GIVE’s Pillars of Sustainable Change

In honor of Earth Day:

See how we gave back in 2024 & join our Go Green with GIVE Week!

Sustainable change at GIVE is built on three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic impact. Every time we build relationships with communities, design new programs, or add experiences to our itineraries, we must ask ourselves: How does this support the local community environmentally, socially, and economically? If the answer is yes to all three, it’s a go! If not, we head back to the drawing board. This commitment to responsible travel is how we create lasting, positive change. Discover how these pillars come to life in our projects—and see how you can be part of the movement to Go Green with GIVE!

One Team. One Dream.

Socially

  • In Tanzania: We’re thrilled to announce that 29 out of 29 of our amazing Primary 7 students at Skuli ya Kairo GIVE passed their national exams in 2024.
  • In Thailand: Our Impact Program in Krabi has empowered 100+ local students to feel comfortable in the water with swim lessons and explore and protect their ecosystem.
  • In Laos: 59 hard working and passionate students from Sop Chem received participation-based scholarships to help cover their school costs.
  • In Hawai’i: We awarded our first local scholarship for a student to join our program, earning high school credit while educating travelers about his community.
  • In Costa Rica: In the community of Gandoca, we’ve launched the first-ever adult English class, introducing over 10 community members to the language in a formal classroom setting for the very first time.
  • In Nicaragua: Our English Education Coordinator and Guide, Megan, is living in the community of Jiquilillo to help enhance the English classes within the community, providing greater access to learning opportunities.

Environmentally

  • In Tanzania: We continue to support the ongoing transformation of Nyerere National Park, an emerging safari destination in Southern Tanzania. As the park evolves from a game reserve to a fully protected national park, our efforts play a key role in wildlife conservation, job creation, and improving local services, benefiting both the environment and surrounding communities.
  • In Thailand: We have continued our partnership with Chiang Mai University to advance tropical forest restoration.
  • In Laos: We have strengthened supportive efforts for Free the Bears, a nonprofit rescuing 150+ bears and other wildlife from the illegal trade.
  • In Hawai’i: In 2024, we removed over 3,000 lbs. of marine debris from Big Island shorelines.
  • In Costa Rica: Community members in Gandoca are now regularly harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from plants cultivated by GIVE volunteers, providing essential nourishment for the children attending the local school.
  • In Nicaragua: Turtle expert Ramon continues his dedicated efforts in releasing baby sea turtles into the wild, playing a crucial role in preserving and supporting the sea turtle population along Nicaragua’s North Pacific coast.


Economically

  • In Tanzania: GIVE fully funds teacher transportation, making it possible for the best educators, no matter where they live on the island, to teach at Skuli ya Kairo GIVE. This, along with funding two additional teaching positions, has led to higher-quality education, leading to a 100% exam pass rate for our P7 students this year!

  • In Thailand: Supported mahouts in developing community-based elephant tourism to foster healthy communities and ecosystems.

  • In Laos: We’ve invested in supporting over 50 families in Sop Chem to grow their income through ecotourism initiatives.

  • In Hawai’i: We’ve contributed $15,000+ to local nonprofits focused on environmental restoration, food security, and indigenous cultural preservation.

  • In Costa Rica: We’ve invested in training local guides by providing Wilderness First Aid and Leadership courses, helping to enhance their skill sets and increasing their earning potential in future employment opportunities.

  • In Nicaragua: Through our ongoing support of ecotourism in Jiquilillo, we’re empowering women and driving sustainable growth in the local community, contributing to both economic stability and gender equality.

Lead with change with us:

Join our #GoGreenwithGIVE Week: April 14th-20th!

Every day this week, join us to make a positive impact with our daily challenges. Share how you take action and inspire others to do the same! Tag @givevolunteers and #gogreenwithGIVE. Together, let’s show love for our planet. 

 

Meatless Monday – Go vegetarian for the day!​​​​​
  Transportation Tuesday – Skip the car, bike/walk for your commute
Water Wednesday – Be mindful of your water consumption
Team Human Thursday – Share stories of people who inspire you to be an engaged global citizen
Footprint Friday – Leave handprints instead of footprints
Salvage Saturday – Focus on reducing waste: reuse & upcycle
Shop Green Sunday – Support sustainable brands​
Download Digital Flyers/Tempaltes!

*Join us in a fun social challenge for sustainability! Tag @givevolunteers & use #GoGreenwithGIVE on social media to show your support, engage your community, and inspire action*