Press Release
01 August 08
 How to get a world ahead
On 5 August thousands of students across Scotland will be eagerly awaiting
the results of their Highers and facing the prospect of looking for their first
job in an increasingly difficult world economic climate.
One way to stand out from the crowd and get the competitive edge on your CV
is by gaining valuable work experience by volunteering.
Platform2 is a free global volunteering scheme funded by the Department for
International Development (DFID) and run by
 Christian Aid,
BUNAC and
Islamic Relief. Open to 18-25 year olds who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to
volunteer abroad, it offers the chance to spend 10 weeks living and working in a
poor community in countries like Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India.
The scheme gives volunteers the chance to learn about development issues as
part of a diverse team, experience new cultures and improve their practical,
communication and organisational skills.
On their return to the UK, participants attend a three-day workshop where
they devise creative and exciting ways of communicating what they have learnt
about global issues with friends, family and their local community. They will
continue to build on their life and employment skills by making videos, writing
songs, and organising talks, exhibitions and local press coverage.
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, said:
“By taking part in Platform2, volunteers will learn new skills and help
unlock the potential within them to become better global citizens. Not only will
they be contributing to the positive work of international development, on
return they’ll be applying what they’ve learned to activities in their own local
communities and in whatever they choose to do next.
“All round this should prove to be a very rewarding life experience for the
young adults involved.”
Sir Tom Hunter, leading Scottish businessman, said:
“Travelling to Africa in my forties for the first time was a life changing
experience and I think this exceptional scheme for young people can only do them
the power of good in their future endeavours. It also encourages as many young
people as possible to take up this invaluable experience and to contribute not
just to their own CV but to the future of developing nations.”
Kerri McGroarty, Platform2 volunteer, Glasgow, said: “I’ve just had a job
interview to be a bank nurse and the person interviewing me was so impressed
with my recent experience with Platform 2 in Ghana – particularly the skills I
was able to develop and apply that I can now use back at home.”
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Note to editors
- Platform2 empowers 18-25 year olds in the UK to make a real
difference to the lives of those in poor countries, through volunteering
abroad and raising awareness of development issues back home. It
benefits the individual taking part as it gives these young volunteers
the opportunity to use their skills, talents and creativity in the host
nation and highlight development issues on their return.
- Volunteers will spend 10 weeks in developing countries such as
Ghana, South Africa and Peru at no financial cost to them, as this
scheme is funded by the Department for International Development.
- Platform2 is a global volunteering experience from the Department
for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief
and BUNAC.
- Find out more about
Platform2
For more information, or to interview Kerri McGroarty, contact Claire Shelley
at Christian Aid on 07961 303481 (cshelley@christian-aid.org) or Pippa Ranger at DFID on 020 7023 1607
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