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Volunteer? Why long-term placement will nibh push euismod you far outside your zone. LoremAipsum doloroverseas sit amet,volunteering elit, sed diam nonummy tincidunt utcomfort laoreet dolore You’ll be challenged to explore build on existing skills and learntation new ones, magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisiyour enimpotential, ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci developsuscipit confidence independence and learn about a different culture, whilst having a ullamcorper nisl and ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequa. positive impact in your project. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu By feugiat sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum. immersing yourself in a community overseas you’ll learn nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio Mirum est notare quam gothica, quam #4 about cultures, languages, religions, foodslittera and lifestyles and your potential.luptatum zzril delenit dignissim quiexplore blandit praesent nunc putamus parum claram, anteposuerit completely different to what you’re used to. At the same time augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. litterarum humanitatis pertoseacula you’ll apply your energy, formas talents and existing skills engage quarta decima et quinta decima. in an exchange of mutual benefit with the community you’re and learn new ones. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option working in. congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat Mirum littera facer possim assum. Typi non habent claritatem insitam; Whilst you’re • young you est havenotare a relative quam lack of ties and legentis and confidence. est usus in iis qui facit eorum claritatem. responsibilities, giving you the time to commit to a long• Nam liber tempor cum soluta Investigationes demonstraverunt lectores legere me lius term project. If you’re ready for something different to formal quod ii legunt saepius. education, a year’s volunteering can easily fit in with you future • Typi non habent claritatem • Challenge yourself • Build on existing skills • Develop your independence • Have a positive impact in your host community. aspirations, and will help you along the way whether you nonorhabent claritatem littera Mirum est notare quam littera gothica, quam nuncwant to study•atTypi university find employment. By developing putamus parum claram, anteposuerit litterarum formas leadership, organisational and communication skills, to name and a different way of life. • Mirum est cum soluta just a few, you’ll stand out amongst the crowd and open the humanitatis per seacula quarta decima et quinta decima. • Learn about a new culture • Ut wisi enim ad minim door to a whole world of opportunities. #thisisprojecttrust #thisisprojecttrust #dominicanrepublic republic #dominican #joe #joe #5 Why PROJECT TRUST? Project Trust is the oldest organisation specialising in voluntary placements for school-leavers. We have almost 50 years experience of selecting, training and supporting young people through 12 months of work and adventure overseas. • a wealth of EXPERIENCE #6 We have been around since the 1960s. • rigorous selection process We take the time to get to know you. • comprehensive training before you embark on your year. • three tier support system while you are overseas. • sustainable & ethical projects • gain a qualification • registered charity Our week-long selection process allows us to make well-informed decisions on whether we have a suitable project for each candidate, and allows candidates to decide whether Project Trust is the right organisation for them to volunteer with. We only send 300 school-leavers overseas each year, allowing the volunteers to get to know our staff team on a personal level. Through our staff’s knowledge of each individual volunteer, our intensive pre-departure training course and our three-tier support system, our volunteers head overseas with the confidence that they are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, with any assistance they need easily available. When volunteers return from their year overseas they attend a debriefing course and join Project Trust’s network of almost 7,000 Returned Volunteers. #thisisprojecttrust #malaysia #helena #7 What Whatcan cani do? i do? LoremProject ipsum Trust’s dolor sitoverseas amet, elit, sed diam euismod tincidunt programme is nonummy designed nibh to offer as much variety ut as laoreet possibledolore to suit magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation different peoples’ skills and interests. The differences between a volunteering role, country and ullamcorper aliquip ex ea commodo consequa. specificsuscipit project nisl makeutevery placement unique, and that’s before you’ve had the opportunity to get in thereteaching and make the year your own. teaching with journalism primary school Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option #8 vulputate PREvelit SCHOOL tesol English to Speakers of Other Languages) esse moletie consequat, vel illum congue nihil(Teaching imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat with initiative, enthusiasm and boundless a native,assum. or proficient, English speaker you are in an excellent doloreVolunteers eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et facerAspossim energyetare required accumsan iusto odio.to assist pre school aged children in position to pass on your knowledge to students for whom laying sound foundations for a life of learning. secondary school teaching primary school teaching Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option English language skills can represent a real opportunity to help social care & medical build a promising future for themselves. