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Global Vision International (GVI) is an ethical volunteering organisation working in partnership with over 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects worldwide. With staff in 30 countries and thousands of ex-volunteers there are many different stories to tell. This news section gives a brief overview of how you can find out more about GVI, its work and its people, and gives you a sample of some clippings from the international press.
GVI LAUNCH PHILANTHROPIC FAMILY BREAKS
22 July 2008Ethical volunteering organization, Global Vision International (GVI), due to popular demand has opened up a selection of volunteering trips to families. The expeditions will offer families the chance to provide vital assistance on some of GVI’s community and conservation projects, while experiencing life in a different culture.
Previously, GVI only catered for volunteers over the age of eighteen, but after receiving enquiries from altruistic families wishing to volunteer together, GVI decided to open up their application process to family units too. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis, to ensure that parents can find the perfect volunteering adventure for their families.
GVI’s volunteering project in Nepal could provide the perfect opportunity for parents with older children to volunteer together, as teenagers are able to get involved teaching children in the Nepalese communities. Families with younger children however, may be more suited to a project such as GVI’s ‘Stoves’ project in Guatemala. Children as young as twelve will be able to work alongside their parents on this volunteer project, to build energy efficient stoves which are less damaging to the environment, cause less air pollution, and enable local parents to provide better meals for their children.
Chris Ash, GVI’s International Projects Director, says: “Volunteering provides families with an amazing opportunity to get together and take part in a unique and bonding experience. GVI volunteering opportunities are tailored to a family’s individual needs and we will be working hard to ensure that families are placed on projects where they can enjoy making a valuable contribution together.”
The trips will also give families the opportunity to take side trips and explore the local attractions and more of the local culture. Volunteer families in Guatemala, for example, are able to take a two day adventure trip to Lake Atitlan, where they can take part in numerous activities including kayaking and cycling as well as visiting a local volcano.
Chris continues: “Families volunteering in non-English speaking countries will also have the opportunity to learn a new language, which is particularly beneficial for younger children, who tend to pick up languages easily. Older children may find their time volunteering will benefit them in other ways, as they will pick up new skills that may help them boost their CV before their first job or improve their chance of getting onto a University course.”
