Global youth work

Volunteering Opportunities for Young People

As part of the V funded Global Bites programme, Global Education Derby is promoting opportunities for young people to get involved in volunteering work that tackles global challenges of poverty and injustice.

For the adventurous 18-25 year old there is the new Platform 2 programme from DfID through Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC. Details are on  www.myplatform2.com You may be eligible for a free government funded life changing experience in a developing country such as Ghana, South Africa, India or Peru. This is a fantastic one off opportunity aimed at those who would not otherwise be able to afford a gap year experience.

The trips are 10 weeks long, with a 1 week in-country orientation and then 9 weeks at the project. A three day residential follows return to the UK where we will help volunteers make sense of their experience and act on it through telling their story in creative ways in the UK to raise development awareness.

Typical projects include constructing community buildings, caring for and teaching children, building infrastructure at eco centres, and assisting in HIV clinics. The important thing is that they involve living among a local community, getting an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to that community, and then coming back inspired to tell your story back in the UK.

Closer to home there are organisations such as People and Planet and Oxfam Campaigns that you can get involved in.

Taster events coming up include:

Global Education Derby is always looking for young people to help out with a variety of tasks. If you have a few hours to spare, want/need to boost your cv, or just like the idea of giving something to the wider community then get in touch. We will be flexible in finding something to fit your interests and our needs - from helping organise events, to website maintenance and development, office tasks, or being an environmental monitor to organise the recycling and general greening of the Centre.

A new magazine on global issues for young people has just come out. Find out more about this magazine at  Bulb Magazine