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu Do you have bags of enthusiasm and plenty of patience? social care & medical congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim nulla facilisis vero eros et accumsan et iusto We’re looking for volunteers with good communicationfeugiat These projects are at incredibly varied and volunteers work placerat facer possim assum. Typi non habent odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril skills as well as lots of energy and imagination to work in directly with children, teenagers and adults who face many claritatem insitam. delenit. primary schools across the world. challenges in their daily lives. tesolsecondary school teaching outward bound outward bound If youtempor have been particularly successful during your time you are fit, active and love the outdoors, check out our Nam liber cum soluta nobis eleifend option NamIf liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option in secondary schooldoming in ICT, Maths or Science, Outward projects. You will be involved in running congue nihil imperdiet id quod mazimyou can congue nihilBound imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat use your natural flair to deliver dynamic and interesting for people of all ages and backgrounds and one of placerat facer possim assum. Typi non habent facercourses possim assum. lessons at our secondary school projects. your main goals will be to improve the self-confidence of the claritatem insitam. participants as well as encouraging teamwork and trust. #thisisprojecttrust #thisisprojecttrust #ghana #ghana #karina #karina #9 We expect our volunteers to throw themselves into their work, constantly looking for ways to maximise their positive impact and really make the most of their time overseas by fulfilling their role at their placement, as well as setting up secondary projects like art clubs, sports teams or English tuition groups. Where can i go? (and how long can I go for?) #10 Our 12 month programme is available in all countries and covers all types of project. There is also the option of an eight month placement in a few of the countries. Particip8, our eight month programme has evolved directly through volunteer demand. Increasingly, volunteers have university interviews in the autumn term, perhaps music or drama auditions or choose to receive their exam results before applying for university. The variety of countries and projects available on Particip8 is limited, however we endeavour to offer the same high quality of service and support throughout. Timescales 12 Months particip8* Selection Training Departure Debriefing Apr - Dec 2015 June - July 2016 Aug - Sept 2016 Aug 2017 Apr 2015 - Feb 2016 Nov/Dec 2016 Jan 2017 Aug 2017 * Particip8 is the snappy name for our eight month programme. Most of the country programmes shown on the maps are likely to continue running in 2016/17, but at the time this booklet went to press all the projects for 2015/16 had not been finalised. We are always looking at extending our programme so watch out for new countries on our website. Project Trust cannot guarantee that every one of these countries will be available for 2016/17. For the latest information regarding our programme, please visit our website. www.projecttrust.org.uk TE SO PR L IM SE ARY CO TE SO NDA ACH CIA RY ING OU L CA TEA TW RE CH ING PA ARD RT B ICI OU P8 ND #asiA cambodia china hong kong india japan malaysia nepal sri lanka thailand #11 TE SO PR L IM SE ARY CO TE SO NDA ACH CIA RY ING OU L CA TEA TW RE CH ING PA ARD RT B ICI OU P8 ND #12 #Americas chile dominican republic guyana honduras peru (You can get more country information and pictures at www.projecttrust.org.uk) PR ES TE CHO SO OL PR L IM SE ARY CO TE SO NDA ACH CIA RY ING OU L CA TEA TW RE CH ING PA ARD RT B ICI OU P8 ND #AFRICA BOTSWANA GHANA MALAWI NAMIBIA SENEGAL SOUTH AFRICA SWAZILAND ZAMBIA * * One Pre School project in Namibia is suited to volunteers with an interest in Journalism, you can find out more on your selection course. #13 the volunteer journey #1 selection We are here > BONNIE SCOTLAND Volunteering with Project Trust is a journey of discovery, and the first part of that journey is making your way to our home on the Isle of Coll for Selection. #14 Project Trust’s Selection Courses last for four days. Volunteering for a year is a massive commitment, and spending a week on Coll gives you the chance to get to know Project Trust as an organisation, and gives us enough time to make an informed decision as to whether you would be suitable for a long-term voluntary placement. For your stay on Coll you’ll live with a host family, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the community of the island. People on Coll have been hosting volunteers for up to 30 years, and take great pride in the island’s hospitable, welcoming culture. Throughout the week you’ll take part in a range of activities including group tasks, community volunteering, interviews, giving a presentation and teaching a lesson. The activities throughout the week are designed to give all the candidates a chance to demonstrate their different strengths, allowing us to match their skills to the requirements of host partners and communities. During Selection you’ll receive presentations about all the countries we send volunteers to, and you’ll have the chance to speak to members of staff responsible for coordinating our country programmes to help you make a decision about where you might like to volunteer. #thisisprojecttrust #beachcleaning #isle of coll #15 BOOKING ONTO SELECTION #16 We advise you to book early, as selection courses fill up very quickly, especially in school holidays, so as soon as you’ve made the decision to come up, go to our website and book on. We ask for a deposit of £150 to confirm your place on a course and this can be paid either by cheque, by credit or debit card over the phone or online via our website. This selection deposit is non-refundable and guarantees your place on your chosen course and covers your return ferry tickets from Oban and your food and accommodation on the Isle of Coll. It also counts towards your final fundraising total for your placement overseas. The actual costs for each individual to attend selection on the Isle of Coll are greater than £150 but