Youth-Focused “Voluntourism”
places are mentioned in this post!
Adults aren’t the only humans volunteering as they travel. Increasingly more and more young people are grabbing a hold of the advantages of eco-voluntourism as well. Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) is one of the organizations helping youth to get out there and make a difference.
SPW is, according to their motto, “The global leader in supporting young people to address the urgent health, education, and environmental issues which affect their lives, communities, and countries.” SPW’s youth-led programs reach more than 400,000 young people every single week (which is amazing) and their program is cited as an example of best practice by UNICEF, UNAIDS, and the World Bank because of their unique methodology.
The basics:
SPW functions in eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia; mobilizing young adults (ages 18-28) who are recruited by the program to serve as Volunteer Peer Educators (VPEs). This is kind of like the eco-peace corps for the younger set. VPEs get to live full time in These VPEs live rural communities for 6-12 months and are trained to lead health, environmental and education programs that will help to advance, protect, and educate the local community. Countries include India, Nepal, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Youth to youth education drives SPW’s methodology along with some unique interactive forms of education. Non-formal teachings, music, dance, drama, and more are used by SPW Volunteer Peer Educators to engage local children and youth in healthy living.
The program has no actual costs involved for volunteers but SPW does ask that all International Volunteers commit to raising a minimum of £3,600 (or equivalent in US$ AUS$ or €) before the trip which is basically an unrestricted donation which supports SPW in achieving its development aims.
Young people involved in the program should understand that part of being an SPW volunteer is living in the midst of the community you are working in. There are standard teachers’ accommodations, host families, or hostels depending on where you go. Conditions are basic and often be no running water or electricity.
While the program is hard work for volunteers this is also an incredible way to see the world while promoting health and eco-issues you believe in. Learn more about becoming a volunteer with Students Partnership Worldwide.