Basics On How To Volunteer In Developing Countries

By Dorothy Cook


Developing countries are facing a host of challenges even as their governments strive to improve the quality of life of their citizens. The challenges exist in many sectors including healthcare, the environment and education among others. In spite of the challenges, many of these countries are growing tremendously and have a vibrant corporate sector. There are a number of things you need to know if you wish to volunteer in developing countries.

There are two main ways in which you can make your positive contribution. The first is where you travel as an individual and walk into a government facility or non-governmental organization and request to be given an opportunity to serve the citizenry on a volunteer basis. This may be quite challenging especially if it is your first visit to the country. The second is where you join a non-profit organization from home and the rest is done for you.

The globalization that has been taking place in many places all over the world has presented newer challenges to professionals. Regardless of what you are involved with, you are bound to deal with clients from very diverse backgrounds particularly if you are working in a large cosmopolitan city. One of the areas in which this has become evident is in healthcare provision. There is a need to travel and familiarize oneself with conditions prevalent in other parts of the world.

The healthcare sector is among those that are most receptive to volunteers. This is because qualified healthcare professionals in the developing countries are very few and overworked. The distances that have to be covered by the sick as they travel to get medical attention are often very long. A volunteer working close to the community is likely to help in a big way.

Training of healthcare professionals may also interest you if you are a senior doctor or other healthcare provider willing to pass on some of your skills and knowledge. With a significant number of health care providers only being semi-skilled especially in the most remote parts, regular training becomes very important. These providers need to be impatient with emergency lifesaving skills which they can use as patients are transferred to more comprehensive facilities.

The demand for qualified teachers is still quite high in many countries of Asia and Africa. Although the number of school going students is increasing every year, that of instructors is still quite low. Many of the teachers find it a tremendous challenge to teach the large number of students without adequate instructional materials. Volunteer teachers are almost assured of placement due to this constant need. Some of the subjects where help may be needed include science, mathematics and music among others.

There are many communities in the developing world that still live in impoverished conditions. A good number of cities have sprawling slums where disease and poverty are rampant. The sick have no access to medical care and many only get the proper treatment when their illnesses are far advanced. As a social worker, you can stand in this gap and educate the public on the need for early treatment as well as help them in accessing healthcare.

Volunteering brings numerous benefits both to the volunteer and their host community. While the community gets services of a much needed professional for free, the volunteer gets a lot of experience in the field and helps them to grow in their career. Opportunities for volunteers in developing countries are limitless.




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