Project Trust covers the additional costs through its own fundraising efforts. The full amount of £150 will be credited to your final fundraising total if you are selected. book now! www.projecttrust.org.uk/selection SELECTION COURSES 2015 Monday 6 - Friday 10 April Monday 13 - Friday 17 April Monday 25 - Friday 29 May Monday 8 - Friday 12 June Monday 27 - Friday 31 July Saturday 1 - Wednesday 5 August Monday 10 - Friday 14 August Monday 17 - Friday 21 August Monday 14 - Friday 18 September Monday 21 - Friday 25 September Monday 5 - Friday 9 October Monday 12 - Friday 16 October Monday 19 - Friday 23 October Tuesday 27 - Friday 31 October Tuesday 3 - Friday 7 November Tuesday 24 - Friday 28 November Tuesday 8 - Friday 12 December These dates could be subject to change, please check our website for latest info. good to know... #education On average, we are able to offer around 80% of candidates a place overseas. Even those who are not offered a place overseas tell us how much they have learnt about themselves over these four days, and we are happy to provide verbal feedback to parents or teachers of applicants we cannot place. By the end of your Selection Course, you will have successfully completed your first unit of the One Awards Foundation Year in Global Volunteering and Citizenship. The amount of volunteers on each Selection course varies depending on the time of year, but you’ll be on Coll with between 12 and 40 other like-minded young people from the UK and Europe, and we look forward to welcoming you all to the island. You will have started to explore what Global Citizenship actually is and how to maximise the benefit of your year overseas. You will also develop an understanding of the preparation needed to complete a successful placement as a volunteer. 87 % of 13/14 volunteers found the Project Trust experience to be useful for their educational development. #17 in atinthe sheep end... at the sheep end... PICTURE OF ROBBIE Robbie CraigRobbie is currently in Honduras, looks back Craigvolunteering is currently volunteering inhe Honduras, he looks back to the beginnings his volunteer journey on Selection... to theofbeginnings of his volunteer journey on Selection... #18 I chose to volunteer with Project Trust because I I choseto totry volunteer with Project Trust because wanted something different and have Ia totally wanted to try something different and have a totally new experience. I wanted a break from formal new experience. I wanted a break from formal education and wanted to do something productive wanted to do something ineducation that time,and including learning a newproductive language and in that time, including learning a new language and meeting new people. meeting new people. On Selection we did a whole range of activities: On Selection we did a whole range of activities: there was a mixture of group tasks, talks on all there was a mixture of group tasks, talks on all of ofthe thedifferent different projects available and outdoor projects available and outdoor activities. activities. For one of the days we all got split into For one of the days we all got split into pairs and pairs were tothe doisland. around the island. wereand given workgiven to dowork around Volunteers Volunteers were doing all sorts of things were doing all sorts of things including workincluding in the work in the community centrepeople and helping people community centre and helping gardening. gardening. My job was slightly different: My job was slightly different: IIspent chasing twotwo straystray sheep spentananhour hour chasing around field! a field! sheepaaround Staying with a host family on Coll was a great Staying with a host onmuch Coll was a greatinto the deep experience. I wasfamily pretty thrown experience. I was pretty much thrown into thefront deep door end: I was dropped off, went up to the end: I was dropped off, went up to the front door and all and immediately had four small boys climbing immediately had four small boys climbing all over over me. I really enjoyed my time at my host family me. I really enjoyed my time at my host family and and it helped me to realise that I wanted a least part it helped me to realise that I wanted a least part of of my project to be working with younger children. my project to be working with younger children. You You get to learn a lot about Coll and what life is like get to learn a lot about Coll and what life is like there there by spending evenings with the host family, by spending evenings with the host family, which is which is really interesting. really interesting. Collisispretty pretty different anywhere I’veand been, Coll different fromfrom anywhere I’ve been, and the zero phone signal was a bit of a shock the zero phone signal was a bit of a shock at first. at first. But after week you get towhat understand But after a week youa get to understand it’s like what it’s like to live there, and again it helped to live there, and again it helped me to realise that I me to to realise wanted to be putrural, in a as project wanted be putthat in a Iproject somewhere I somewhere I thought I could make a thought I couldrural, make as a bigger impact and become bigger impactinand more immersed in more immersed the become community. the community. out b a t s o m t u o d eynejodyemost ab et a I g n i o h j t n e e tea ehthing I was gtientgtintogmtoeem ThT tiownas get mll all c o r le f e S le n a p o i o t e m c o p Sele uofp pofeople fr and o r g w e p n u o le r olehonew g K, ppeleopmleymaygeaagned whw hUeKU, peo t r e tghing v o e e m h t n a i s r h t e h ove e t too d thoe sam ll the #19 g n i d k o o t o l g ll n i a all look ettintogmtoeemteaellt tahe well G s ng . i a e t ll t e t m e w a s e G s a r . a e g t m s as taifsfgirea s f t f s a u t r s T t s t c u ahte the h t w t w a ojercotjeTr o h n w PrP k w u leytosuykono t s i e le s t u i owho a d h e c n s e w a t d u n o a becbau b t a u aills allbo n o s i i t be a n o s o t e i i t b n g a a o n s t i i g o r n g o g a n i g e or harteagro t a e h r t a e r le a p o