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Basics 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 globalization taking place currently is bringing with it many benefits and challenges alike. Professionals have to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. One of the areas where the impact of this reality is being felt is in healthcare provision. Health care professionals need to understand medical conditions from all over the world. Healthcare professionals traveling to the developing world are bound to get the much needed international experience.

There are numerous opportunities for volunteers in the health care sector. In many places in developing countries, staffing in this sector is major challenge. Rural communities are constantly faced with the challenge of not getting adequate medical attention whenever they need it. The existing shortage of health care providers means that they often have to travel for long distances. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals can make a real difference.

Training of healthcare professionals may also interest you if you are a senior doctor or other healthcare provider willing to pass on some of your skills and knowledge. With a significant number of health care providers only being semi-skilled especially in the most remote parts, regular training becomes very important. These providers need to be impatient with emergency lifesaving skills which they can use as patients are transferred to more comprehensive facilities.

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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