,204 kilos of rice
• Reunited 136 runaway children with their families
• Taken 1,036 kids to a doctor or hospital
• Put 6 teens through drug rehab
• Obtained legal registration papers for 2,001 children
• Rescued 272 trafficked children
• Placed 117 teens in jobs
• Played 1,229 games of soccer!

By focusing on getting kids back into education, training and apprenticeships, we are working for the long-term benefit of children who otherwise would face very bleak futures. And in ten years time, we’ll still be here doing what we do best – creating opportunities for lasting change."

You can follow this story on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to the You Tube channel

Please share and make others aware of this fantastic charity.

At the website http://www.streetkidsinvietnam.com/get-involved/ you can sponsor a child, donate and fund raise.

Source - http://www.streetkidsinvietnam.com/

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer week runs from May 13 - 19 this year and the theme is "Thanks A Million.

Beginning in only 1989, these days there are over + million people in our nation volunteering which is about 36% of the adult population. These wonderful people contribute more than 700 million hours of unpaid work each year.

According to the ABS survey from 2006- the most popular age group for volunteering is 35 - 44 years old - 50% of volunteers do so because they believe they are helping others - there are more volunteers outside the capital  cities than in Volunteering Australia is the national peak body in  Australia. 



Below are some of the common questions we are frequently asked. More will be added in the coming months.

1. What is a not-for-profit organisation?

2. I want to volunteer...Where do I go?

3. Is there an age limit for volunteers?

4. What types of insurance coverage do volunteers have?

5. I want to volunteer overseas, where can I find out more?

Find the answers here! - http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/Volunteering-Facts/-FAQs.asp

This week I will be highlighting volunteer stories for you but in the mean time, here are some links for you if you are interested in volunteering. 


http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

http://www.govolunteer.com.au/

http://volunteer.com.au/

http://www.volunteering.com.au/

Written by Samara Jenkins @theyellowsnail source - http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

Will.i.am donates $100k to low-decile NZ schools

Hip-hop star will.i.am has donated $100,000 to help low-decile Auckland schools provide information technology to students.

Will.i.am

The US singer, songwriter and producer who rose to fame as a member of the Black Eyed Peas, was brought to New Zealand for a private show last night.

The star made a surprise appearance at Point England Primary School in east Auckland this afternoon where he presented a $100,000 cheque to digital literacy charity the Manaiakalani Education Trust.

Its executive officer, Jenny Oxley, said will.i.am's philanthropic work in the US corresponded closely with what the trust was trying to achieve here, in providing children in low socioeconomic areas with the means to participate in the digital age.

"He has his own charity in the States that encourages digital literacy, particularly in low socioeconomic communities, and as part of his visit here he came across information about Manaiakalani and made this wonderful gesture to us.''

The children were extremely excited to see the star in person.

"It was all pretty top secret until today and so the kids didn't know who was coming, they just knew it was an important celebrity, but they were over the moon,'' Ms Oxley said.

The money would go towards the trust's programmes of providing netbooks to students and their families, building its own wireless network for students, and supporting e-learning for teachers and parents.

The singer, whose real name is William Adams, talked to students about his modest beginnings in a Los Angeles ghetto, how he never knew his father and was driven by a desire to provide for his mother.

"He's clearly a very humble guy, very bright guy and it was great seeing him in person,'' Ms Oxley said.

The 38-year-old was brought to New Zealand to attend Hallensteins' Ultimate After Party at Studio on K Rd where he performed songs from his new album at the private show last night.
He said he was looking forward to exploring New Zealand.

"After tonight's party I'm looking forward to chalking up some new memories, so when I get back I can have something good to tell the folks back in America.''

He hoped to secure some tour dates later in the year in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, "and put on a proper show in this country''.

Source - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10882622

200 Years of Charity in Australia - and a new coin to celebrate

A new collectable coin has been launched by the Royal Australian Mint and The Benevolent Society to celebrate 200 years of the charity. 

   The Benevolent Society was founded as Australia's first charity in 1813 to address issues such as free maternity care and legal aid, as well as campaign for the end of child labour and the introduction of the old-age pension.

   To celebrate the milestone the first 200 people to donate $200 online to the charity will receive one of the new collectible $1 coin.   Chief Executive of the Royal Australian Mint, Ross MacDiarmid said it was only fitting that the pioneering organisation had been recognised on an Australian legal tender coin on its 200th anniversary.

   “The Royal Australian Mint has a proud tradition of recognising the different attributes that have helped make our society what it is today, and The Benevolent Society is an important part of that social tapestry,” Mr MacDiarmid said.
   
