Service Programs
To cultivate the spirit of one family under God, UPF offers disaster relief and organizes service projects such as caring for public spaces, supporting access to education, promoting good health, and providing medical supplies.
- Written by: Paul Byrne, IRFF
Bangladesh, Zambia - International Relief Friendship Foundation chapters in Zambia and Bangladesh held ceremonies in early 2009 to present scholarships to students at schools they support.
- Written by: Marilyn Angelucci, UPF-Afghanistan
The people hope that the new strategy of US President Barack Obama and the international community can bring a new, effective policy for the benefit of the Afghan people. The only ones who are benefiting from the old policy are those who are corrupt. The middle class and the poor people have no chance to develop. They only become more and more poor, affected by the continuous increases in prices and lacking any opportunities for adequate jobs.
- Written by: UPF - USA
Washington, DC, USA - The Million Acts of Service and Kindness campaign is springing into the new year with efforts all around the United States. In keeping with the spring season, the current theme is "A Million Blooms." The campaign began at the Global Peace Festival in August 2008 and will continue throughout 2009 in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation. It has an interfaith and youth focus and is striving for sustainable service that produces positive social change. Youth of all faiths are invited to lead and to participate.
- Written by: UPF - Malawi
Blantyre, Malawi - The UPF Peace Message was delivered at the Polytechnic Campus of the University of Malawi on March 21, 2009, followed by a clean-up of the Mudi River and planting of 200 trees.
- Written by: Justus Njuki, Ambassador for Peace, Kenya
Hardly did we know that the tree-planting project along the Nairobi River would become such a lively event with energetic volunteers from all over Nairobi and its environs working consistently in a display of unity.
- Written by: Paul Byrne, Assistant International Executive Director, IRFF
Rasoun, Jordan - This year's Discover True Friendship Tour features a project in the village of Rasoun, Jordan, July 8-22. Join us as we renovate the local boys’ and girls’ primary schools and improve the quality of life of the community’s children.
- Written by: UPF - Germany
Berlin, Germany - A seminar and playground painting project began in Berlin on March 13, 2009, with the theme Perspectives for Peace for the 21st Century.
- Written by: UPF - Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The President of UPF-Malaysia, Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail, has been seeking ways to connect the young people of her country with the world. This led to the "Power of 10 Sen" campaign, which is collecting donations of coins help the children in Gaza.
- Written by: UPF - Honduras
On January 21, 2009, a workshop about coordinating volunteer efforts for peace and development was held at the headquarters of the Universal Peace Federation in Tegucigalpa.
- Written by: UPF - Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia - A festival took place on January 17, 2009 in a small area of Bogotá called Usme in collaboration with the Seed of Life Christian community and the Hera singing group, which is composed of six girls from a Catholic school.
- Written by: Hod Ben Zvi, UPF-Israel
Various service activities and forums took place in northern Israel in December 2008.
- Written by: Robert Kittel, Director of Peace Education, UPF-Asia
Manila, Philippines - Various environmental clean-up projects in neighborhoods and beaches of the Manila area in December 2008 promoted a “culture of service” and greater civic involvement.