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Transforming lives through volunteer travel

Thu, August 25, 2022 7:35 AM | Anonymous

Impact on Communities

Transforming lives through volunteer travel

By: Camps International

Over the past few years, life has been disrupted for everyone in ways that were unimaginable However, as the world opens up there are many reasons to be optimistic that we can start making plans for our next long-awaited adventure and learn to adapt to our new normal.

The ripple effects of Covid-19 have reached every corner of the world, but nowhere is this more keenly felt than in developing countries, where employment is the only pathway out of poverty and sustainable tourism provides essential opportunities for cultural preservation and conservation. Previously struggling communities that rely on the physical presence and support of international volunteers, as well as the economic benefits that come with them are now facing the added burden of extended periods of unemployment, lack of essential project progress such as school builds and sanitation, and the interaction, exchange of ideas and wellbeing derived from working with a diverse team of young volunteers. This has inevitably resulted in driving some people deeper into poverty and globally there has been an increase in dangerous and environmentally damaging practices like logging and poaching.


“This is why volunteering, if done in the right way, has never been more needed or meaningful.”

Travelling overseas, living and working alongside local communities, building equitable relationships based on mutual respect and trust, sharing ideas and building a strong global community are just some of the incredible benefits that empower volunteers and their host partners. But volunteering should provide even more than that. It’s an opportunity for individuals to really create lasting positive change, by working together to develop capacity and protect the environment according to local needs for generations to come.


Thinking of volunteer travel with your school?

If you are thinking about offering your students the opportunity to play their part, or you yourself want to make a difference, here are some tips for finding the right volunteering provider:

  •     Research - make sure that you thoroughly research potential organisations and ensure that they are operating in an ethical and sustainable way.
  •     Impact - ensure that they have a strategic, long-term plan in place for creating positive change and that this is designed to deliver maximum benefits to the host communities and not just their commercial endeavours.
  •     Collaboration - do they work in an equitable way with their host communities or do they simply offer ‘help’?
  •    Evidence - many companies claim to be ethical but struggle to back up their statements. Make sure that there are proper procedures in place for measuring their positive (and negative) impact and that they can provide information on this. Check for external accreditations and endorsements.
  •     Ask questions - Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you are unsure about or would like further clarification. Ethical companies should always be forthcoming with information so you can make an informed decision.



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