Help! - Exchange student host families needed

 I volunteer with a student exchange program called AFS. It's an international organization that sends high school students to live with families overseas for a summer, six months, or a year. As a former AFS student (Portugal, 2003-2004), I strongly support the organization's goal of creating world peace through cultural understanding. My AFS year was one of the best expereinces of my life, and I am a much stronger, more understanding person because of it.

At the moment, there are fourteen students who've been promised a place in New Zealand, however, they've been delayed indefinitely until we can place them with host families. Some of these students have been working and saving for several years; but without host families, their hard work will end in disappointment. We're approaching the cut-off date; if we don't find host families soon, these students won't be able to come to New Zealand.

AFS host families are volunteers who commit to taking a foreign student into their home and integrating them into their family life. Both sides gain cultural awareness and a greater understanding of themselves and the global community. We're looking for people who are willing to commit to bringing a new family member into their lives; if not for the length of their program then as a 'welcome family-' a short-term host family that gives a student a chance to come into the country .

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in hosting, message Robb. This is a cause that's very close to my heart and I'm heartbroken for the students who've been waiting and working to and are now being delayed. I ask that you talk to anyone you know, anywhere in New Zealand, who might be interested. If this message gets even one student into the country, then it will have been worth it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this,

Steph