Global Explorers Blog 
William Kamkwamba - Becoming a Responsible Global Citizen
Becoming a responsible global citizen may sound like a daunting or overwhelming goal. However, for many of us, it just naturally happens when we are simply pursing our passion to do something good in the world. A great example is William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian inventor who became a responsible global citizen without even realizing it.
William was determined to improve the conditions in the impoverished and famine-affected rural community where he lived in Malawi, a country where electricity and running water are considered luxuries. He built a windmill out of scrap metal, tractor parts and bike pieces to bring electricity and irrigation to his community. He did this as a 14-year-old who had to drop out of school due to lack of funds to cover the annual $80 school fees. He continued his education on his own, teaching himself physics and engineering by reading books from a very small USAID-funded library in his community. As he rummaged through piles of scrap metal, tinkered with rusted bikes, studied the library books he so cherished, and dealt with the extreme hunger that was affecting the whole region, he stayed focused on his windmill project, determined to make it work. Community members thought he was crazy and although his parents were supportive, no one understood what he was trying to accomplish. He worked hard to build his invention and it took him many tries to succeed.
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by Julie Ivker Dubin · February 23, 2011
Global Explorers: Bring Your Dog to Work!
Fort Collins (pop. 140,000) is an incredibly dog-friendly town—in fact, it might be more apt to say dog-fanatic.
Every August the City Park pool holds its annual Pooch Plunge before closing for the season. If you take a stroll in Old Town, you’ll notice water bowls outside half the stores and restaurants. And there are three official dog parks in Fort Collins alone.
Like the rest of the town, Global Explorers loves pups and we have several staff members who bring their furry friends to the office. The welcoming of pets is just one way that Global Explorers as an organization practices its value of work-life balance.
Enjoy this short addendum to the About Us section of our site, where you can read about Global Explorers Expedition Leaders, scientists, field guides, and office staff.
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by Laura Portalupi · February 16, 2011 · fort collins, pets
Global Explorers Goulash: Responsible Travel Conundrums to Simmer Over
The concept of responsible travel involves complex choices that rarely have simple solutions. How can we navigate the challenges of sustainable travel when faced with limited time, information, money and, most importantly, will? Over the coming months, I'll explore the ways that the simple act of traveling changes us, the communities we visit and the world around us. Many cultures the world over have a form of goulash—typically a mix of beef, vegetables, paprika and other seasonings. It was an Italian goulash, perhaps containing some rancid meat, that sent my friend shouting through the halls of a Bologna emergency room, “Che un dottore, che un dottore,” as I lay passed out at the hospital entrance. A Hungarian goulash from my grade school days held a flavor I am still trying to recreate. There is a goulash of conundrums that challenge the thoughtful traveler who wants to explore the world in a way that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Below are a few of the issues I'll raise in the coming months. Chew on them for awhile.