enrt.eer. e u t l o n thethpeeoppele v u l o a v s a ous ygouya n i g t n r i o t p r o p p u s p u s the volunteer journey #2 FUNDRAISING #20 The cost of a year overseas with Project Trust is met through the fundraising efforts of Project Trust, you and your fellow volunteers. You may have some experience of fundraising, but if not, don’t worry... Thousands of volunteers have been in your situation and managed to raise the funds. On the selection course we run a fundraising workshop to help you plan your fundraising. Plus, we will give you a comprehensive fundraising advice pack, and we have a dedicated support team to help you reach your target. Furthermore, we hold fundraising meetings up and down the country for you and your parents. Most volunteers are surprised by the response to their fundraising efforts and many raise more than the sum required and find the challenge enjoyable. Very few volunteers have problems and if they do, they are assisted by Project Trust’s fundraising team. As a small charity, Project Trust relies upon the fundraising efforts of all our volunteers to ensure that we continue to provide a fulfilling year out experience. We may consider you for bursary assistance, but only if you have shown a real commitment to raising funds since selection or if your fundraising has been put off course by unexpected challenges. The actual cost of sending each volunteer overseas is closer to £7,000 but Project Trust raises the additional funds for each volunteer. #fundraising targets for 2016/17 6,200 £5,500 £ for 12 months overseas... for eight months overseas... WHAT’S COVERED? Your fundraising covers the cost of most of your year overseas, including... • return flights • medical insurance • 4 day selection course • 4 day training course • 2 day debriefing course • support overseas • Accommodation • food • pocket money Your personal expenses will obviously be covered by yourself. These are large sums of money but the experiences gained, skills learnt and friendships made will prove invaluable. #21 What information do I give my sponsors? Are there any additional costs? The Annual Report and our Fundraising Advice Pack provide a breakdown of where the money comes from and how it is spent. Volunteers generally make up a small appeal leaflet about themselves and use this to help with their fundraising. You will be expected to fund journeys from your home to Oban and back for selection, training and debriefing. Information on how to get the best deal to Oban can be found on our website. Project Trust pays for the cost of the ferry crossing to Coll. You will also need to pay for your own visa which could cost up to £250, your personal belongings insurance, your medical examination and inoculations, and equip yourself for the year with clothing. You might, for example, have to buy a sleeping bag or rucksack. What help and advice am I given? #22 An important part of the selection course is spent learning how to fundraise, where to start, and how to make the most of the support available. Once you have been selected we will send you a comprehensive Fundraising Advice Pack with ideas and information. In addition there is always a member of staff willing to give you help or advice over the telephone or by email. “Fundraising was half the fun. The excitement of telling people what you’ll be doing for a year and finding out about your country placement; people respond to this energy and enthusiasm. Reaching the target is one of the most rewarding experiences.” Sally, South Africa 2012/13 Throughout the year you will need some spending money (for your long holidays), around £1,000 would be an average sum, but this can vary depending upon which country you go to. Project Trust does not encourage you to take too much money overseas, this would be unfair on other members of the group and means that you might tend to live and travel at a standard not consistent with your role as a volunteer. Our Annual Accounts You can download copies of recent Project Trust Annual Reports from our website. good to know... #education When selection courses are over we will arrange a series of regional fundraising workshops for you and your parents. These will be run by experienced staff who aim to help you with ideas for fundraising events and offer encouragement. The skills gained from fundraising are invaluable. The fundraising unit enables you to develop a fundraising strategy. You will work on how to identify possible fundraising opportunities and supporters. A recent survey showed that the average parent contributes about £2,000 over the eighteen months of their involvement with Project Trust, which, when compared with the costs of a year at school or university was considered to be very good value. You will also learn how to accurately and openly record your financial donations as well as how to evaluate your fundraising. “Fundraising teaches you to ‘get up and go’, a great attitude to have when working and travelling which will allow you to get the most out of your year.” Rachel, Peru 2012/13 #23 tara’s thai dyeing Tara Nasse had a crafty idea to raise funds for her placement in Thailand.. #24 Fundraising makes volunteering with Project Trust a lot more special and you really feel like you’ve achieved something amazing even before you leave for your year overseas. It’s a lot of hard work, and sometimes I missed out on things in my social life and had to carefully balance fundraising and school work, but earning your year volunteering is so worth it, and my fundraising was really sociable and fun. As soon as I was accepted, I wrote a lot of letters to numerous charitable trusts and companies because I wanted to get started early and I knew it would take them time to get back to me. I raised over half my money selling home made products in school fayres, craft stalls and through friends. The main thing I was selling was tiedye t-shirts. I really enjoyed selling my tiedye because it was so flattering to see how much people loved it and were willing to buy multiple items from me to support