This is an opportunity that expresses the highest level of philosophy of responsible tourism, because it is not addressed only to the protection of the environment and of the territories visited, but aims to bring practical help, active, to populations in need.
The questions that you ask yourselves are similar to those at the beginning of each trip: where to go, what to do, how to find contacts for organizing experience, how to overcome language barriers. Not demoralizzatevi, you will find the answer for all.
1 TWO GREAT ALTERNATIVE
First, keep in mind that there are two major alternatives. You can turn to an association that takes care of travel arrangements and the period of voluntary work abroad. Or, you can contact one of the many NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) engaged in humanitarian projects in developing countries. The Italian NGO landscape is quite large and varied. A good starting point is to explore the site Nonprofit Italy.
Keep in mind that, in general, join a volunteer program at an NGO can be more challenging than relying on an association that deals with organizing all phases of the work period - these institutions in the UK are called "Gap year Organisations "and they are quite common. (A good review on the site The Year Out Group). In the first case we require a commitment comparable to that of all full-time workers engaged in the project, the second one takes into account the nature of "educational" and "temporary" of the service provided.
2 ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER
Usually, a "Gap year organization" will offer you a package that includes the logistical and organizational aspects of the stay of voluntary work (but not the cost of transportation and visa). The advantage is that, by paying the registration fee, you will save time on research and you will not have the feeling to go into the unknown. This type of service is targeted very often to an audience between the ages of 18 and 30 years. In Italy, two things to keep in mind are WEP, based in Turin and Milan, and Intermediate, with headquarters in Rome.
3 THE CHOICE OF AN NGO
If you are willing to put you completely in the game and live to the full the experience of voluntary work, we recommend contacting an NGO engaged in humanitarian projects in developing countries. Fortunately, thanks to the contribution of religious organizations such as Caritas or the Institute Cottolengo, the possibilities abound. A great starting point for your research is the page field of humanitarian work and volunteering in the City of Turin, although any good surfer will have no difficulty to find the information and the most suited to their needs.
4 WHERE AND WHAT TO DO
> Humanitarian Intervention "lifesaver"
One of the symbols of volunteering is probably Africa, this fascinating continent that has not yet managed to win the long struggle against hunger, thirst, disease and war. The choice to work as volunteers in this area is challenging and requires a deep motivation. You will be involved in the reception centers for AIDS patients or children in difficulties, or in projects of nutritional support. Among the lay associations to turn to, mention Africa called, a non-profit organization that has projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda. The protection of the health and status of women is at the center of efforts being made on the religious front, the Italian Caritas. Is also very active in the Community of Sant'Egidio, born in Rome in 1968 from the Roman base, his projects have been extended over the years to all over the world, and today the community is active in many countries in Asia and Africa, such as Indonesia and Burkina Faso.
> Support for local economies
Many travelers choose to spend a period abroad and to offer support to the development of local realities. Even in this case, fortunately, opportunities abound. The Lonely Planet, when possible, provide practical guidance on this form of volunteering, in the paragraph "Work" of the "Information" section. Some examples.
In Costa Rica by the international organization Habitat for Humanity, which manages projects for the construction of buildings intended for residential buildings in the country. In order to participate you pour a portion (about 100 US $) and then contributes to their accommodation and meals with other US $ 15 per day. Further south, in Ecuador, a non-profit organization FEVI employs volunteers with children, the elderly, women's groups and indigenous communities, and is a good choice for those interested in living the experience of a cultural exchange.
5 RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET
Choose your destination. Then read more about the sites you mention.
Italian sites
»Unimondo, dedicated to human rights and sustainable development.
»Village Volint: the portal VIS - International Volunteer Service for Development.
"The Volunteer Online: OIKOS by the association, information about work camps and voluntary world-wide.
International Sites
"VolunteerMatch: portal dedicated to volunteering, even to know each other and exchange information.
»Africa Trust Networks, one of the most qualified organizations for volunteering in North and West Africa.
»AidCamps International: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Cameroon among the countries in which it operates.
"Casa Guatemala to help the children of the country and lend a helping hand to rural communities.
Across the Pacific, in Australia, the Australian Volunteers International places volunteers in Aboriginal communities. In some cases you do not need a specific preparation, because it is helping out in roadhouse run by the community.
The charm of India is also strong on people willing to engage in voluntary activities. The initiatives conducted throughout the country by international associations are numerous. In Andhra Pradesh by the Confederation of Voluntary Associations, an Indian NGO that you will use in projects of sustainable agriculture and to support young people in local communities.
6.-ECO VOLUNTEERING
Protecting the environment is not an abstract principle, but is closely related to the lives of local people. Costa Rica, which boasts a unique natural heritage, offers programs of voluntary work for 30 days in the national parks. Li manages the Asociación de Voluntarios para el Servicio en las Areas Protegidas. Contribute to the costs of the food with the payment of US $ 14 per day and you have to give your availability for at least 15 days.
http://www.lonelyplanetitalia.it/articoli/turismo-responsabile-volontariato-in-viaggio
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