NVSC

Global Xchange, an international volunteer exchange programme (which is a joint initiative between VSO and the British Council) will be running an exchange between Newham and the Philippines, beginning at the end of March this year.

This exciting 6-month programme brings highly motivated young people together to live and work in host communities in their own and another country.  Global Xchange is an opportunity for the volunteers and the communities in which they live and work to learn more about themselves and each other, develop a global perspective and work for positive change in a diverse world.  The programme aims to support the development of active global citizens and further cross-cultural understanding.

Volunteer Placements -  Volunteers are placed with organisations in pairs and we are looking for organisations with a real need for two or more volunteers, who could provide an effective and rewarding work placement for young people, where they can contribute positively to the community (for up to 4 days per week).  The theme of this exchange is peace-building and development and so we would be particularly keen to work with organisations who are working in this area (e.g. conflict resolution for young people), organisations working with refugees and migrant communities, and interfaith work.  We would also be keen to involve a cross-sector of the community, and so would be very pleased to hear from any organisation that could make effective use of two volunteers, where they would be able to make a real contribution to their work. If you think that Global Xchange volunteers could support the work of your organisation and you would be interested to find out more about the programme, we’d be very pleased to hear from you.

Host Homes – We are also looking for host homes (in or near the borough) who would be willing to accommodate the volunteers, which also enables the volunteers to learn more about life in the community.  Volunteers are placed in pairs (same gender – one from the UK and one from the Philippines) and do expect to share a room, so we are looking for people who have one spare room or more.  In return, we are able to offer hosts a weekly allowance of £85 (per pair) as a contribution towards the cost of food & accommodation, and two programme supervisor will be on hand to offer support whenever necessary.

If you would be interested to find out more about how you could get involved in the programme either as an organisation providing a volunteer placement or by becoming a host home, please get in touch with Victoria Fanthorpe on 07968 506145 or email  victoria.fanthorpe@vso.org.uk