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https://www.positive.news/society/youth/can-volunteering-abroad-build-the-next-generation-of-global-citizens/>
"When politics feels remote, polarised or simply too big to touch, one of the
oldest youth organisations in the world is offering a more hands-on answer: get
on a plane, meet people whose lives are unlike your own, and work on something
useful.
Founded in 1948, in the aftermath of the second world war, AIESEC describes
itself as the world’s largest youth-run non-profit. Its original purpose was
rooted in cross-cultural understanding at a time when Europe was trying to
rebuild trust across borders. More than 75 years later, that idea has not
exactly gone out of date.
Through its Global Volunteer programme, the organisation sends 18- to
30-year-olds abroad for projects linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development
Goals, with placements typically lasting four to eight weeks. Volunteers work
on schemes ranging from education and first aid to tourism marketing, economic
development, marine conservation and projects designed to challenge prejudice.
“The reason why conflict starts is that people don’t understand each other,”
says Mary-Treesa Rozario from AIESEC in USYD. “So cross-cultural understanding
and global volunteering – the main purpose of the project – allow the
volunteers to understand new cultures.”"
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
