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VfP Partner Highlight

About Global Vision International

Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies, through volunteering opportunities and direct funding.

GVI is guided by a unique commitment to its volunteers and to its partners. To the volunteer it offers a safe responsible travel experiences, exceptional training and career development opportunities, and facilitates the ability to make a real difference. To its partners it commits all research ownership rights and all work is undertaken fully under their direction, in conjunction with the local community.

GVI is a non-political, non-religious organization, which through its alliance with over 150 project partners in over 35 countries, provides opportunities to volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of education, community development, environmental research and conservation. International partners include the South African National Parks Board, Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, Rainforest Concern and Kenyan Wildlife Service. Since conception, 70% of all volunteer contributions received have been spent directly in field.

International Voluntary Service Activities

Global Vision International (GVI) runs responsible volunteering programs in over 35 countries around the world. We offer volunteers the chance for a hands-on experience by personally contributing to critical education and community development projects, and environmental and conservation initiatives.

Our programs allow both unskilled and skilled volunteers the opportunity to contribute to professional, locally led, long term projects. We offer opportunities for individuals from 18 years old and upwards (the oldest volunteer has been 72 so far), for families and have designed co-branded, tailor made, ethical and high impact programs for specifically schools, colleges and corporations that meet the needs of the local project organizations.

Volunteer programs run from one week to 2 years. In the past 12 months GVI has managed over 1600 volunteers working internationally upon locally led projects We have very high numbers of repeat volunteers and in 2009 we estimate we will manage volunteering programs for over 2,100 people. New initiatives include volunteer opportunities based around internships, which dedicate higher levels of time to specific training and certification to allow volunteers to use current or new skills to further assist the projects.

Volunteer for Prosperity Opportunities
Number of Opportunities
Geographic Regions	Central America, South America, Africa
Health & Prosperity Sectors	Agriculture, Economic Growth, Health, Capacity Building, Education, HIV/AIDS, Water, Information & Communication Technology, Natural Resources Management, Women & Youth Empowerment, Tsunami Relief and Malaria
Types of Opportunities	Other
Average Duration of Projects	6 Weeks
Volunteer Profile Summary
Our average volunteers are 18 to 35 years old graduates with professional qualifications and the intention to gain experience within their chosen field or study or work. They may be pursuing their first career, or a change of career, or simply a change in life and life-style. Areas commonly of interest include teaching, community development, environmental study and conservation. Many lack experience in working overseas and in their chosen field and choose GVI due to the high levels of in-country support and project management that we supply. The staff team and projects supply relevant training and certifications to their area of interest, including leadership, health and safety and internationally recognized qualifications in teaching or environmental subjects. Volunteers receive full training and support from our project management teams, including pre-departure support, in country training and management, safety instruction, and post-volunteering contact with the project worked upon, and of course references to take to future potential employers. We also receive numerous skilled and experienced volunteers, either as part of the projects staff team or, after a volunteer has attended the one of our projects and their professional and personal capability has been fully assessed. Please describe plans or current activities for utilizing American professionals in volunteer relief efforts in the areas affected by the tsunami: GVI currently has 1 program out of 150 which focuses specifically upon post-tsunami relief efforts. It is based outside of Krabi, Thailand, and teaches Thai adults and students English language, as requested by the Thai government, to assist Thailand establish its English speaking population after the losses of tourism workers through the tsunami. Many of the students wish to work in tourism and recognize the need for English language to access this potential source of revenue. Our other programs focus more broadly upon community development, education and environmental research and conservation, and are based globally in over 35 countries.

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