What is it?
International Citizen Service (ICS) is a global volunteering experience which supports young people from all backgrounds to make a real difference to the world we live in. As an ICS volunteer, you will spend three months working with some of the world’s poorest people. Each project is designed to bring about lasting change for very poor communities, and you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to this change.
Who is it for?
ICS is open to 18 to 22 years olds living in the UK (including those who do not hold UK passports but who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or are EU / EEA citizens currently living in the UK). To be selected, you will need to demonstrate motivation and commitment to help others and aptitudes such as communication skills and the ability to work with others.
If you’re over 23, you can apply to join us as a team leader or specialist project manager. You will work with us for 6-12 months, mentoring and supporting teams of younger volunteers.
What will you get out of it?
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn new skills and fight global poverty. ICS has been designed to increase your understanding and experience of the world, and to help you learn how you can help the world’s poorest people as a global citizen. It will also help you develop important skills such as team-working, communication and decision-making, and increase your confidence: really important skills and attributes for finding a job and building your future.
When you return to the UK, you will be helped and encouraged to continue fighting global poverty, through campaigning or other volunteering opportunities, and to share what you’ve learnt with others.
How much will this cost?
The scheme is open to everyone, but those who can afford to contribute will be asked to pay for part of the costs of their volunteer placements overseas, while those with lower incomes will be able to go for free.
How much you need to contribute will be based on the income of the household on which you depend. If you are financially independent, your contribution will be based on your own income.
If the income of the household on which you depend is:
• Less than £25,000 per year: You pay nothing - your participation in ICS will be fully funded.
• £25,000-£40,000 per year: You need to pay £1,000 to participate in ICS.
• Over £40,000 per year: You need to pay £2,000 to participate in ICS.
What do the costs cover?
Regardless of how much you pay, you will be provided with flights, visas, travel and medical insurance, medication and vaccines, accommodation, an allowance while you are overseas, and full support throughout the whole programme.
Help to raise the funds needed
If you are selected to go on ICS, you will receive advice on how to raise funds to help pay for your placement. ICS encourages all its volunteers to have a go at raising funds to help pay for the cost of the scheme – even if you qualify for a free place! Raising money is a fun way to develop your organisational and communications skills, and start spreading the word about the work you’ll be doing overseas.
After your application has been accepted, you’ll be provided with a range of ideas, guides and materials to get you started with fundraising. At any point you’ll be able to contact ICS staff for feedback and guidance on your fundraising activities
Training you will receive pre departure
All volunteers will be provided with training to make the most of their ICS experience.
• Preparing for your departure: Once you have been selected, you’ll be given pre-departure training with other volunteers to help you understand development issues and prepare for living and working in a different culture.
• In country: You’ll go through orientation training before starting the development project to help you become familiar with the culture in which you’ll be working and to brief you on your project or work placement, as well as on how to stay safe while you are on your placement. Skillshare International staff in our local offices will support you during your placement.
• Returning to the UK: When you return you’ll look at what you have learnt from your time overseas and have further training to help you make the most of your experiences.
Placements
Raising awareness of HIV aids IN Southern Africa
Southern Africa has the highest rates of HIV in the world. In 2007, the region accounted for almost 32% of all new HIV infections and AIDS deaths. The pandemic has increased levels of poverty and resulted in unprecedented numbers of orphans and child-headed households.
Approximately 9% of children under 15 in sub-Saharan Africa have lost at least one parent to AIDS and the death of family members is a major cause of trauma and school dropouts.
Raising awareness of positive living and how people can protect themselves can reduce re-infection and tackle stigma. As an ICS volunteer with Skillshare International, you could work with young people to encourage positive behaviour.
Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland
(HIV and AIDS statistics taken from UNAIDS reports)
Sport for Social change
Many young people in South Africa face poverty and inequality that make it difficult for them to realise their true potential. Our Coaching for Hope programme gives them an opportunity to build really valuable life skills including team-work, leadership and communication.
As an ICS volunteer with Skillshare International, you'll work with our local sport for social change partners to run activities for vulnerable young people, many of whom are no longer in the care of their families. You'll get involved in football coaching for boys and girls to help raise awareness of issues such as sexual health and substance abuse, develop life skills and encourage them to stand up for their rights.
Cape Town (South Africa)
Details of other placements offered by ICS can be found on their website www.skillshare.org/ICS or by clicking here.
For further information about these placements including how to apply please visit the ICS website.