my cause. I also did two open coffee mornings at my house with unlimited teas, coffee and cakes for any donation, which I found to be better than a set price because some people can be amazingly generous. Apart from that, I didn’t spend unnecessary money, took up all money making opportunities through babysitting or dog walking, and I sold a lot of my things on eBay and in car boot sales. Project Trust is very helpful and constantly send emails and letters for support or just to ask how things are going. This made sure that I was on track with my fundraising, and I knew that if I struggled Project Trust was only a phone call away. I felt so relieved when I reached my total, because when you start you can feel like it will take forever to raise the money. Through fundraising I’ve developed leadership, communication and organisational skills, which were essential in order for my ideas and events to go to plan and be a success. They are also skills which I will continue to develop whilst teaching in Thailand. #thisisprojecttrust #FUNDRAISING #PHOEBE #25 #26 the volunteer journey #3 TRAINING Before you head overseas to volunteer with Project Trust, you will attend a compulsory four-day Training course on the Isle of Coll. Training is designed to ensure you are prepared for your year overseas; prepared for the work you’ll be doing, the country you’ll be living and how to travel responsibly and keep yourself safe. We want you to be ready to deliver the maximum benefit to the community you’re volunteering in, and get the maximum benefit yourself from your year overseas. You’ll also receive training from your Desk Officer about the country and specific project you’ll be volunteering in. This will cover roles and responsibilities, cultural awareness and conduct. You’re going to be living with and working in a new community, so will need to know as much about it as possible before you arrive. You attend Training with the other volunteers who will be working in the same country as you, as well as one or two other country groups. It will be the first time you meet the volunteer you are paired with for the year, and is also a chance to get to know your Desk Officer, the member of staff responsible for the volunteers in your country. Obviously that is a lot to cover in four days, and Training is certainly intensive, both in terms of how many hours you work each day and how much you learn in a short space of time. But it is also fun, and you’ll form strong bonds with your country group, Desk Officer and volunteering partner. Unlike Selection you’ll be living in the dorm rooms at the Hebridean Centre, so you’ll have time in the evenings to socialise with your country group. By the final night you’ll be prepared to volunteer overseas, pretty tired, and more than ready for the end of course ceilidh! Throughout the week you’ll receive training focussed on the type of work you’ll be doing overseas, be it teaching, social care or outward bound. This training will be delivered by qualified and experienced members of staff to give you the best introduction possible to the role you’ll be working in. #27 #28 “Training gave me the confidence to know that my time abroad will be really demanding and full of surprises, but that I can cope with and enjoy the challenge.” Rory, Nepal 13/14 “Training really prepared me, and I came away full of answered questions. The sessions were informative and to the point. Our country group got to know each other and our Desk Officer really well and we felt like one big happy family by the end of the week.” Jennifer, Honduras 13/14 #education The Training unit allows you to develop the ability to effectively manage the personal, social, cultural and practical challenges you will face as a volunteer working overseas. It encourages you to develop relevant knowledge and skills and to apply these to your preparation as a volunteer in an overseas context. 89 % of 13/14 volunteers found the Project Trust experience useful for the their career development. #29 final finalpreparations preparations Zara Elmi, currently volunteering Zara Elmi, currently volunteeringininSenegal Senegallooks looksback backononher herTraining Trainingcourse... course... #30 Training gave meaanew new found found sense Before Training I was having somelast lastminute minute doubts Training gave me senseofofconfidenceBefore Training I was having some doubtsabout about going away. Learning more about our or or notnot a year overseas with Project Trust was really confidence about going away. Learning aboutwhether whether a year overseas with Project Trust projects work weand would doing there was really for me. What been justbeen an idea previously finally more aboutand ourthe projects thebe work for me.had What had just an idea was previously and excited me motivated about the positivewas finally becoming a reality.aWhen I was on Coll it was we really wouldmotivated be doing there really becoming reality. When I was on really Coll itnice was I could make at mypositive project. impact I felt more speak staff who hadwho spenthad a year away andimpact excited me about the I reallyto nice to to speak to staff spent a with yearProject away comfortable aboutmy lesson planning classroomwith Project Trust themselves, as they hadas good to give.advice It was to could make during time at my and project. Trust themselves, theyadvice had good after the workshops. It was also to hear how they how talkedthey about their year away with I feltmanagement more comfortable about lesson give. Itreassuring was reassuring to hear talked about their beneficial see how organised and how much year away such enthusiasm how muchand theyhow all enjoyed their time planning andtoclassroom management with such and enthusiasm much they all experience Project Trust has,Itaswas it definitely overseas. after the workshops we did. also made enjoyed their time overseas. me feel a lot more comfortable knowing I would beneficial to see how organised and a good support network The atmosphere at Training wasbrilliant. brilliant. It It is