About Us

Home
>
About Us

The Indigenous projects undertaken in Latin America simply would not function without volunteer money, it’s as simple as that. Without the physical presence of the volunteers, or the money generated through GVI invested into the projects, almost 2,000 children would not receive the education they are receiving from the volunteers, nor would they receive fruit, school materials, food, celebrate birthdays, or even be at school. Nor would around 50 locals in the countries we work in be employed, directly or indirectly, without the GVI volunteers.

Dominic Williams, Phoenix Project Director, Central America, 2006

Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies, through volunteering opportunities and direct funding.

GVI is guided by a unique commitment to its volunteers and to its partners. To the volunteer it offers safe, responsible travel experiences, exceptional training and career development opportunities, and facilitates the ability to make a real difference. To its partners it commits all research ownership rights and all work is undertaken fully under their direction, in conjunction with the local community. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with over 150 project partners in over 30 countries, provides opportunities for volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. International partners include the South African National Parks Board, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, Rainforest Concern and Kenyan Wildlife Service. In 2007, 70% of all volunteer contributions received were spent directly in field.

GVI sends over 2,000 volunteers away every year to aid-reliant projects worldwide
GVI volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world
Qualifying international charities, non-profit organisations and governmental agencies are eligible for GVI’s services free of any charge
GVI’s mission is to offer qualifying projects the necessary financial and volunteer assistance required to achieve their goals in conservation and community development. The projects research rights and successes remain with the organisations we support
GVI staff members are of the highest calibre, from the office personnel to the staff in the field. Expedition staff are fully trained as full-time members of the GVI team. GVI does not use the services of contract personnel, short term workers or part time leaders on expeditions.
GVI’s UK office personnel visit expeditions and projects regularly to ensure that safety protocols are maintained, project goals are kept in focus, volunteers are enjoying their experiences, and to develop new, exciting and fulfilling volunteer opportunities. By visiting the expeditions and projects personally the office staff can provide the most accurate and up to date information possible to potential volunteers
GVI is one of the most well respected and prominent international volunteering organisations in the UK, USA and Australia. GVI volunteering opportunities have been featured in various international newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, Geographical Magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Mail, Virgin Blue Voyeur Magazine and various international television programmes, including a six part series on the Sky Travel channel and BBC's Holiday
GVI has been chosen to work alongside some of the most prominent community development and conservation organisations in the world, including The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Rainforest Concern, The Jane Goodall Institute, South African National Parks and the Mexican National Parks Board, amongst many others.

What Next?