For many years, the UN Volunteers programme has actively supported relief efforts in the aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Mitch in Central America in 1998, the cyclones in India’s Orissa state in 1999, the earthquake in Gujarat, India, in 2001, and the floods in Sri Lanka in 2003. Read

Two years after the tsunami, local people and volunteers at Aceh province work hard to provide help and hope to the crises-stricken region. Dutch UNV volunteer Frederike Meijer, is involved in a project to build houses in six villages in Aceh Jaya. In a recent article The Epoch Times covers Meijer’s experiences with the challenges and rewards of volunteering. Read

Apia, Samoa: Known as the 'Heart of Polynesia', Samoa preserves strong Polynesian culture and customs. About 180,000 people live on Samoa's two main and seven smaller islands. Samoa has become a tourist destination in the South Pacific due to its scenic beaches and sea, rugged forest mountains, waterfalls and lava fields from recent volcanic activities. Read