is so howhave much experience Projectoverseas. Trust has, The atmosphere at Training was soexciting excitingto meet lots like-minded people come from all over as it definitely made me feel a lot more to meet lots ofoflike-minded peoplewho who come from all the country. country. It’s lovely to be ableable to talk to people who comfortable knowing I would have a good over the It’s lovely to be to talk to people Learning more about our projects are sharing experiences as you support overseas. are sharingthe thesame same experiences as and youwho andreally who and network the work we would be doing who understand your hopes and fears for the next year in a way really understand your hopes and fears for the next year that your friends and family may not understand. There is a there really motivated and excitedin a way that your friends and family may not understand. Learning morethe about our projects real sense of community with the Project Trust volunteers, me about positive impact I There is a real sense of community with the Project which is recognisable before you even get to Coll andcould the work we would be doing there Trust something volunteers, something which is recognisable before make... by the groups of excited teenagers chatting away on the train really motivated and excited me about you even get to Coll by the groups of excited teenagers from Glasgow to Oban. the positive impact I could make... chatting away on the train from Glasgow to Oban. #thisisprojecttrust #thisisprojecttrust #senegal #senegal #zara #zara alwayslovely lovelytoto back is strange because ItItisisalways bebe back onon Coll.Coll. ItIt is strange because you time youyou were there and youyou youremember rememberthethelast last time were there and recognise have come and howhow much youyou have recognisehow howfarfaryou you have come and much have developed before youyou have even gone overseas. developedasasa aperson person before have even gone overseas. My and so so it was nicenice to return MySelection Selectionwas wasininDecember December and it was to return ininthe useuse ofof thethe lovely weather by by going thesummer summerand andmake make lovely weather going totothe during ourour free time. I know some thebeach beachforfora aswim swim during free time. I know some ofofthe onon CollColl willwill bebe justjust as as special as as thememories memoriesI Imade made special those abroad and I can’t wait forfor thoseIImake makeononmymyyear year abroad and I can’t wait Debriefing more. Debriefingtotomake makeeven even more. #31 the volunteer journey #4 overseas Your overseas voluntary placement is what all the trips to Coll and fundraising have been for – the chance to have the adventure of a lifetime living and working in a community in Africa, Asia or the Americas. #32 Your year overseas is unique and very much your own, giving you plenty of opportunity to make your mark on your project and use your initiative to benefit your host community. But you also have a good deal of support behind you should you need it. Every volunteer is placed with a Project Trust partner, another volunteer who you will live and work with. This means throughout the year you will be with someone on the same journey who can relate to your experiences. Project Trust’s Overseas Team use all the information gathered about volunteers on Selection to match volunteers with a partner. Whatever role you are selected for – teaching, social care or outward bound – you’ll be working hard whilst you are at your project. We expect our volunteers to throw themselves into their work, constantly looking for ways to maximise their positive impact and really make the most of their time overseas. But it isn’t all work, and you’ll have the same amount of holidays as a local person doing the same job as you. During your holidays you are free to explore the country you are based in, or neighbouring countries, and will no doubt return after a year with a long list of impressive and exciting sights seen and experiences lived. #thisisprojecttrust #ghana #eilidh #33 #34 #thisisprojecttrust #sri lanka #tom “I realise that we live in a global society and not just our home one. I believe people are born into their circumstances by pure chance and to be born with opportunities and privileges gives us a responsibility to give back to those who don’t have them.” Lucy, Cambodia 12/13 “I think my perspective has changed because my year abroad made me see many global issues from a different point of view. I now have a more varied view of the world and can appreciate different cultural views much more easily than I could before.” Hannah, Chile 12/13 #education The purpose of the Overseas unit is to allow you to maximise the gains in personal understanding and knowledge during a long term overseas volunteer placement. In particular it aims to develop your skills in the reflective analysis of the cultural and social structure of the area. You will carry out a community study to analyse your host community from your own perspective. 97 % of 13/14 volunteers had their perspective on global issues changed. #35 accion man... Dylan Howel reflects on a year growing up in Dominican Republic... #36 My project was in Santiago, a city in the north of Dominican Republic, working for a charity called Accion Callejera. The charity works with children at social risk, supporting their education, providing food and shelter, or just giving them a place of safety to relax. I was primarily an English teacher in the Accion Callejera outreach centres, but also helped out in the charity’s headquarters supporting kids with learning English, serving food and with extra-curricular activities like playing basketball. Being a teacher for the first time is a real learning curve. At the start you have to learn to control the class and show them that they can have fun but have to work as well, but once you have that understanding it just keeps getting better. When you plan lessons that are fun for you the kids enjoy it more, which in turn means you enjoy it even more. The kids