Projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America
Making bricks at a school classroom building project, Kenya 2009The Africa, Asia, Latin America Programme is a Development Education programme set within the Millenium Development Goals. The programme enables people to gain an insight and understanding of development issues facing people and countries of the developing world by participating in short term International Volunteer Projects, of practical benefit to local communities. The Programme is made up of four elements; Preparation, Projects, Evaluation and Using your experience.
We encourage volunteers to join in 2 or 3 short term projects during their 2 month stay in a developing country, as well as visiting other development and community projects. However, it is also possible to join an individual project.
Africa: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia,
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.
Latin America: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru.
2012 Projects - Check the Project Search engine
The Projects are organised by local voluntary work organisations and involve teams of local and international volunteers helping:
- to build extra classrooms onto a local school
- to renovate a rural health centre
- to plant trees and other environmental projects
- to make play facilities at a centre for children with disabilities
Malawian villagers thank volunteers for their classroom building project
Who can take part
Villagers and volunteers work together on an environmental project in Sri Lanka, Summer 2008The programme is open to volunteers over 20 years of age with previous volunteering experience.
Costs
Free food and accommodation is provided while on the individual projects. Projects are mostly held in rural areas and conditions on the projects can be basic e.g. no electricity; no running water etc.
- Volunteers have to cover travel to the country and internal travel to/from the projects.
- Volunteers have to take out a comprehensive insurance policy. Volunteers have to cover visa fees (if any).
- Volunteers must be members of VSI and pay a programme fee of €140 for projects in 1 country to VSI. VSI fees for projects in a 2nd country are an extra €40.
In addition volunteers will have to pay the host organisation a Project Fee ranging from €100 - €200 - more details at the Preparation Workshops.
VSI has signed the Code of Good Practice for Sending Organisations.
How to apply
Apply Online: Apply for the AALA Programme online
Apply by Post: Download the application form (word document) - complete the form and send it back to us.
Preparation
We organise a comprehensive preparation and orientation programme/briefing for participants
Preparation Workshop Sat May 14 Dublin
Contact the office for more details.
Download the VSI Preparation Handbook for Volunteers joining the Africa, Asia, Latin America programme.