VSO Programme

Kusuma believes that, for volunteers who can meet VSO's stringent requirements, working with VSO is a unique opportunity for active people of all ages to both contribute to international philanthropy and also bring back to Gibraltar their experience and insight gained from working in a developing country.

Kusuma Trust Gibraltar will be reviewing the programme in 2011 as well as introducing an alternate scheme 'Global Xchange' which is also organised by VSO.

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Volunteering is an exciting adventure and Kusuma is keen to promote this opportunity of a lifetime.

As a volunteer you are not only making a positive contribution to the host community in a developing country, but you are also gaining valuable perspective and insight into other cultures. Offering you the opportunity to learn about yourself too, it's an exciting and personally inspiring experience that allows you to develop memories and skills that will stay with you forever.

In order to facilitate volunteering for up to 2 Gibraltar individuals, Kusuma has teamed up with the world leader in international volunteering, VSO. VSO [Voluntary Services Overseas] is an international development charity with over 50 years of experience in the sector. In total VSO has placed over 33,000 volunteers. VSO currently work in 44 countries across Asia, America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Youth for Development Programme:
  If you are between 18 and 25 and are ready for a new experience, this program is for you! Selected volunteers will receive the opportunity to work in a developing country for 12 months. Ideally you would have already had some relevant work experience, but more importantly you will need to demonstrate a keen interest in development.
  
  
• Long-term volunteering for skilled professionals:
  If you have 3 or more years of professional, post-qualification experience, you are eligible to apply for the skilled volunteering program (candidates may between 18 and 75 years old ). Most countries also require an official qualification in order to issue a work visa. This program typically lasts for two years and will certainly change your life! VSO recruits volunteers from a broad spectrum of professions. Currently there is an urgent need for primary school teachers, health care professionals, IT professionals and people with fundraising, marketing and communications experience.

The Benefits

As a volunteer with VSO, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package:

• All costs are covered including training, visas, flights to and from your placement, medical checks and, injections
• Training and support provided to make sure you are fully prepared for your placement
• Accommodation and a modest living allowance while you are on your placement
• A suitable placement based on your skills and experience
• Help in identifying and achieving your personal development goals as far as possible
• Support upon your return from your placement as well as career guidance.

Although volunteering with VSO does not cost you anything, you will be supported to fundraise to ensure the continuation of VSO's work.

To receive an application pack, please contact VSO directly by email at enquiry@vso.org.uk or by phone on +44 208 780 7500.
Please mention that you are applying for the Kusuma programme when you contact VSO either by phone or email.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment day where they will be interviewed and participate in groups exercises to enable VSO to make a full assessment of their suitability to volunteer.