Strategy for volunteer sending to developing countries

From March 2010 to March 2011 Slovak NGDO Platform coordinated the first Volunteer sending program in Slovakia in the frame of which 4 Slovak NGOs (eRko, People in Peril, Savio, Tabita/GLEN) sent 9 young people to volunteer in 4 less developed countries (Kenya, Mongolia, Vietnam and Georgia). The implementation of the project contributed to improving the capacity of partners in volunteer sending management. After the return of the volunteers, professional discussions about the legislative and institutional framework took place and recommendations for creation the national strategy of Volunteer sending program in Slovakia were recommended. A final document called “Recommendations of Slovak NGDOs Platform to create a National mechanism for volunteer sending in the frame of the Slovak Official Development Aid” was prepared and presented to the representatives of the Slovak MFA on 14th April 2011. The document was appreciated by the MFA and the strategy should be incorporated into the ODA National Program for 2012 including a special budget line for volunteer sending. For further details of the report contact the MVRO office andrea.girmanova@mvro.sk.

Information provided by Andrea Girmanová