Jayne Blog (Volunteerism, Nonprofit Tech, Civil Society, etc.)

Feb. 29, 2008 - unskilled, at-risk British young people to volunteer overseas

The UK has launched a government-backed global volunteering scheme for 18 to 25 year-olds from "less advantaged backgrounds" to live, work and learn about life in poorer countries. "Platform2" is fully funded by DFID and implemented through a partnership with Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC. Most overseas volunteering programs for young, unskilled volunteers require the participants to pay for all costs associated with the experience, so as not to take away any resources for the communities of the developing world. What makes Platform2 unique is that it is aimed at less advantaged young adults who wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to volunteer overseas in short-term assignments because of these costs. Volunteers will spend 10 weeks overseas. On return to UK they will engage in activities to raise awareness in the UK about issues in the developing world. There will be more information soon at the Platform2 web site. In the meantime, you can view the DFID announcement.

I'm torn about this program. On the one hand, I like the idea of young people who would not get the opportunity otherwise to get to go to the developing world. It could be life-changing experiences for the young people involved. It's nice, maybe even more than nice, for the young people that will be involved.

On the other hand, most development and aid workers are NOT fans of "volunteer vacations." These programs are focused primarily on giving the volunteers' experience rather than the needs of the community. Myself, I don't know of any communities in the developing world calling for more unskilled young Westerners to please come help them for a few weeks.

About Jayne

This blog (web log) is by Jayne Cravens, and is primarily focused on resources and news regarding mission-based organizations: nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and public sector agencies, as well as development issues and humanitarian efforts. It promotes resources and opinions relating to volunteer management/community involvement, tech use by nonprofits, and outreach strategies for nonprofits. There are also some personal postings (such is the nature of blogs), regarding travel, causes I personally support (like women's empowerment, urban biking, etc.). To comment on this blog, you must register on forumer.com.

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