90 Percent of Volunteers Report Growth in Recent Amigos Survey

Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS) in November released the results from its 2008 Volunteer Experience Survey that documents personal growth of teenage participants. The survey demonstrated that for the fifth year in a row about 90 percent of the youth Volunteers reported personal growth in their confidence, leadership capabilities, Spanish skills and more.

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About 700 high school and college students from throughout the U.S. participated in AMIGOS’ intensive volunteer programs in Latin America for 5-8 weeks. AMIGOS Volunteers live with host families in rural communities and work in teams of 2-3 Volunteers with local communities on health, education and environmental projects. The Volunteer Experience Survey documents Volunteers’ perceptions of how they matured as a result of the intensive immersion experience. Participation in the survey is optional and anonymous to ensure the most accurate results. Nearly 100 percent of participants answered all of the questions. Below are selected survey results:

– 95 percent rated their overall experience as good or excellent — 89 percent noted growth in their personal confidence and improved communication abilities — 91 percent reported improvement in their ability to plan, implement and evaluate projects — 88 percent noted increased leadership skills — 89 percent reported improved problem-solving abilities — 95 percent noted an increase in their verbal Spanish abilities

Tania de Souza, 17, a 2008 Volunteer in Panamas, said that the experience helped her improve leadership and teamwork skills. “AMIGOS tested strengths I already had including motivation, dedication and flexibility, but it also showed me the value of working with others toward achieving a common goal. Through AMIGOS, I have learned the importance of volunteerism, friendship and to trust in the power of cooperation.”

Noted AMIGOS President, Emily Untermeyer, “For four decades AMIGOS has provided exemplary training and international community service opportunities for young people. The annual survey documents the profound impact the experience has on their self-confidence and personal development.”

Founded in 1965, AMIGOS is an international non-profit organization that provides opportunities for young people to simultaneously develop leadership and decision-making skills while making a positive difference in the health and well being of communities throughout the Americas. More than 800 young adults from across the United States volunteered for five to eight weeks this summer with AMIGOS in 300 communities in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Paraguay.

For more information, visit www.amigoslink.org/. Press may contact AMIGOS to set up interviews with Volunteers, staff or alumni. Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081112/DC45185LOGOhttp://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comAmigos de las Americas

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