Shared living and worldwide peace

The international volunteers who have joined Newton Dee for a year or longer over the last 40 years have been essential in the development of the large vibrant community that we all benefit from today. They have made a vast contribution towards the quality of life that we have been able to establish for the 85 adults with special needs who live here as well as for the 41 adults who live in Aberdeen and come to Newton Dee each day for support and training in their daily work.

Volunteers enrich the community

I have lived in Newton Dee for over 40 years and have seen how those hundreds of individuals from all over the world have contributed to the social, cultural, educational and working life of the community. They have enriched the quality of life and broadened the horizons for all of us that live here, residents, co-workers and employees alike.

They have been of great help on a physical level and have offered a window into the lives of people from many countries and cultures across the globe. This has enriched our own culture and also helped us all to have greater understanding and appreciation of the lives of others, outside our normal circle of friends and acquaintances.

Influencing worldwide leaders of tomorrow

Those volunteers then take home to their own countries, an appreciation, understanding and enthusiasm for the ethos out of which we live and work in Camphill, often adopting elements of it in the careers that they follow in later years. We know this because we often retain contact with many of them, hearing how their time in Newton Dee has affected their choices and outlook in their lives.

“The Blether” is a quarterly magazine, with some of our residents as part of the editorial team. They often include articles or interviews with volunteers that have left who often speak of how their time in Newton Dee affected their lives in a positive manner.

These volunteers often return to take university courses in their own countries and among them will be the leaders of tomorrow. If we can do something that can strengthen positive relationships between individuals across the world, then we have helped in a small way to strengthen the cooperation between nations, and the residents in Newton Dee are an essential element in establishing this bond.

Perhaps a small step further towards world peace!

Alan Brown, Long term co-worker