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Category: volunteering in the news

New Foreign Office advice – volunteering in orphanages

New Foreign Office advice – volunteering in orphanages

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Nobody doubts the good intention of the donors, travellers, and volunteers who give time or money to orphanages. It is natural and right to care about poor and vulnerable children, wherever they are in the world. But is this support part of the problem rather the solution? We have been advising volunteers about the risks and dangers of volunteering in orphanages for some years now. We are so pleased to see the recent initiative from The Foreign and Commonwealth Office…

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a new guide for turning good intentions into effective results

a new guide for turning good intentions into effective results

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We at people and places have been asked to advise on many volunteer guides in the past – here is one we can wholeheartedly recommend.  You can buy The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad direct from the publishers here. ‘The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad offers a powerful and transformative new approach to international volunteering. The “learning service” model helps volunteers embrace the learning side of their adventures—and discover how cultivating openness, humility, and a willingness to reflect can enhance…

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we need your teaching skills – and not only in schools

we need your teaching skills – and not only in schools

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Definition of teach: “cause (someone) to learn or understand something by example or experience.” Definition of skill: “The ability to do something well; expertise.” That’s what we are all about in all our volunteer projects {As an aside we are proud that our programme is a skills-share programme. However, we need to use the term “volunteer” because in this Google search age the vast majority of people use the word “volunteer” when they do their searches – not “skills-share”.} Many…

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calling all returned volunteers !

calling all returned volunteers !

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Our friends and colleagues at Learning Service would love to hear from as many returned volunteers as possible … please would you consider spending a few minute to share your info with them ? Our friends would love to hear from you if you have volunteered overseas … with us here at ‘people and places’, or with any other organisation! Please would you spare a few minutes to share your views in this survey ?

the cruel scams of ‘orphanage volunteering’

the cruel scams of ‘orphanage volunteering’

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Kate Stefanko interviewed by BBC1’s “Fake Britain” – about 35 minutes into the programme The programme was first aired in May 2014 and repeated again this morning … sadly, so much of the content is still relevant … and not only in Cambodia. The cruel scams of ‘orphanage volunteering’ are exposed – cruel to children & scamming naive & well-meaning volunteers ! at people and places we support organisations and projects which focus on keeping children in families check out childsafe  and…

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“gap years for grown ups” – the value of older volunteers

“gap years for grown ups” – the value of older volunteers

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“Highly skilled people … are looking for career break activities” writes Matthew Jenkin in today’s Guardian newspaper. At ‘people and places‘, we know that each volunteer has valuable skills to share – whatever their age. The key is to put the right people in the right places, and that’s something we work hard to achieve. As Sallie says in The Guardian article: “… older volunteers can bring huge value … they are generally more patient and better prepared for voluntary work, not only…

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orphanage volunteering – there is a better way

orphanage volunteering – there is a better way

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In November Sallie paid a flying visit to Bangkok to participate in an important child protection workshop. (and our local partner Paul from Calabash Tours in Port Elizabeth was there – so an additional treat!) Volunteering in orphanages is a hugely popular way for many to “give back” but child protection experts have been telling us for some years that there are many dangers in this well meaning practice. A whole “industry” – that would horrify well-meaning volunteers – has…

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should I volunteer abroad ?

should I volunteer abroad ?

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just re-read an article about ‘voluntourism’ (a word I do not like!) in the World Travel Guide … actually rather proud … “Kate Stefanko, Placement Director at People and Places, … thinks volunteering abroad can be beneficial to all concerned if it is done right. We believe that a carefully placed, thoroughly screened, well-prepared, skilled volunteer can – and does – have a positive impact,” says Stefanko.   “All volunteers through People and Places have to apply for a position. Then,…

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calling all volunteers – could you be one of the lucky winners?

calling all volunteers – could you be one of the lucky winners?

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Travelocity has re-launched its Travel For Good programme of grants, offering 3 lucky winners the opportunity to travel and volunteer, also promising to donate an amazing $10,000 to a charity of the winners’ choice … Just think what could be achieved for you, your project and your chosen charity …     “We’re sending three inspiring people on their dream voluntourism trips of a lifetime, and donating $10,000 to the charity of their choice.” And YOU could be one of…

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“orphanage volunteering” – NO !!!

“orphanage volunteering” – NO !!!

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astonishing … just as we clicked ‘publish’ on our previous post about “orphanage volunteering“ … we received the following enquiry about a placement: “Citizenship: United States Category: Volunteer Abroad Term: Winter Age: 34 Desired Program: Orphanages Duration: 2 weeks max this winter” We responded politely and fully, explaining why this is a BAD IDEA … Here are some of the links we sent: orphanage volunteering – the issues Cambodia campaign site Better Volunteering on FaceBook Better Child Protection on FaceBook…

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