Youth Action Group Surkhet, Nepal April 2012
Following a highly successful partnership between Aberdeen Foyer and Global Xchange on the established
Youth Xchange programme, Aberdeen Foyer has been asked by Global Xchange to deliver one of their new
Youth Action Programmes in Nepal. The programme will run from April to the end of June 2012 and will
provide young people from Aberdeen with the opportunity to live and volunteer in Surkhet, Nepal.
The Global Xchange Youth Action Programme is being delivered by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) as
part of the International Citizenship Service (ICS). ICS is a global volunteering experience supporting young
people from all backgrounds to make a contribution to the fight against global poverty. The programme is
funded by the Department for International Development (DFID)
Youth Action provides groups of 10 UK volunteers aged between 18 and 22 the opportunity to spend 12
weeks working in a community overseas. The UK volunteers will join equal numbers of national youth
volunteers from the overseas country to work together alongside community organisations on local projects
To ensure that the projects are of real benefit to the local people, and tackle important local issues they are
designed with the host organisation. The projects will link to existing youth programmes or to VSO’s current
work with youth partners.
Volunteers will live within the local community to ensure that they get a taste of living in another culture and
have the opportunity to learn about the different customs and approaches to life.
Who can apply?
To qualify for a Youth Action place volunteers must be: a UK resident and be aged between 18 – 22 on the
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date of departure (15 April 2012).
Youth Action is open to anyone but if volunteers can afford to, they will be asked to fundraise a contribution
towards costs as follows:-
If they or parents/guardians earn less than £25,000.00 = no amount needed to be raised.
If they or parents/guardians earn around £25,000 - £40,000 = £1,000.00 needed to be raised.
If they or parents/guardians earn over £40,000.00 = £2,000.00 needed to be raised
All volunteers must be medically and CRB cleared before travelling, and have raised the required amount (if
applicable).
Global Xchange will cover the cost of medical/CRB clearance, travel, visas, insurance, accommodation and
food whilst overseas.
When the volunteers return home to the UK, Global Xchange and Aberdeen Foyer will support them to carry
out a project in Aberdeen to share what they have learned and to encourage others to take action against
poverty.
Please note that all volunteers will be expected to participate in an agreed range of activities between
October 2011 and the date of the exchange in April 2012.
Application Process
1. Candidates will be supported to complete an (online) application form
2. Candidates will be supported to attend an assessment day at Aberdeen Foyer
3. Successful candidates will be sent on a full training course before the start of the programme
Selection Criteria
Global Xchange are not seeking young people with a wide range of fully developed skills, rather those who
are open minded, committed and have a willingness to learn.
Written Application
The written application will focus on assessing a young persons motivations for coming on the programme.
With questions aiming to find out why the young person wants to come on the programme and what they
want to get out of the experience.
Assessment Day
The assessment day will assess the young people in line with VSO’s seven dimensions (See below). Please
note that Global Xchange is not looking for “the finished article”. Rather the dimensions are used as a guide
to help ascertain whether the programme is right for the young person, and additionally for the young person
to see if the programme is right for them.
Seven dimensions:
1. Positive and realistic commitment
2. Commitment to learning (That the young person is open to the fact that GX is about learning)
3. Practical problem solving ability (Young people are willing to make best use of available resources/
work with a limited budget)
4. Self assurance (That the young person can cope in a range of demanding situations)
5. Flexibility and adaptability (For example accepting that they will not always have all the information
and will be working cross culturally)
6. Working with others (Willingness to work in teams and small groups)
7. Sensitivity to the needs of others (Aware and able to work with people from different backgrounds
and cultures)
If you, or any of your clients have any questions or would like some more information please contact Harry
Buck, email: harryb@aberdeenfoyer.com or mobile: 07966593822
Or visit the Global Xchange website: www.globalxchange.org.uk
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There will be a briefing session at Aberdeen Foyer on Tuesday 27 September from 1-2.30pm about the
programme for people or organisations who may wish to refer young people onto the Youth Action
Programme.