Press Release

17 July 2008

New scheme launched for diaspora volunteers

A new £3 million project to help diaspora professional, community and faith groups offer more than 600 new volunteers the chance to fight poverty in the developing world was launched today by Shahid Malik, International Development Minister.

The DFID Diaspora Volunteer Scheme in partnership with VSO will lead to over 600 new volunteering placements in the next three years and will increase the capacity of smaller organisations to become involved in volunteering projects. Managed by VSO, the scheme supports diaspora organisations to plan and implement their own volunteering programmes. This includes organising training before volunteers leave, offering assistance with accommodation and living costs, and giving returning volunteers a platform to talk to others about what they have experienced.

Speaking at the official launch of the scheme at the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) in London, Shahid Malik said: "Lots of people would like to volunteer their professional skills in the developing world – and to experience a different way of life. But many don’t know where to start.

"And lots of diaspora organisations have very strong links with their countries of heritage – but would like to do more by offering them professional support from volunteers. This new scheme will help both volunteers and black and minority ethnic organisations make a real difference."

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VSO’s success is based on providing finance and expertise to help organisations to develop effective and sustainable volunteering programmes. Since 2005 VOS has sent 171 volunteers to countries in Asia and Africa. Mark Goldring, Chief Executive of VSO, said:

 "VSO is delighted that DFID is supporting our Diaspora partnership project. For the past three years, VSO has been working with African and Asian organisations to support people wanting to volunteer their skills in their countries of heritage. The project has shown the huge contribution the British-based diaspora can make in their countries of heritage and beyond, through sharing their commitment, expertise and skills. This also has a positive impact when the volunteers return to the UK and share their experiences."

The DFID Diaspora Volunteer Scheme is part of a package of DFID support to volunteering. This package includes Youth Volunteering for 18-25 year olds from less advantaged backgrounds and pension support to encourage more people from the public service to volunteer.

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Notes to editors

1. Media are invited to attend the launch at the Brunei Gallery, School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), Thursday 17 July 09.00am – 12.30pm. Shahid Malik will be available for interviews 10.45 – 11.05. Please contact Barbara Hewitt (b-hewitt@dfid.gov.uk) for further details.

2. DFID stated a commitment to support new opportunities in youth volunteering, internships and diaspora volunteering in the 2006 White Paper ‘Eliminating world poverty: making governance work for the poor’. More information is available at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/dfid-volunteering.asp

3. Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, announced DFID support for diaspora volunteers on 14 March 2008. Information can be found at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/support-dispora-volunteers.asp

4. DFID has a long and close association with VSO, both through the provision of strategic funding and at an operational level worldwide. VSO is the largest UK based international volunteer sending agency. VSO volunteers are no longer school-leavers - today the average age of a volunteer is 38 - the majority coming from skilled, professional backgrounds.