International visits, international volunteers
Recently we've hosted international visitors from Kenya, Chicago and Japan, as well as continuing to attract international students as some of our volunteers.
Last Monday we had five Japanese visitors, all attending a conference at the Peace and Reconciliation Studies department of Coventry University, and all keen to see some practical work that brings people together across divides and conflicts. We had a great morning with them, and hope that some of the connections made will be useful to Mino and Aya in setting up their new project on their return to Nagoya, Japan in the New Year.
For a very busy fortnight in September/October we were privileged to host three Kenyan visitors - more about that up here soon!
A couple of weeks ago we very much enjoyed meeting Sylvia Puente, of the Latino Policy Forum in Chicago, who was in Coventry visiting the Institute of Community Cohesion. She had this to say about her visit:
It is wonderful to realize that there are kindred spirits in a global community who are willing to share their experience of being in a new country with a stranger. I am fortunate to have a grant from a local foundation in Chicago that allowed me to travel across the Atlantic to learn more about programs that work with immigrants. Destiny led me to a place that I had never heard of before, Coventry England, and to the cozy community center of FolesHillfields Vision Project.
During the volunteer orientation, I leaned of the projects goals of building community among diverse immigrants. More importantly, I felt the warm welcome that volunteers share with new participants. During the volunteer orientation I truly felt and experienced that it would be FUN to be connected to the Project. The spirit of laughter, play and openness permeated the group sharing. It was wonderful to meet so many people from around the world. It was even more wonderful to experience that we share an open spirit and are dedicated to building bridges across communities, cultures, religion -- and even the Atlantic. I wish much continued success to FolesHllfiedls Vision Project!
Meanwhile, we continue to benefit from the help and encouragement of a range of international students among our volunteers. Sanu from Nepal was back in Coventry (presenting at the same conference as the Japanese visitors mentioned abov), and Mobolaji (BJ) from Nigeria popped in to show off her beautiful new baby.
Some of you may remember James Kewir Kiven from the Cameroon, whose artistic talents helped brighten our centre during our 2008 International Festival of Friendship. His sister Solange is studying in Coventry now, and has been helping us out when she can. She had this to say after that same volunteer orientation:
The extra ordinary thing about joining FolesHillfields Vision Project is the natural environment it creats. Induction is like coming back to your family after a long absence.You feel the warmth, relaxation and at the same time the responsiblity of brotherhood or fraternity sought by FHV to impart on local populations.
Get in touch if you'd like to learn more about volunteering with us: 
