How Has Volunteering Abroad Changed Since Covid
Like many volunteer abroad organisations, the global 2020 pandemic hit hard. Our partner projects suffered the loss of income from volunteers that Vocational Impact has been sending for many years, which then impacted their budgets and ability to run.
The whole world ground to a halt from March 2020 onwards as Covid swept around the globe. Everything was cancelled, and Vocational Impact had to postpone all their volunteer programmes abroad. With some major volunteer abroad providers having to close their doors, Vocational Impact went into hibernation.
Volunteering abroad is a controversial subject, heavily criticised and complex. But How can volunteer abroad providers like Vocational Impact adapt to still offer award winning programmes to those wanting to give back and help international charities?
Redefining Volunteering Abroad
Like many, we have had to diversify. A February survey of 130 volunteer organisations and 239 international volunteers by the International Forum for Volunteering in Development found that the pandemic had spurred volunteer groups to offer more remote volunteering opportunities.
Vocational Impact has helped students still fulfil their ambitions to volunteer but through remote means. You can participate in our International Development Programme and Business Programme remotely, and we have successfully seen considerable impact for our partner organisations.
On a practical note, “voluntourism” is a practical way for people to gain experience in international development. Maia Gedde, author of Working in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance, says people hoping to start a career in the field “volunteer as a stepping stone to build skills, knowledge and networks to put them in a much stronger position when applying for humanitarian jobs in the future.”
Remote Volunteering
With access to the internet and a computer, amazing things can still be achieved, but from afar. We can work with respite centres in South Africa, supporting women and children back into their communities after suffering from the impact of HIV/AIDS.
You can work with organisations and their sustainability goals, helping them with everything from marketing to finance, policy development and CSR.
There are humanities and development opportunities in India, working with LGBT communities and supporting single mothers create business opportunities in the slums of Jaipur.
We currently have many remote volunteering opportunities available, so get in touch below.
