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Youth volunteering > How YfD works

Applications for departures in 2007 are now closed. We will be accepting applications for departures in 2008 from October 2007. In the meantime, you can find out about the time scales involved in becoming a YfD volunteer below.

Recruitment

October to January
Application packs, including application and reference forms, are sent out from October onwards. Completed application forms are usually accepted until the middle of January.

Assessment

February to March
Short-listed applicants participate in a highly competitive assessment procedure and are selected based on the following dimensions:

positive and realistic commitment
commitment to learning
practical problem solving ability
flexibility and adaptability
self-assurance
working with others
sensitivity to the needs of others.

Assessment days run from mid-February to mid-March in London. Please note that applicants will be asked to attend a particular assessment day and assessment places are limited.

Acceptance on the YfD programme after the assessment stage is provisional on finding a suitable placement match, setting up a global education project, securing medical and security clearance, and fundraising a minimum of £900 towards the cost of the placement.

Volunteer fundraising

Volunteers must fundraise a minimum of £900 towards the cost of their placement. Past volunteers have raised the funds from local companies and civil organisations, travel bursaries from schools and colleges as well as sponsored walks, cycles or parachute jumps. Guidance and support will be given at training courses on how to plan and implement your own fundraising activities.

Training

Volunteers are required to attend four training courses:

Post selection training
Pre-departure training
Skills for working in development
Health and security workshop

These training courses are held in Harborne Hall, VSO's training centre in Birmingham. More detailed information on any of the courses listed above, and other training opportunities with VSO can be found in the programme information document available for download below:

Find Out More

YfD programme information(pdf, 657.8kb)

Placements

Usually 12 months starting August-November
VSO country programmes support local initiatives that address the causes and symptoms of disadvantage. In the countries where we work, VSO works with our partners to develop placements that contribute to an overall country strategic plan (CSP). Based on individuals strengths and experience, volunteers are matched to a placement that supports one of our development goals in the following six areas:

Previous Placements

Read about previous placements undertaken by volunteers on the YfD programme

Global education project

Global education is an integral part of the YfD programme. Volunteers are required to develop a global education project which aims to raise awareness of global issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote international understanding. The project begins in the UK, continues whilst overseas, and is completed upon return to the UK.

Previous Projects

Read about some previous YfD global education projects

Upon return

Volunteers are invited to the Returned Volunteer Weekend, a 2-day course in October. The course provides an opportunity for returned volunteers to share their experiences and learning and provide feedback to VSO.

A grant is released to volunteers upon the satisfactory completion of the global education project.

Returned volunteers are highly encouraged to stay involved with VSO after the completion of their placement and global education project by participating in various activities within the volunteer community.

Further information

If you would like any further information on our YfD programme please continue reading the YfD pages or feel free to e-mail us at enquiry@vso.org.uk or telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8780 7500. Youth for Development
YfD objectives
Who can apply to YfD?
Examples of YfD placements
Examples of YfD global education projects
YfD change stories
YfD application process