Publications
Summary
This factsheet summarises the new Australian Volunteers for International Development program, and Austraining International.
Description
This factsheet summarises the new Australian Volunteers for International Development program, and Austraining International.
This publication is also available in PDF format:
Australian Volunteers for International Development–Austraining International [PDF 392kb]
Skilled, business and youth volunteers building capacity and globally contributing to development
As part of the Government's Australian Volunteers for International Development program managed through AusAID, Austraining International mobilises skilled, youth and business volunteers on short and long term assignments across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Austraining International is a specialist project management and international development organisation currently managing Australian Government-funded volunteers in over 25 countries. Austraining has successfully supported more than 4000 volunteer assignments since 2001.
Volunteers are an important part of Australia's aid program. By contributing their time and skills to local development and non-government organisations, volunteers undertake an effective form of aid delivery. They contribute to reducing poverty and long-term development, and enable cross-cultural exchange between Australia and other countries, supporting Australia as a global citizen.
Austraining takes a long-term, programmatic approach to the sourcing and development of volunteer assignments which are driven by host organisation needs and Australian and Partner Government development priorities.
Austraining offers a diverse range of opportunities for skilled Australians from all walks of life to become involved in volunteering. Our programs are inclusive and flexible and our in-country support and post assignment engagement are key to our ongoing program success. Volunteers are well supported with pre-departure training, on-going medical and emergency support, flights, accommodation, and living allowances and assistance with re-entry to Australia.
Austraining believes in the value of partnerships as a means of achieving development results and enhancing global citizenship in Australians. Working together with partners–Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) and Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation and World University Service Canada (CECIWUSC)–Austraining has access to more than 70 years experience in managing over 10 000 volunteers for international development.
Volunteer Ben Clare is from Sydney and has undertaken two volunteer assignments. His first as a Training Officer for Blind and Visually Impaired Services, was with Host Organisation Community Based Rehabilitation Unit, part of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in the Solomon Islands. The aim of his assignment was to train local staff to increase their confidence and also to improve awareness in the local community of the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.
'It was unforgettable for me as Eddie and I broadened our students' horizons and introduced many new concepts which they always learnt at an amazing speed.'
Ben Clare, Training Officer and Inclusive Education Officer in Samoa and the Solomon Islands.
Ben, who is himself blind, described his assignment thus: 'I assisted my counterpart in setting up an education facility within our program offering Braille training to clients from around Honiara and nearby locations. My counterpart, Eddie, needed skills on formally structuring the lessons and producing reports for relevant government authorities and potential funding sources. It was unforgettable for me as Eddie and I broadened our students' horizons and introduced many new concepts which they always learnt at an amazing speed. Within several weeks, our students were writing full sentences, could spell common words unassisted and were working out basic sums. It soon became clear to me these people weren't just strugglingwith a lack of education but were unable to participate in their local community. We encouraged our students to come up with ideas themselves. At least two people I know are now selling fruit, vegetables and betel nut in the local market and are supporting themselves financially.'
Ben is currently on a second assignment as an Inclusive Education Officer with Special Needs Education Society in English (SENESE). SENESE offers support services to children with intellectual, hearing and vision disabilities who attend regular schools throughout the country. Their primary goal is to ensure all school students with disabilities are fully included in the Samoan education system and are adequately provided for in terms of logistical and moral support. Ben is having as positive impact in Samoa as his previous experience in the Solomon Islands, and the Host Organisation and wider community are benefitting as a result.