VOLUNTEERING
ETIQUETTE
TOP TIPS FOR
GIVING BACK
MAKE FRIENDS
CHECK IT OUT
There are a number of companies that
offer individuals and organisations the
opportunity to volunteer across the globe.
Some charge large sums of money for
the privilege. To make sure your tourism
dollars are being wisely spent, hook up
with an organisation that has a proven
track record. Decide if you want to help as
a one-off volunteer holiday or are looking
at helping out as a long term CSR project.
FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
We can’t all be medics or builders, but
everyone has a skill that they can put to
good use. If you enjoy reading consider
sharing your passion. International
organisations like Room to Read develop
literacy skills across the globe. If you love
working with children, even helping with
programmes that teach them to wash their
hands correctly can be rewarding – as well
as significantly reducing disease.
Learn some basic words of
the country you are going to.
Download the language apps
onto your phone for ease of use.
Pack things in your suitcase that
will be icebreakers with children
when you arrive. Footballs are
always great to have - as are
bubbles which are viewed as wide
eyed magic by those who have
never seen them before.
MANNERS MATTER
Most people you encounter will
have very little , but that doesn’t
mean that they are not wiling
to share what they have. Also
remember that though their
living quarters may be sparse
you should still be respectful of
their home.
photos: corbis (illustration); water for life (take care, be aware)
DRESS TO IMPRESS
TAKE CARE, BE AWARE
Be mindful of cultural differences. In
most countries you will be helping people
many of whom will not even have the basic
necessities. Sticking to the organisation’s
guidelines about procedures and how you
should help is important. Programmes
are set up for a reason and even if you
may think that the pace is slow it may be
for necessity. Change is sometimes hard
but you should ensure that you always
encourage and not enforce.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
Volunteering gives you the chance
to connect and interact with local
communities, says Boon. “Be open in your
interactions with them and be open to
learning, giving and receiving.”
Many people who volunteer say that the
sense of achievement they receive far
outweighs the amount of time/effort that
they give. It also offers the chance to work
with other volunteers –who may even
become lifelong friends.
Be mindful of where you are. It
may be hot and the work may be
physical but however helpful you
are being, you are likely to offend
if you are scantily clad in a very
conservative country.
Go prepared. If you’re building
water filters for instance, you will
need some heavy duty boots and
gloves you can work in. Be aware
of your surroundings, don’t wear
flashy jewellery, and be careful of
pickpockets in crowded places.
PHOTO FINISH
Ask permission before taking
photos, especially of children. Let
them see the images you take
and respect their dignity.
AS COTT LIVING 11