Information On How To Volunteer In Developing Countries

By Dorothy Cook


There are numerous challenges that most developing countries are grappling with. These are found in a wide range of sectors that include, among others, education, healthcare, the environment and the social sector among others. At the same time, there are numerous attractive opportunities coming up in the corporate sector thanks to the tremendous growth that has been seen in these countries. There are a number of things you can do if you plan to volunteer in developing countries.

There are two main ways in which you can make your positive contribution. The first is where you travel as an individual and walk into a government facility or non-governmental organization and request to be given an opportunity to serve the citizenry on a volunteer basis. This may be quite challenging especially if it is your first visit to the country. The second is where you join a non-profit organization from home and the rest is done for you.

The increased rate of globalization being witnessed in many places in the world means that we have to interact with persons from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare provision is among the areas that have been evolving quite rapidly thanks to this increased diversity. Healthcare workers from the developed countries need to have some knowledge about diseases that have traditionally affected patients in the developing countries.

The healthcare sector is among those that are most receptive to volunteers. This is because qualified healthcare professionals in the developing countries are very few and overworked. The distances that have to be covered by the sick as they travel to get medical attention are often very long. A volunteer working close to the community is likely to help in a big way.

If you are a trainer in healthcare provision then you are bound to get numerous invitations especially in the rural parts where a good number of healthcare providers are semi-skilled. Since well-equipped hospitals are quite few, basic lifesaving skills are a must-have for most, if not all healthcare professionals. Medical disciplines for which constant training is usually needed include obstetrics, pediatrics and trauma.

Teachers will also find plenty of opportunities to contribute positively. Most of the developing countries have experienced increased enrollment of pupils in schools in recent times. The increase has not been matched with the employment of more teachers which has put a lot of strain on the few teachers teaching at both primary and secondary schools. Volunteer teachers may contribute in sciences (physics, chemistry and biology), mathematics and foreign languages (English, French and German) among others.

In spite of the huge progress that has been made by most developing countries, a sizeable population are still faced with abject poverty. Many cannot afford basic human needs and live mainly in slums. There are many social challenges that come with such informal settlements. These include, among others, increased levels of crime, sexual violence, a high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and so on. Volunteer social workers have become quite helpful in such environments.

Volunteering brings numerous benefits both to the volunteer and their host community. While the community gets services of a much needed professional for free, the volunteer gets a lot of experience in the field and helps them to grow in their career. Opportunities for volunteers in developing countries are limitless.




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