What you do and what you don’t do
You’re not coming to save a project. You’re coming to support local trainers, coaches and teachers in what they’re already doing. They know the children, the language and the community. You’ll lend a hand, contribute ideas and, above all, learn from them.
You’ll take part in training sessions, lessons and tournaments under the guidance of the local coaches and our partner on site.
You never take over the work of paid local staff. Our partners decide what is needed; you fill in the gaps.
The programme was already in place before you arrived and will continue after you’ve gone. Even if nobody turns up for a while, the training sessions will carry on as normal.
What you can contribute in 4 to 12 weeks
You can’t change the world in a few weeks, and you don’t have to. However, you can strengthen a team, introduce new activities and ideas, give the children extra attention and learn an awful lot yourself. For the first week or two, you’ll mainly be settling in and seeing how everything works. That’s why we ask for a minimum of four weeks. The longer you stay, the more of a difference you can make.
A different country, a different life
Everything is new: the language, the food, the pace of life and the customs. It’s normal to feel a bit unsure, tired or overwhelmed at times during the first few weeks. It will pass.
Almost everyone experiences this at some point, often after a few weeks. Have a chat about it with your fellow travellers, your on-site coordinator or us. You really aren’t the only one.
Accommodation is basic, and you’ll usually be sharing with other participants. Hot water, electricity and internet aren’t always available everywhere. You can find out what it’s like there on your country’s page.
Well prepared for your trip
Make sure you visit the GGD or your GP well in advance of your departure. They will give you personalised travel advice and tell you which vaccinations and medicines you’ll need for your destination. We’ll send you a welcome pack in advance containing all the practical information about your destination.
You’re never on your own
There is an emergency number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll find the number in your welcome pack.
During your stay, you will be in contact with your mentor in the UK every month, and you will have a dedicated coordinator on site.
Would you like to discuss something in confidence? If so, you can contact two confidential counsellors who do not work for our organisation. Their contact details are included in your welcome pack.
