Location: Training Phase: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Project Phase: Zambia, Malawi or Brazil
Duration: 10 Months
Application Deadline: Ongoing

Overview: Planet Aid, in collaboration with Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), is looking for passionate, motivated individuals to join the People to People Volunteer Program. This unique 10-month program offers an opportunity to make a real impact by addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Volunteers will be trained to become effective change agents and community leaders, working shoulder-to-shoulder with local communities to foster sustainable development.

Program Structure:

Phase 1: Training (3 Months)
During the initial training period, you’ll dive deep into the theoretical aspects of global North-South relations, political systems, history, culture, and sustainable development practices. Practical, hands-on activities will help you build essential skills for community living and project management.

Phase 2: Project Work (6 Months)
After training, you will spend six months in your project country, putting everything you’ve learned into practice. You'll be working on a long-running project with strong ties to the local community to address key challenges such as education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and more, while continuing to develop leadership skills in real-world settings.

Phase 3: Reflection and Evaluation (1 Month)
In the final phase, you will evaluate your experience, reflect on personal and community growth, and prepare for reintegration into your own community. This is a time to solidify the lessons learned and assess the impact of your work.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement: Work alongside local communities to identify needs and develop sustainable solutions. Collaborate on community-driven projects in areas like health, education, and climate resilience.

Project Implementation: Take part in hands-on activities like organizing workshops, working on small-scale projects, and teaching valuable skills such as sustainable farming or leadership development.

Cultural Exchange: Build strong relationships with local community members and learn from their experiences. Share your knowledge and expertise while embracing new perspectives.

Support and Learning: Participate in structured training and receive guidance from Richmond Vale Academy instructors, mentors, and peer volunteers throughout the program.

Reflection and Growth: Participate in group discussions, evaluations, and feedback sessions to measure the impact of your work and learn from your experiences.

Behavioral Expectations:

As a participant in the People to People Volunteer Program, you are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct that reflects the values of the program and the communities we serve. This includes a strict no-drugs, no-marijuana, and no-alcohol policy throughout the entire duration of your time in the program. Staying sober is essential to ensure safety, well-being, and the integrity of the program. We ask all participants to commit to this policy, as it is key to maintaining a professional and supportive environment for all involved.

How to Apply: To join this transformative program, please submit your application explaining why you're interested in becoming a People to People Volunteer. We are looking for individuals who are committed to making a difference and willing to invest in the growth of themselves and the communities they serve.

Note: Volunteers must be committed to the full 10-month program and have the flexibility to travel and adapt to new cultural environments.