Who We Are
Vides International is a non-governmental organisation [NGO]. It is a non-profit association of voluntary service [AISBL n 16990/91, according to the Belgian Law] that works through young people.
The association came from an idea of the Salesian Sisters Institute.
Vides International is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC and it is associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
- Vides is promoted by:
The Institute of The Salesian Sisters
- VIDES is present in:
- 14 countries in Europe
- 8 countries in Asia
- 2 countries in Africa
- 13 countries in North America and in Latin America
And operates through local groups and the international head office.
- Why:
- For the defence of human rights, particularly of children, women, and youth
- For the promotion of voluntary service at the local and international levels
- For the support at a distance of children and their families
- For the promotion of youth as active and responsible citizens
What we do Internationally
Development projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America.
Promotion of long-term or short-term international voluntary service.
Training sessions for Volunteers.
Vides Ireland
We in Ireland have a group of volunteers who have given time abroad and who share this with those who come forward and offer their services for limited periods working with our sisters in development projects abroad.
Vides Ireland continues to operate and invite volunteers to make contact if they are interested in giving time abroad.
The Irish delegate is: Sr. Dympna Clancy who can be contacted at dymclan@eircom.net
0863708652 or 061 348510
Our next meeting will be in De la Salle Brothers Monastery, Castletown. (near Mountrath).
Date: Saturday 7th March 2009.
Time: 11am - 3.00pm.
International Convention for Vides
Last October Michelle and Rachel accompanied Sr. Dympna to the International Convention in Rome. This convention was acknowledging the 60 anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. It was informative and challenging.
This was a very enriching experience for the volunteers in that they had an opportunity to meet with other volunteers from all over Europe. In groups discussions took place around issues affecting many people in Europe just now - migrant workers, participation, different cultures, diversity and inclusion.
City of Hope, Lusaka, Zambia
This Summer two of our VIDES members have gone to the City of Hope, Lusaka, Zambia to do voluntary work for ten weeks. They are:
Click here to read their latest reflections
Carole O'Doherty, from Limerick and now living in London.
Daragh Casey, from Killarney and currently studying in UL.
The City of Hope project started in 1993. The sisters had concern for the increasing numbers of orphans and street children and set about their plan. By 1994 the sisters obtained land from the City Council. In 1995, with funds secured, building of a multi-purpose hall began on the new Makeni site. The project was named City of Hope and officially opened on May 25,1995. Initially, only four girls were housed at the new project due to lack of accommodation at the site. By 1996 this increased to nine and slowly more and more girls arrived.
In 1998 it had reached 25 and the need for more accommodation grew. Construction of two houses for the girls was started in 1999 and the number of girls rose to 45. By 2000 it was 56, in 2001 it rose to 65 and currently in 2003 it stands at 80. The total number of girls who were assisted in their needs and found shelter at City of Hope is 140. The project at City of Hope is divided into three main areas, Girls at Home, Community School and the Skill Training School. HOW
How is this Achieved?
The Salesian Sisters at City of Hope through patience, hard work and much help from donors, have managed to provide a place the young girls and women can call home. The Centre is providing an atmosphere, which is safe and welcoming. The initial response of City of Hope is to help the young girls recover from their sometimes very difficult past with warmth, love and a caring ear. The hope of the centre is that each girl will ultimately reintegrate into society. This is achieved through building up the gaps in the individual’s life. The girls are given the tools necessary to cope as adults. Promoting self-esteem and a sense of self-reliance being a major objective.
Three Volunteers have gone to work in Ennerdale, a township near Johannesburg.:
Catherine Sweeney, from Donegal
Michelle Brennan from Sligo
Rosemary Ahern from Kilteely, Co Limerick.
All are loving their time in Africa and we look forward to hearing from them on their return. For details of our next meeting watch this space.
