Written by Musufing Ceesay

At People and Places, we celebrate and highlight the experience and wisdom that all our volunteers bring to community partnerships around the world. The diversity of our volunteers and their openness to expand their skills to a responsible volunteering framework, is even more inspiring. This has undoubtedly had a positive and lasting influence on our partner projects.

We ask for experience, knowledge and skills that match the needs of our partner projects, that doesn’t specify an age group. Over the years, the majority of our volunteers have been in the 40 to 80 years age bracket. This doesn’t mean that we don’t welcome younger volunteers, which indeed, we have.

From high school student enquiries, recent graduates to early‑career professionals, these younger participants are bringing fresh energy, digital skills, and new perspectives to the same values of responsible volunteering that guide us.

They’re adding their massive quota, contributing their own creativity and adaptability — proving that meaningful travel and ethical engagement aren’t defined by age, but by intention.

Ellie in her mid 20’s volunteered at No Woman Left Behind, Gambia, in 2022, she worked on developing a business plan with the president of the association. Kate, then aged 20, volunteered with Mary’s Little Lambs, Gambia to work with local teachers and lifeguards on a safe swimming programme. Last year Mateo aged 20 and and Luke 18 volunteered at TREAK Cambodia. to develop a sports programme. Luke was introduced to us by Paul a volunteer in his 60s who as a senior educator shared his education management skills with the principal at Treak. Next year, we have a new volunteer who is currently 19 years old, who will be volunteering in Morocco on our education development programme.

Most of these young people came through links and recommendations from previous people who have contributed their time and skills with us.

We are privileged to have them onboard and welcome other young people, considering volunteering under a responsible volunteering banner.

Together, our volunteers — young and not‑so‑young — are building bridges and enhancing the capacity of our partner projects across generations, cultures, and experiences. And that’s exactly what People and Places stands for – Volunteering Across Generations.

If you would like a no strings chat about how you might like to volunteer with People and Places please contact Musufing@travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk