All nominees have been rated as among
the top in their schools and participation
in Manos programs; and have been
nominated by their area captains.
the top in their schools and participation
in Manos programs; and have been
nominated by their area captains.
MISSION: To unite the world through the sharing of cultures, ideas, and education.
MANOS INTERNACIONAL
Kristal Gestalum 16 years old Manos USA
Community: Kristal has an instinct to lend a hand where needed. Her involvement in her
community has just begun and her potential is great.
Manos Programs: She dedicates her weekends as a volunteer in Mexico. She also helps
run the Manos Club at her High School and lends a hand in any way she can.
In her own words: "I think it's amazing how we can change our community and other
communities by the process of teaching others and transferring knowledge. I have just
joined the Manos International program and I am willing to experience more and help out.
Sharing one's own knowledge can help others learn about different cultures, beliefs or
perspectives. And I have learned that through Manos programs it is not just donations of
objects that make a difference, but of really sharing cultures, ideas, and knowledge. I
consider myself a really responsible person and am willing to do my best to serve others in
line with the Manos mission."
Community: Kristal has an instinct to lend a hand where needed. Her involvement in her
community has just begun and her potential is great.
Manos Programs: She dedicates her weekends as a volunteer in Mexico. She also helps
run the Manos Club at her High School and lends a hand in any way she can.
In her own words: "I think it's amazing how we can change our community and other
communities by the process of teaching others and transferring knowledge. I have just
joined the Manos International program and I am willing to experience more and help out.
Sharing one's own knowledge can help others learn about different cultures, beliefs or
perspectives. And I have learned that through Manos programs it is not just donations of
objects that make a difference, but of really sharing cultures, ideas, and knowledge. I
consider myself a really responsible person and am willing to do my best to serve others in
line with the Manos mission."
Drew Yang 12 years old Manos China
Community: Drew is very attentive to the people in his village. He always listens to his
parents, is very helpful at home, and always ready to lend a hand anytime to those who
need help.
Manos Programs: Drew attends every Manos activity offered. He is never late and puts his
whole heart into participating. He always tries his best for himself and for his team. For
example, in the Olympic camp, he gave his best for each competition and also showed
great team spirit by cheering his team members on. In our community service program,
Drew is now a group leader. The leadership, the team spirit, and the helping spirit in Drew
Yang made him stand out in Manos China. In academics, in Manos, and in his village he is
the example of all the children.
In his own words: "During the May 1st holidays in 2005, foreign teachers started a new sort
of program. We learned about different countries. They taught us with energy and passion
and we studied earnestly. In this, their teaching methods are different from our teachers.
They let us learn through fun activities, which benefits us a lot. [...] In 2006, foreign teachers
held the Olympic Games[...]We not only had good exercises, but also learned how to
cooperate with others[...]
In the May 1st holidays this year, they held the Olympics as well. I was in the Australian team
[...] This year, they will have student volunteers to do community service to help clean up and
beautify the school. I will be the first one to sign up[...] When I grow up, I’ll learn from the
foreign teachers to bring my love to the children all over the world. I’ll build up the friendship
bridge and contribute to the peace of the world."
Community: Drew is very attentive to the people in his village. He always listens to his
parents, is very helpful at home, and always ready to lend a hand anytime to those who
need help.
Manos Programs: Drew attends every Manos activity offered. He is never late and puts his
whole heart into participating. He always tries his best for himself and for his team. For
example, in the Olympic camp, he gave his best for each competition and also showed
great team spirit by cheering his team members on. In our community service program,
Drew is now a group leader. The leadership, the team spirit, and the helping spirit in Drew
Yang made him stand out in Manos China. In academics, in Manos, and in his village he is
the example of all the children.
In his own words: "During the May 1st holidays in 2005, foreign teachers started a new sort
of program. We learned about different countries. They taught us with energy and passion
and we studied earnestly. In this, their teaching methods are different from our teachers.
They let us learn through fun activities, which benefits us a lot. [...] In 2006, foreign teachers
held the Olympic Games[...]We not only had good exercises, but also learned how to
cooperate with others[...]
In the May 1st holidays this year, they held the Olympics as well. I was in the Australian team
[...] This year, they will have student volunteers to do community service to help clean up and
beautify the school. I will be the first one to sign up[...] When I grow up, I’ll learn from the
foreign teachers to bring my love to the children all over the world. I’ll build up the friendship
bridge and contribute to the peace of the world."
