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Are volunteer placements worthwhile?
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There is some speculation at the moment regarding gap years and volunteer work abroad, based around the criticisms VSO levelled at some projects that are unsustainable. Because of this, some people are confused and want to know the differences between VSO and companies like Real Gap. As the UK's largest independent gap year provider and a key figure in the gap year industry, Real Gap is in a good position to address this matter.
Firstly, it is important to note that Real Gap is not one of the organisations referred to by VSO. We are licensed by the Government's CAA with an ATOL license, we are members of the Year Out Group and many other professional bodies, and our volunteer projects are well researched.
VSO is a registered charity in the UK and has been operating a number of projects worldwide for nearly 50 years. In that time, they have sent around 30 000 volunteers overseas to help in developing countries and have made a genuine impact in the areas in which they operate.
Real Gap is part of Real Travel Ltd, a UK Limited Liability Company, which has been in operation since 2000, but started offering gap year travel in 2003. In 2007 we will book approximately 8000 people on gap trips overseas. |
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What's the difference between VSO and Real Gap?
- VSO receives a large amount of funding each year from the government to implement its charitable work. In 2006, for instance, it received £28 million from the DFID (Department for International Development), the overseas development arm of the government. In total, VSO had £39.3 million at its disposal in 2006. Of this, it spent £3.4 million to generate these funds.
- Real Gap receives no funding whatsoever from outside sources. The money you pay for your programme covers the costs of your accommodation, meals, support etc and a contribution to the project, in order for it to continue its work. The rest goes towards marketing these projects in the UK. Real Gap works efficiently to ensure that we can send the most possible to the projects.
- VSO's placements are directed more towards professionals and skilled individuals who can take up to two years of their lives out. This is great for those who have the time or money to do it, but isolates the vast majority of people who do not. Real Gap's projects are geared towards a much wider range of people. We do have long projects up to 12 months, but most are between 30 and 60 days. This enables people with less time and non-specific skills but who still want to help, to volunteer and give something back.
* Real Gap sends many more volunteers oveseas each year than VSO, despite the high level of funding that VSO receives. We are proud of the fact that we operate efficiently and have enabled many thousands of young people to enjoy a gap year, or few weeks abroad. These volunteers have brought joy and help to many thousands of deprived people around the globe.
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In days where we as a nation are promoting a sense of global citizenship, Real Gap feels that the volunteer opportunities we offer perpetuate this ideal and the more people that have the chance to demonstrate that they care for others, the better it must be for everyone. Let us not forget the words of people like Kofi Annan who said “each contribution - no matter how small - can help make a difference.” So, both short and long term volunteers are needed and volunteering shouldn't be about elitism - it should be there to encourage everyone to make a difference if they want to and can.
With regards to bringing poorly operated volunteer companies to the fore, Real Gap agrees with VSO. Immoral and irresponsible companies need to be brought to the attention of the public. Volunteering should be productive, safe and based around contributing to worthwhile programmes. At Real Gap, we follow self-imposed guidelines when choosing partner NGO's abroad and conduct important safety checks with the programmes before we start to send volunteers. We believe that volunteer safety is of paramount importance and agree that irresponsible companies should change their ways and put the individual first.
In addition to the above, Real Gap is a member of the Year Out Group, the organisation that self-regulates gap year companies in the UK. You should not book a programme with any organsisation that is not a member of Year Out Group
Ever since its inception, Real Gap has operated a code of conduct that largely covers the points raised by VSO. The Year Out Group code of conduct covers all the points raised by VSO. We do not understand why VSO has not applied to join The Year Out Group, and would welcome them as a member.
Overall Real Gap and VSO have a lot in common. Both organisations try to lead the way and establish worthwhile and productive programmes to benefit the local people and the volunteers.
 10 Reasons to Volunteer with Real Gap!
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