we were working with came from very poor families who couldn’t afford to support them. The majority of the kids weren’t in school, and instead worked shining shoes. Because they were from very tough backgrounds they could be quite hostile to strangers and we really had to earn their respect, but I felt that once I had they really looked up to me as a role model. There was one child I taught English to from the start of the year, and we had a real connection. In the first lesson he knew absolutely no English, but by the end he was talking in basic sentences. That is obviously just a small thing but it really makes you proud to know you’ve made a significant positive impact on someone’s life. I felt for the first two months I was really trying to find my feet in Dominican Republic. It took me that long to feel able to communicate with people in the community in Spanish and to get my lessons working effectively. After that I still had plenty of time to really engage with the people and the culture. I made so many good friends I wouldn’t have met if I’d been in Dom Rep for any less time. #thisisprojecttrust #dominican republic #accion callejera I went to Dominican Republic to volunteer and to help, but I really feel like I gained a huge amount out of it as well. It’s changed me as a person: I’m more relaxed, I’m more confident in my decision making and I now know that wherever I am in the world I can connect with people no matter their background. When you’re young it takes a lot of bravery to take a big leap, to move away from the path of school – University – career that people expect you to take. If you do something like this it widens your horizons and makes you see there are different paths. It’s been a fantastic experience which has opened up the world for me, and I’ll see where I go from here... #37 the volunteer journey #5 debriefing Shortly after you return from volunteering overseas with Project Trust, you come back to Coll for a two day Debriefing course. #38 Debriefing is an extremely valuable course, which allows you to reflect on your experiences overseas and share your achievements individually and as a country group. You will also have the opportunity to provide structured feedback to Project Trust to allow us to improve our performance. The course also helps you look to the future. There are sessions on how to utilise the skills you’ve learned whilst volunteering, educational development and CV building, as well as ways which you can stay involved with Project Trust through school talks and Global Citizenship sessions. #thisisprojecttrust #debriefing #ceilidh good to know... #education Debriefing is not the end of your involvement with Project Trust – after this course you will join a network of 7,000 other Returned Volunteers. The purpose of this unit is to develop your ability to reflect on your volunteering placement. It aims to enable you to identify and utilise the skills and knowledge gained whilst overseas. However, Debriefing does mark the conclusion of an incredible year of your life, and as such the ceilidh at the end of the week is a celebration (and often a very emotional one) of all the incredible work our volunteers do overseas. You will evaluate the global issues you experienced during your volunteering placement and look to how you can use your knowledge and experience in the future to be an active global citizen. 93 % of 13/14 volunteers felt more equipped for a job interview. #39 debrief encounters Kevin Rodriguez, who recently returned from a year volunteering in Thailand shares his thoughts on Debriefing... #40 I think all the volunteers need to give themselves more credit. We’re 17-18 year-olds, going to live in different countries and different cultures and experiencing incredible situations at such a young age, and doing so much. Through Debriefing Project Trust gives us a chance to reflect on all our experiences. All the volunteers on Debriefing are bursting with colour and energy and there is a huge connection between everyone: we all understand each other and we all feel very grounded together. The volunteers arrive at Debriefing like bombs – we’ve got so much to say, so many memories to share, and we’re all in a rush to say everything. For me, like many volunteers, settling back into life at home was difficult. I’ve personally struggled with reverse culture shock, but working with the Project Trust staff over the past couple of days has been a great way for me to process everything I’ve been through so I can focus on what is next. One of the highlights of Debriefing is when volunteers share their community reports with each other. Community reports enable volunteers to analyse an aspect of their overseas’ experience; they can take the form of an essay, a fictional or less formal piece of writing, visual art – whatever you want to create which can present your thoughts. Of the ones I saw one of my favourites was a graphic novel about gender inequality in India. I was in shock at the incredible hidden talent that a lot of people had, and it was even more incredible seeing how living overseas for a year ignited a real passion for global issues in the volunteers. #kevin I’m from London, and before I volunteered with Project Trust I was certain that when I was older I wanted to stay in London, because I thought that was where all the good jobs and opportunities are. Through living in Thailand I’ve realised that the world is geographically big, but culturally much bigger, and it is incredible to know that you can live anywhere and have amazing experiences. I definitely don’t want to stay in London anymore. During Debriefing we get a chance to work with Project Trust staff to think about what we want to do next, and how we can use our experiences of volunteering and living overseas to achieve our goals. I really enjoy that Project Trust are so humble; they want your advice and feedback. The volunteers have a year’s worth of experience of living and working in their specific projects, so can provide a lot of information and suggest any