Approach
International volunteering is one of the most effective forms of
development assistance available. It empowers people to develop
their own communities, access resources and achieve their full
potential. All AVI assignments are shaped by the following
principles:
We work in partnership
AVI works in partnership with a wide range of local
organisations. Our volunteers are effectively employees of those
organisations, working with them to achieve their goals for their
community.
We respond to local needs
We only send volunteers if they are requested by local
organisations. Our partners decide what skills and experience they
require.
We do not replace local jobs
We only place volunteers when there are no qualified local
people available; wherever possible, volunteers train local staff
to take on their work.
We build the capacity of organisations and people
All AVI assignments are about increasing our partner
organisations' ability to deliver services to their communities.
They assist host organisations to manage and deliver projects,
train staff, improve administration systems or build networks.