100 ways you can make a positive difference in 2012
13 January 2012
For 622 professional Australians 2011 became one of their life's biggest adventures, as they joined Australian Volunteers International (AVI) to live, work and learn alongside hundreds of developing communities around the globe.
For Physiotherapist, Australian Volunteer, and Casterton resident Maggie Gill, this meant improving the physiotherapy skills of both staff and caregivers of children with disabilities in Lesotho, Africa.
For Hamilton Hill resident Russell Jordan, it was an opportunity to work as a Media Adviser for the Solomon Islands Development Trust, and for Sydney resident Craig Bohm, it is working as a Marine Park Management Adviser on sustainable development on the Red Sea with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in Jordan.
100 roles coming soon
On Saturday 21 January, AVI is offering 100 skilled Australians the chance to contribute to positive social change as an international volunteer, working alongside local host organisations and exchanging knowledge and applying new skills in Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
AVI Recruitment Officer Judith Nimmo said AVI is currently seeking qualified professionals across a wide range of sectors including energy, water, sanitation and the environment; education, special needs; organisational development, human resources and fundraising; community development and monitoring and evaluation; communications, public relations and marketing; and midwifery, nursing and allied health.
“For many people the idea of international volunteering is one they have often toyed with but never really fully pursued. The new year is a great time to take the first step of talking to our Recruitment team about how your skills could apply to a new challenge,” she said.
“A focus area of many of our host organisations is the improved inclusion of people with disabilities – we have requests in disability work for professionals with expertise in policy, advocacy, organisational capacity-building, fundraising, health and special needs education. Candidates who can personally identify with the members of disabled peoples’ organisations are particularly sought after.”
“AVI is offering exciting roles around the globe in 2012, with a renewed focus in the North Pacific – Palau has requested a Nutrition and Health Educator, Federated States of Micronesia is seeking an Environmental Lawyer, and the Marshall Islands has a critical need for Water Operations and Power Distribution Specialists.”
“This year will also see an increased volunteer capacity in Africa, with a number of anti-corruption positions in Botswana, Midwifery Educators in the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, and Forestry Conservation trainers in Tanzania.”
Recently returned AVI volunteer from Vietnam, and now a member of AVI's Recruitment team, Paul O’Hare, said, “international volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to developing societies, while also enriching your own life. It provides you with an unforgettable experience, so grab the opportunity with both hands and be prepared to learn more than you teach!”
Through the Australian Volunteers for International Development program, an Australian Government – AusAID initiative, all volunteers receive financial support, including airfares, visas, accommodation, a living allowance, insurance, and pre-departure training, in-country and post-assignment support.
Information sessions:
To find out more about international volunteering, come along to one of our regular information sessions and hear from returned volunteers about what it is like living and working overseas, the recruitment process and the different programs on offer.
For further details or to RSVP to one of our information sessions click here.
- Ends –
For more information on the Australian Volunteers for International Development program see www.ausaid.gov.au/volunteer
For all other information please contact:
Christine Crosby, AVI Manager Marketing and Communications
Phone: (03) 9229 1763
Email: ccrosby@australianvolunteers.com