improvements which may need to be made. #41 the one awards ACCREDITED PRGRAMME how can one help? Mollie Edwards is currently volunteering in Malawi. Her mum explained how before Mollie headed overseas she’d used the One Awards certificate she’ll gain for completing the Project Trust programme to secure a place on her dream university course: #42 “At an open day UEA teaching staff reassured us of their flexibility with these grades, and were enthusiastic about Mollie’s plan to volunteer with Project Trust, praising the benefits that such practical experience would bring to the table. “On receiving her grades, Mollie was initially rejected by UEA’s central admissions team, who said she’d need to sit more A Levels to improve her grades. We contacted UEA’s director of admissions, who after reading Mollie’s personal statement, including information about Project Trust’s One Awards certificate became a fantastic advocate for her cause. Thankfully the director of admissions, with the help of Project Trust and Mollie’s sixth form college, convinced the head of social sciences to accept Mollie’s application. “The director of admissions rang my mobile the following day, which Mollie answered to receive the amazing news - an unconditional offer for International Development starting in 2015. “We were all absolutely delighted, thrilled, relieved and so grateful for the support we had received. Mollie can now enjoy a year of volunteering with Project Trust, which will give her degree in International Development more relevancy and value when she returns.” “Project Trust has definitely made a difference to this young lady’s life” #thisisprojecttrust #malawi #irene #43 a parent’s perpective father & farther away... #44 In 2011/12 Oren Coleman volunteered with Project Trust as an Outward Bound instructor in South Africa. Whilst Oren was enjoying the adventure of a lifetime, his family was going through a different kind of journey. His Dad, Paul, describes how it feels when your child goes to work on the other side of the world: Day in, day out, year after year, your child follows you everywhere around the house. Then, suddenly it seems, he’s off on that Year Six one-week trip to the Isle of Wight - the first significant length of time he’s been away from Mum and Dad. But that supervised school trip seems like a picnic in the park compared to the daunting prospect of your precious offspring taking on a momentous solo volunteering placement in remote parts of a distant continent. You convince yourself he is doing the right thing by not going straight to university from school. “It will be a brilliant experience.” You admire his resolve, respect his decision. “This could be the making of the lad.” Quietly, you envy him. “We didn’t have gap years in my day. South Africa seems like one hell of a fine place.” And so, you hope your son will make the most of his year volunteering, and that he’ll return healthy and safe. A text arrives. “Dad, just landed in Jo’burg. Long flight via Nairobi. Off to Sedgefield now.” Where on earth is Sedgefield? A map shows a small Garden Route coastal town in the remote Western Cape. At the lad’s new home, there’s no landline. Mobile signals are non-existent. There’s only one internet café, several miles away in town. An irregular flow of texts, emails and social media postings tranquilises those parental anxieties. “Training going good.” “People fine, basic accommodation.” “Off to the beach.” And the food? “Dad, you should try biltong.” #oren Days away turn to weeks and months. He moves from workstation to workstation around this vast country. You dream your lad has accidentally killed a sheep, that he’s bungeed off a cliff, and woken up to find his tent eaten by some kind of Wildebeest. That he and a group of young rock-climbers have been chased off a cliff-face by a sudden, violent electrical storm. You wake up and remember all that did happen. But I don’t think I’ll worry his Mum and Grandma about these incidents. He gets a few weeks break from his Outward Bound responsibilities to enjoy time with new friends in lively Cape Town. A fuzzy live Skype conversation helps sort out student finance for the coming first year at university. And, as quick as a twelve-month flash, the year’s passed and he’s back home, getting ready to go to uni. “You were gone a long time, son. I thought you’d only gone round the corner to buy some milk.” Healthy, tanned, he happily recalls a plethora of adventures, experiences and newly acquired skills. #45 A maturing teenager therefore returns as a confident young man with an enhanced sense of responsibility, a wealth of new friends and personally fulfilled and enriched by his year in South Africa. So much so, that gap year might be more aptly re-titled ‘Accomplishment Year’. Having shed those initial parental anxieties, the whole family can be proud of the lad and his year volunteering. #46 #thisisprojecttrust #south africa #maya “Project Trust is a highly ethical charity that took time and effort to find out about me and my choices. I chose them because I felt they cared about their volunteers and projects. They’ve seen everything, and you couldn’t be in better hands. They offer a wide experience: it isn’t just one opportunity, it’s thousands. I know that now I have finished volunteering with Project Trust I’ve joined a larger family that I can be part of long after my year out.” Rosie, Malaysia 12/13 Photography Project Trust Volunteers & Staff Brochure Design [email protected] Printing CRC Colour Printers Ltd, Edinburgh Project Trust The Hebridean Centre | Isle of Coll | Argyll PA78 6TE Project Trust is a founder member of The Year Out Group www.yearoutgroup.org Tel 01879 230444 Email [email protected] Company Reg No 170673 Facebook /ProjectTrustVolunteers | Twitter /ProjectTrustUK Registered as a Charity in Scotland No SC025668www.projecttrust.org.uk #47 Challenge yourself, yourself, Challenge learn learnabout about the the world and be aapositive positiveforce force within it...
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