Volunteering with Government Organisation

Who Am I Volenteering With?

At the end of June, I will be travelling abroad with a department within the VSO (Volenteer Service Overseas),  the ICS (International Citizen Serivice), which sends out volenteers between the ages of 18-25. It is funded by the UK governments Department for International Development (DFID). The VSO aims to help overcome poverty, specialising in four development methods;  health, participation and governance, secure livelihoods and education. They also emphasise the importance of gender equality. They do this by sending qualified, professional volenteers to countries who have asked for assistance with a particular programme. The ICS sends unqualified individuals to help in activities requiring less expertise. 

Where is my Placement?

I have yet to be placed on a programme, but this will happen within the next couple of weeks, I will update this page once I know exactly what I will be doing; but I will be placed in a country in Africa or  South Eastern Asia, to help with one of the previously mentioned activities; health, participation and governance, secure livelihoods and education. (Please note, I was not allowed to post this without entering location details, so I entered London, UK.... This is not my placement!)

How Long am I There For?

I will be in my host country for 3 months over this summer

Where will I be Living During this Time?

I am most likely living with a host family for the duration. 

How Much Money do I need, and How will this be Used?

I must raise a minimum of £800 in order to attend this programme, any more money raised will also go towards this. As the programme itself is funded by the Department for International Development, the £800 requested is to fund the VSO itself, pay for the team who works with the volenteers in the UK, contucting interveiws to ensure only acceptable individuals are chosen to attend, and that those chosen are matched to a programme which suits them best, ensuring they will be able to be as useful as possible. 

Thank you for your support,

As I said, I will update you on exactly what I will be doing within the next two weeks,

Ellie x