EIL UK - Ireland

To pay or not to pay - that is the question.

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:06:24 +0000

Whether to pay-to-volunteer or volunteer-at-no-cost-to-yourself (or as the current debate puts it ‘paid or free volunteering’) – is a difficult and challenging debate and realistically there is no right or wrong answer – it is most definitely not ‘black and white.’

Some people want to travel abroad, to volunteer so they feel good about themselves – what is so wrong with that? Some people want to travel abroad to volunteer to give something back to society – again, what is so wrong with that? Some people want to travel abroad to volunteer because they have seen the injustices in the world and believe they can make a difference – same question?

Provided the individual or community, the beneficiary of the volunteer’s aid, is ‘benefiting’, why should it matter what the motives of the volunteer are?

The bigger question has to be – how can you, the volunteer, be sure that the aid you are providing by volunteering is truly beneficial at the grass roots to the people who need it?

There is, maybe an urban myth, the story of the volunteer project where groups of volunteers built a bridge for the (grateful) locals to use. When the volunteers went home, the bridge was knocked down so the next group of volunteers could ‘build a bridge for the (still grateful) locals to use’. This particular ‘story’ may or may not be true, but there are defiantly projects which are ‘man-made’ either to generate money for unscrupulous people, and/or to salve the conscience of gullible Westerners.

If you are considering volunteering abroad, (and why is this deemed more worthy than volunteering in your own country?), there are many things you need to consider – cost to you; your own personal health, safety and security; your skills and abilities; your personal capacity to cope with the culture shock; and how you will be helping, amongst others.

At this stage I must admit – I am somewhat biased, as I work for a UK based not-for-profit charity providing programmes of volunteer work around the world. And, yes, if you travel with us it will cost you money to do so. (The charity side is that we also provide sponsorship to assist people who wish to volunteer, but who would not be able to afford to do so without some assistance.)

We work with an international network of in-country partner organisations that assess each project that volunteers are sent to, to ensure that it is a valid and genuine project, providing aid which is truly needed.

Included in our costs are accommodation costs. If you volunteer for an organisation and expect them to house and feed you for nothing, you may as well not bother – you may be giving your time and help, but you are taking their, often limited, resources to look after you. It is not possible to house and feed somebody for ‘free’.

Almost any project you work at will have some degree of ‘administration’ to deal with, because you are there – this costs the project money. Likewise with training, at some stage somebody from the project will need to spend time with you, showing you where things are, how things are done or what needs doing. This may not actually ‘cost’ the project anything, but it takes that person away from the work they would be doing if you were not there. For projects with greater ‘skill’ needs they may actually need to invest in some form of ‘training’ for you, and however long you are volunteering for, this process will have to be repeated with every new volunteer who arrives at the project.

By volunteering through a reputable volunteer organisation, you get in-country support, for the times when things don’t work out as well as you might hope – the times you are taken ill, mugged, lose your belongings or even just don’t like the project you are placed in. There will always be someone available to assist you. Similarly, if something goes wrong at home – the sending organisation will always be able to get a message to you through the partnership.

As a sending organisation we would NEVER send an individual to volunteer at a project where there are vulnerable people without carrying out a Criminal Records check before departure. (I know Criminal Records are not by any means the be-all-and-end-all in terms of reassurance, but it provides a degree more than just arriving off the street to volunteer at the local orphanage.) We also interview prospective volunteers before departure.

The paid-for versus free volunteering debate will rattle on for ever, as I said at the start, there is no right or wrong answer either way, but it comes down to horses-for-courses. If you feel you want the reassurance of having a sending organisation – don’t be bullied into feeling that is wrong – you are not necessarily being screwed-over, provided you check out the organisation before you hand over your money to them. If you decide you are able to go-it-alone, that is great too, just take care of yourself and ensure that you check out that the organisation you are volunteering with is truly servicing the needs of the local community.

Which ever route you choose (and whatever your motive may be) do not lose sight of the fact that there is an individual or community in need of aid and they need to benefit, not suffer, by your intervention.

I have included below, in no particular order, some links which are very relevant to this debate and which you should see if you are thinking about volunteering abroad. (I am sure there are many others worth viewing too)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

http://networkedblogs.com/bfLme

http://almostfearless.com/2010/11/17/should-you-pay-to-volunteer-abroad/

Time is running out for Vodafone applications!

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:08:24 +0000

There are only 3 days left to get your application in for the Vodafone World of Difference grant. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others.

Visit http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/ for information and ideas and get applying!

Only 16 days left!

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:33:35 +0000

Don't forget that the closing date to apply for a Vodafone Volunteering grant is June 17th. See http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/international.html for more information and donate yourself to charity!

