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new
international volunteering scheme for young adults
A new Government-backed global volunteering scheme
for 18 to 25 year-olds, Platform2, was recently
announced by International Development Secretary
Douglas Alexander. The scheme will offer young adults
from less advantaged backgrounds the opportunity
to live, work and learn about life in poorer countries
while making a real difference to people's lives.
Over the next three years 2600 young adults will
be sponsored to do voluntary work in a developing
country and then raise awareness of development
issues on their return to the UK. The £10
million scheme backed by DIFID and will be run in
partnership by Christian Aid, and two other agencies,
starts in the summer of 2008 with placements to
Ghana and South Africa.
Christian Aid's Director Daleep Mukarji said:
"We are delighted to take a lead in this venture,
which is the first of its kind. Christian Aid's
mission is to expose the scandal of poverty and
together with Islamic Relief and BUNAC we will be
able to directly engage young adults with the issues
surrounding poverty, and give them an opportunity
to make a real difference."
The volunteers will be:
a) spending 10 weeks in a developing
country working on local community development projects
such as environmental conservation or HIV / Aids awareness;
b) designing personal activity plans with other volunteers
during a residential weekend on their return to the
UK; and
c) building understanding about the world back home
through road shows and activities in their local communities
and encouraging their peers to join the fight against
global poverty.
The scheme is open to young adults from less advantaged
backgrounds aged 18-25 on the date of travel who
meet a combination of criteria relating to previous
education, employment, benefits and travel. Positive
emphasis will be placed on a track record of community
involvement. All volunteers must hold (or be eligible
for) a British passport.
Overseas placements will be in groups of 12 to
Ghana, South Africa, India, Malawi or Peru and will
start in summer 2008.
For more information please contact Ken Fuller:
kfuller@christian-Aid.org
or telephone on 020 7523 2159
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