“Each person that has been offered a helping hand by The Benevolent Society over the past 200 years, including those that are here with us today, is part of the story that is reflected by this $1 coin.”

   Chief Executive of The Benevolent Society, Anne Hollonds said the charity had provided help and support to millions of Australians since it was established on 8 May 1813 and the coin design featured that same logo that appeared 200 years ago. 

   “The Benevolent Society is honoured to have been chosen by the Mint to appear on an Australia coin in recognition of our 200th anniversary,” Ms Hollonds said.

Source - http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn35911.html

Robert Downey Jr honors New York City teens who volunteered to help Hurricane Sandy ravaged areas

Iron Man proved his mettle.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. played the hero Monday night, making an unannounced cameo at a

special screening of “Iron Man 3,” co-hosted by Disney and the Daily News to honor teens from 

the Police Athletic League who volunteered to clean up Hurricane Sandy-ravaged areas around

the city.

When his name was announced the 39 honored teens - as well as the several hundred fellow 

PAL members and family who thronged the gargantuan theater in Manhattan’s E-walk multiplex

 — the cheers and squeals were defeaning from the shocked crowd.

“I’m from New York and Tony Stark’s from New York, so I guess that means Iron Man’s from

 New York,” the actor, looking like a rock star in a white tuxedo jacket, sunglasses and silver 

sneakers, told the crowd.

Actor Robert Downey, Jr. tells the crowd that they are the future and 'I guarantee if you keep doing the right thing, you’re going to be running the joint.'

“I just want to say thank you to the Daily News and the Police Athletic League and all of you 

folks. I know you’re all here because you’ve been doing somethng special in the five boroughs, 

for this great city.

“You’re the future of the nation. I guarantee if you keep doing the right thing, you’re going to be 

running the joint in a minute,” he said, before posing for pictures with the wide-eyed guests of 

honor.

Downey had wanted to keep the visit a secret — to see the look of surprise on the kids’ faces.

"I'm just out of words," said Corey Fitchett, 18, one of the real-life heroes being honored, after 

the screening. "It definitely shows he cares about volunteers and the community."

“I think that went well,” Downey told a Daily News reporter — but not before pausing to take a 

few photos with the police officers that were stationed outside the theater for security.

This bit of PR clearly meant a little more to Downey.

“Of course,” he said, “it’s my hometown.”

“Everywhere we drive, I have a memory of playing Frisbee in front of that office building or trying 

to sneak into the back door of a ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ midnight showing, because I 

knew someone who was working concessions,” he added.

“Also, coming back here reminds me of my origins, so it’s thematically concurrent with what 

Tony Stark’s doing.”

Source - http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/iron-man-3-downey-surprises-kids-screening-article-1.1330686

Interest free loans for fire-affected businesses

Tasmanian businesses affected by the January bushfires are being offered interest free loans by the State Government.

Business owners will be able to apply for a two year interest free loan of up to $500,000 to help them get back on their feet.

The Premier Lara Giddings made the announcement at an oyster farm on the Tasman Peninsula, which lost thousands of dollars of equipment and stock in the fires.

The Boomer Bay business owner Max Cunningham says he lost $400,000 of property and equipment.

"Several vehicles, a forklift, approximately $85,000 worth of oyster baskets, my water tanks, my home," he said.

About 40 businesses were severely damaged or destroyed by the bushfire and many are yet to reopen.

Source  - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-28/interest-free-loans-for-fire-affected-businesses/4655970

First Doctors Without Borders - Now Engineers Without Borders

Inspiring people to “live with passion and meaning” has always driven the founder of Engineers Without Borders, Danny Almagor. After studying engineering and business at university, he started Engineers Without Borders so engineers could make a difference in the world via aid work and education.

Danny stayed CEO for eight years and built it up into a national organisation, until he left to start Medivax, a business centring around workplace heath. He realised that “the main driver of Medivax was to make a profit, whereas Engineers Without Borders had a social mission”. That thought led to the creation – together with his wife Berry Liberman - of Small Giants, a company which invests in businesses that have a positive impact on the lives of individuals or the environment.

Danny Almagor, Engineer who started Engineers without borders. Photo: Wayne Taylor WMT

Small Giants has supported companies that include Tom Organic (organic feminine hygiene products), Pots 'N Pans (a restaurant in Vietnam that helps street kids who then work for the restaurant themselves), and a similar organisation in Melbourne called Streat.

What's important to you?