Linda Feng 14 years old Manos China
Community: Linda has made a lot of friends in her village. She helps her mother with
housework, completes her chores, and helps others, treating all her fellow villagers with a
very friendly and respectful manner.
Manos Programs: Linda participates in our Manos Alumni class, she has perfect
attendance and shows a good attitude for learning by asking questions, behaving well in
class, and helping other students. She was the top student of the Alumni class and for that
was awarded participation in the 2007 Beijing Field Trip.
In her own words: "I am very lucky because I have the opportunity to talk to foreigners with
Manos Alumni class on Monday night. I always feel it is so much fun to learn with the
foreigners that I think time passes very fast. Although we have the class at night, the
teachers are always energetic, I thank them very much, that’s why I keep studying hard [...] I
always have a dream in my mind that when I grow up, I will be a volunteer in Manos. I will
teach the foreigners Chinese and have the root of our culture spread to other countries. I
believe with this dream in mind, the world will hold hands and be united.
Community: Linda has made a lot of friends in her village. She helps her mother with
housework, completes her chores, and helps others, treating all her fellow villagers with a
very friendly and respectful manner.
Manos Programs: Linda participates in our Manos Alumni class, she has perfect
attendance and shows a good attitude for learning by asking questions, behaving well in
class, and helping other students. She was the top student of the Alumni class and for that
was awarded participation in the 2007 Beijing Field Trip.
In her own words: "I am very lucky because I have the opportunity to talk to foreigners with
Manos Alumni class on Monday night. I always feel it is so much fun to learn with the
foreigners that I think time passes very fast. Although we have the class at night, the
teachers are always energetic, I thank them very much, that’s why I keep studying hard [...] I
always have a dream in my mind that when I grow up, I will be a volunteer in Manos. I will
teach the foreigners Chinese and have the root of our culture spread to other countries. I
believe with this dream in mind, the world will hold hands and be united.
Eileen Nhat Lam 15 years old Manos Vietnam
Community: Eileen shares a very respectful and friendly attitude towards everyone in her
village. She helps out at her parents' store, and helps keep her village clean and beautiful.
Manos Programs: Eileen shares her knowledge about Vietnam and village life with other
Manos volunteers around the world by communication through email. Because she speaks
English so well, she serves her village and Manos programs by staying in contact and by
being ready to welcome English speaking members visiting her village and the Manos
program site.
In her own words: "I knew Manos by chance on meeting some of its volunteers. I think
Manos is not only a great organization but also a wonderful place to explore and unite our
world through sharing cultures, ideas and education. The volunteers I met have left me a
strong impression and I keeping in touch with them,I have learned more about Manos and
about the world. I will pursue studies in Math and Chemistry in the future. I hope I can
continue the Manos mission by keeping in touch with the volunteers I have known. I hope I
can show them the culture of my country and get them excited about that like they have done
to me."
Community: Eileen shares a very respectful and friendly attitude towards everyone in her
village. She helps out at her parents' store, and helps keep her village clean and beautiful.
Manos Programs: Eileen shares her knowledge about Vietnam and village life with other
Manos volunteers around the world by communication through email. Because she speaks
English so well, she serves her village and Manos programs by staying in contact and by
being ready to welcome English speaking members visiting her village and the Manos
program site.
In her own words: "I knew Manos by chance on meeting some of its volunteers. I think
Manos is not only a great organization but also a wonderful place to explore and unite our
world through sharing cultures, ideas and education. The volunteers I met have left me a
strong impression and I keeping in touch with them,I have learned more about Manos and
about the world. I will pursue studies in Math and Chemistry in the future. I hope I can
continue the Manos mission by keeping in touch with the volunteers I have known. I hope I
can show them the culture of my country and get them excited about that like they have done
to me."
Stephanie Valencia 16 years old Manos USA
Community: Stephanie has a strong innate character to lend a hand. She helps out in her
community in many ways, from cleaning up litter in her community to volunteering at the local
sea aquarium, where she helps run activities for kids.
Manos Programs: Stephanie dedicates her weekends to volunteering in Mexico. She also
helps run the Manos Club at her High School and lends a hand in any way she can.
