§ 18. Mr. St. AubynTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the contribution of post-school overseas volunteers to developing countries. [100365]
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§ Clare ShortMy Department does not support schemes or organisations which fund school leavers to do volunteer work in developing countries, where the principal aim is the self development of the volunteer rather than developmental impact.
Over the last 20 years the main volunteer sending agencies have themselves phased out sending school leavers overseas, instead focusing on experienced and professional people who can have an impact on sustainable development. However, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) have recently introduced a new programme "Millennium World Youth" in partnership with The Prince's Trust. This is a new approach to volunteering for younger people, focusing on helping develop and challenge youth approaches to issues such as racism.
My Department does support the Overseas Training Programme, run by VSO. This initiative aims to send young people overseas, who are close to obtaining a professional qualification, have a particular expertise to offer, and can have a role to play in development. This scheme is due to be reviewed next year.