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I do everything with Berry, my partner, and it's very much a combined vision and a partnership. I think what motivates us both is a deep philosophy about the way the world should be. Gandhi's quote that “be the change you wish to see in the world” – it's so simple and so profound. There are those who sit around and say, 'I don't like poverty and I think it should change,' or 'Climate change is scary, I wish someone would do something about it.' We felt we should be part of the movement making the change. We've got three little kids [who are five and under] and felt the responsibility to be part of the solution, not the problem. It was both philosophical and personal.

What are the challenges you've faced and overcome?

Probably one of the biggest challenges is people not understanding, or not actively believing it's possible, or telling you it's crazy. Those are the walls people put up. They say, 'I'm waiting for you to lose your money.' They're the doubters. Sometimes you take on some of that doubt and you really have to remind yourself why you're doing what you do, and have enough support around you to get through that.

Was there a catalyst, or even a moment, when you knew this was what you wanted to do?

For me, it was more subtle. As long as I can remember, I've been active – at school, at uni, volunteering, putting my hand up. I volunteered for school outreach programs, I was very involved in a youth group movement throughout my teens and early twenties, I volunteered at uni with Ardoch Youth Foundation, working with troubled kids. I was always interested and passionate about education and volunteering and making a change. Probably what pushed me most into this field was when I was travelling in India, halfway through my university degree. There was a huge earthquake while I was there that killed tens of thousands of people. There was just devastation, and I remember thinking, 'I'm young, fit and healthy and I want to help out.' I was wondering if there were engineering institutions that I could volunteer for, similar to Doctors Without Borders, but there weren't any. That inspired me to think about Engineers Without Borders, although it took me three years after that to do it. Since then, I never got off the path of trying to lead the change. Outside of this stuff, I spent the last decade supporting other non-profits and social enterprises. I'm the chair of Jewish Aid Australia, which is the Jewish community's aid organisation. I've been on the boards of museums and environmental organisations, and I've spent a lot of time mentoring young social entrepreneurs and change-makers. I've made this a part of my life in every way.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspired by the great big names that inspire us all – like Gandhi and Mandela –and then I'm also inspired by people like Jeff Skoll and Evan Thornley, who are more specific to the field of impact investing. Jan Owen is also incredible. There are many amazing people in Australia. There are all these great men and women who are really a force, doing amazing things.

Are you living the dream?

Absolutely. To be honest, even before I started Engineers Without Borders, I spent a year working in Outdoor Ed, taking kids on camp, which is not what most parents want their kid to do when they've finished an engineering degree. I've always chased things that have made my heart sing. I love every day, I love turning up for work, I love coming home to my family. I try to structure my week so I can find a balance. I've been very lucky, but also very purposeful in answering the question of what do I love to do, and what do I want to do.

Source - http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/strive/qa-engineers-without-borders-founder-20130410-2hkxo.html

Volunteers makeover Bryson Anderson's family home

The family of fallen police officer Bryson Anderson have returned home to find their house transformed by an army of volunteers and tradesmen.

The $600,000 makeover of their house and garden is the biggest renovation ever undertaken on Australian television, A Current Affair reports.

An army of volunteers spent 10 days making Detective Inspector Anderson's dream home a reality.

 The popular 45-year-old officer and father-of-three was killed after responding to a domestic dispute at a rural property in Sydney's northwest in December.

Author: Alexandra Pleffer, Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/04/10/18/52/volunteers-makeover-bryson-anderson-s-family-home

Beastie Boy Mike D Serves Up Meals From Food Truck To Hurricane Sandy Victims

Seeing the damage to Rockaway Beach, he launched the Rockaway Plate Lunchtruck with restauranteur and friend Robert McKinley.

The Beastie Boys' Mike D is fighting for more than the right to party -- he's been helping serve Hurricane Sandy victims warm meals from a food truck.

The musician, whose full name is Michael Diamond, spoke to GOOD Magazine on Tuesday about the project. Since the storm, more than 19,000 free meals have been served.

The cooking expertise come from Sam Talbot of 'Top Chef' fame, who is working with teams at New York's Spotted Pig and Fat Radish restaurants, to serve up rice, beans, chicken and vegetables.

In the Vimeo video above, Mike D explains that a food truck allowed easy navigationthrough the changing post-Sandy landscape. The team feeds anywhere from 200 to 500 people daily.

"The willingness to get involved has been amazing," McKinley says in the video. "There's been no egos and everyone is working really hard."

Five months after the storm, Mike D wants to transition the project to a full-time restaurant staffed by residents.

"There’s still the need for warm food out there, but our real goal for this summer is to help revitalize the local economy," he told GOOD magazine.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/05/beastie-boy-food-truck_n_3024894.html