How (not) to do Gap Year?

Ann — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:29:01 +0000

If you are thinking of doing a Gap Year have a look at these videos for ideas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKFjWR7X5dU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNz-P5WMQ8w

Then if still feel the experience is for you, visit http://www.gogapyear.com/ for better advice and help.

Get paid for stories from abroad

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:08:30 +0000

Are you working, volunteering or studying abroad for 10 weeks or more?

The Glimpse Correspondents Program is for talented writers and photographers with a passion for storytelling and a knack for finding truly unique stories. The program is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 36 who will be working, volunteering, or studying outside of their home country for at least 10 weeks.

Apply to receive a stipend, a professional editor, career training and guaranteed publication.

http://glimpse.org/correspondents/

Also available the Glimpse/HTH Worldwide Health Correspondent

http://glimpse.org/correspondents/specialized/

Deadline for applications July 15^th 2010

May Newsletter from EIL

Fri, 14 May 2010 11:41:48 +0000

The May Edition of the newsletter from EIL features articles about Safer Travel, Vodafone Grant, Volunteering in Morocco, Charitable donation, Chile Earthquake programme and new Medical and Helath programmes.

Read the newsletter .

If you would like to receive a copy of future newsletters from EIL, please contact us and let us know. info@eiluk.org

Volunteer Ireland

Piers Meynell — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:23:57 +0000

Travel Abroad

Volunteer Abroad

Ireland

Annika Martin is a volunteer from Germany spending 8 weeks working in Cork, Ireland at a care home that supports people with disabilities. In this video she tells us why she chose to spend her time off volunteering and explains how she's helping the centre. Fiona O'Riordan, the volunteer and activities organiser at the care home, then offers some more in more depth background information about the centre and the range of volunteering opportunities with them.

Cheshire home

St Laurence

care

health

residential

disability

Anna's account of her time at Leades House

Piers Meynell — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:24:03 +0000

Anna Karras from the US volunteered for 8 weeks at Leades House, an environmental project in Ireland:

I spent a total of two months at Leades House. I had some expectations and the program exceeded all of them! Leades House has a welcoming community of farmers, locals, and animals. It is a very hands on place. If you want to try something, Colin, the coordinator, will make sure you get a chance. For example, I wanted to milk a cow, and I got to try on my first day! You can take on as much responsibility on the farm as you would like. I will always remember my experience in Ireland. I learned a lot about myself; I learned I can do pretty much anything if I put my mind and body to it. Farming is tough, really tough! You have to be willing to get dirty and try new things or you will miss out on incredible experiences that you can get nowhere else. I will keep my days at Leades House very close to my heart. I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. You bond through farming and hard work. I recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for something different.

Anna

Travel Abroad

Volunteer Abroad

Ireland

Leades House

farming

agriculture

enviroment

Homestay day trip in the Comeragh Mountains

Piers Meynell — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:16:41 +0000

Margaret Walsh, EIL Local Coordinator in Tramore talks about a day trip she organised for 3 particpants currently in Ireland on a homestay programme in her community. Margaret met up with Paul and Thomas from France and Cornelia from Germany and they set off to explore Mahon falls in the heart of the Comeragh mountains:

Saturday 9th of August, despite the rain I was looking forward to the trip up to Mahon Falls one of my favourite places to visit. I collected Tomas and Cornelia first at Junes house and then collected Paul from Colette. We travelled out to Mahon Falls it was only around 10.00am so I was hoping that it would not be that busy. It was perfect no one there all we had for company was alot of sheep with blue splashed all over their coats which caused some amusement. The rain lifted while we were there so plenty of fresh air was had by all. Tomas and Paul enjoyed climbing a little to enjoy the views, Cornelia took in the sights and was busy with her camera. Its so peaceful out there and the views are of completely uninterrupted countryside. On our way back to the car we were delighted to be joined by an unexpected friend, our little goat nearly walked us the whole way to the car until he took a shine to another group. It was getting busy by the time we left.

Off we headed back towards Tramore and continued on out to Annestown beach. Its a lovely small beach a short distance outside of Tramore, all the exercise gave us an appetite so we had our lunch there. Paul, Tomas and Cornelia were full of energy then so they walked along the cliffs overlooking the beach. We decided to pop downto have a quick look at Dunhill Castle, there was already a big tour of students there, there are steep steps going up to the castle so we were out of breath slightly when we got to the top (or maybe that was just me). I dropped everyone home then and I hope they enjoyed their outing in Co Waterford.

Travel Abroad

Volunteer Abroad

Ireland

project staff

homestay

Tramore

excursion