In April 2010 I went through an assessment and selection process with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). I have been matched with a placement in a youth NGO in Delhi called SWECHHA - as communications associate. I am particularly interested in SWECHHA's fair trade/recyled textiles project and will see how involved I can get in that when I get there! At the moment I am finalising vaccinations, paperwork, and waiting for the work permit and ticket - but the planned departure date is in July. When I arrive (probably with a small group of VSO volunteers from the UK who will work in different parts of India) I will receive 4 weeks' training - on living in India, how VSO India works, health and security, and Hindi language lessons! I have attended 2 short training sessions at VSO's facility in Birmingham, which I found useful and inspiring - a good opportunity to meet returned volunteers and plenty of new ones who are about to begin their adventures like me.
SWECHHA website http://www.swfc.org.in/
Please take a look at my fundraising page for VSO at http://www.justgiving.com/liz-cooper-vso thanks!
Wicked! Sounds so good - was it hard to get into VSO? I bet you are going to have a wonderful time - how are things generally? xxx
ReplyDeleteHi...well it didn't seem difficult to me but the assessment and interview were very thorough and I hear they do reject quite a few people. There was an assessment day in London (after they had already decided I had the right skills/experience) - teamwork activities, discussions, negotiating etc all while being watched by a group of assessors taking notes! And an in-depth interview with plenty of 'give me an example of a time when you...'questions. I'm ok thanks, busy preparing for India. What about you?
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