Volunteering – the questions to ask

If you want to give back on your Gap Year and volunteer, be aware of the both the benefits and potential harm of the many programmes on offer. 
 
Sadly, the effects of volunteering in communities can sometimes increase the strain on the very communities you are aiming to help. 

For example:
 
Projects can take work away from local people
 
Volunteering can result in shoddy building work
 
It’s now widely recognised that orphanages can cause long term harm to those institutionalised  

 

What to consider:

The type of organisation – there are several types of programmes: for profit, non profit, government run or faith based. Make sure the organisation aligns with your personal values.
 

Where your money goes – many companies charge thousands for placements. Choose companies who are transparent about where the money actually goes and how much, if any, is profit.

Safety protocols – you will probably be based in a rural setting in a third world country. You should research how your company will mitigate risk and what their emergency protocols are. What are their communication systems like, how do they access healthcare and how many staff are on the ground?  

Training requirements – most reputable schemes either ask for some training or provide it for volunteers. If they don’t, question the value of your work. 

What’s included in the price – the cost of programmes differ widely, so it’s worth checking what’s included. You could spend a considerable amount of extra money if you add on the cost of: food, drink, accommodation, airport pick-up, local excursions or language lessons. 

Read the reviews – google the companies you are looking at, read the reviews – and not just on their own website. Talk to your friends to get the lowdown.

 

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