In her own words: "As soon as I heard about the program I knew I was interested. I have
always wanted to do that in the future and to have an opportunity. I have always wanted a
chance to change a child’s life in any way I can. Now I have the chance to help out and do my
part. I teach little children English. Which is an awesome experience because as they are
learning I’m also learning. When I saw the Manos logo I was honestly happy. I loved the
thought of sharing of cultures and ideas and education through people who are volunteering.
I love the fact that the children are learning and having fun at the same time. I’m glad I’m part
of their learning experience, not only theirs but mine. I also learn something everyday."
Community: Stephanie has a strong innate character to lend a hand. She helps out in her
community in many ways, from cleaning up litter in her community to volunteering at the local
sea aquarium, where she helps run activities for kids.
Manos Programs: Stephanie dedicates her weekends to volunteering in Mexico. She also
helps run the Manos Club at her High School and lends a hand in any way she can.
In her own words: "As soon as I heard about the program I knew I was interested. I have
always wanted to do that in the future and to have an opportunity. I have always wanted a
chance to change a child’s life in any way I can. Now I have the chance to help out and do my
part. I teach little children English. Which is an awesome experience because as they are
learning I’m also learning. When I saw the Manos logo I was honestly happy. I loved the
thought of sharing of cultures and ideas and education through people who are volunteering.
I love the fact that the children are learning and having fun at the same time. I’m glad I’m part
of their learning experience, not only theirs but mine. I also learn something everyday."
Julio César Alvarez 16 years old Manos Cuba
Community: Julio's commitment to studying English and computers has made him a key
contact for Manos Cuba, and has helped us keep an open line of communication. He is
always ready to lend a hand in his community in many ways, including helping others keep
in touch abroad through email.
Manos Programs:
Julio serves as the bridge with his computer skills in keeping in contact, and has assisted
the volunteers as a tour guide through the city of Havana for the last 4 Manos trips. Julio has
always been by the side of all the volunteers that have set foot in Cuba to guide them and
show them the culture of his country.
In his own words: "I admire Manos volunteers who, year after year, join Manos, many times
in places with difficult living conditions and facing scarcities of all types. They are far away
from the comforts of their own homes, but reigning always in them is love. Love that drives
them to continue in the Manos Mission and love that gives them the lack of working for their
own personal interest or gain. I am ready to give any support that might be needed, with the
conviction that any good done to help others who are less fortunate will be returned to us
with a lot of good luck and will give us the satisfaction of an accomplished duty. And no
matter what country you are from, whatever your ideology, whatever your religion, or whatever
your social status, I invite all of you to continue going on with this wonderful project...and I
wish you good luck."
Community: Julio's commitment to studying English and computers has made him a key
contact for Manos Cuba, and has helped us keep an open line of communication. He is
always ready to lend a hand in his community in many ways, including helping others keep
in touch abroad through email.
Manos Programs:
Julio serves as the bridge with his computer skills in keeping in contact, and has assisted
the volunteers as a tour guide through the city of Havana for the last 4 Manos trips. Julio has
always been by the side of all the volunteers that have set foot in Cuba to guide them and
show them the culture of his country.
In his own words: "I admire Manos volunteers who, year after year, join Manos, many times
in places with difficult living conditions and facing scarcities of all types. They are far away
from the comforts of their own homes, but reigning always in them is love. Love that drives
them to continue in the Manos Mission and love that gives them the lack of working for their
own personal interest or gain. I am ready to give any support that might be needed, with the
conviction that any good done to help others who are less fortunate will be returned to us
with a lot of good luck and will give us the satisfaction of an accomplished duty. And no
matter what country you are from, whatever your ideology, whatever your religion, or whatever
your social status, I invite all of you to continue going on with this wonderful project...and I
wish you good luck."
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Voting for the 2007 Student Scholarship recipients has ended.
Please return soon for the results. Thank you for participating and
casting your vote for the 2007 Scholarship Recipients!
For more information on our Student Scholarship Program, click here.
Voting ended January 31, 2008.
Voting for the 2007 Student Scholarship recipients has ended.
Please return soon for the results. Thank you for participating and
casting your vote for the 2007 Scholarship Recipients!
For more information on our Student Scholarship Program, click here.
Voting ended January 31, 2008.
