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James Croston reflects on his VSO volunteer journey and in particular on the Skills for Working in Development (SKWID) course VSO delivers to all successful applicants to prepare them for their volunteer placements abroad.
So, here I am, potentially only one week away from embarking on my VSO adventure to Jharkhand in India. It’s been quite a journey so far. After completing the on-line Volunteering and Development course last year I then spent some time waiting for a suitable placement to come up whilst contending with a very hectic construction project. All of a sudden in February I was invited to assist with a capacity building project helping marginalised agricultural based communities overcome the challenges faced by extensive droughts. This seemed like an incredible opportunity in an area that I’m very interested and after consulting with friends, family and VSO, I realised I couldn't turn it down.
Once I was matched to a placement, I had a lot to sort out on top of continuing my current work commitments including a residential weekend training course, fundraising, negotiating a finish date with my employer, sorting out what to do with possessions and the list goes on. Enter Tom, my VSO Volunteer Relationship Advisor. He has been totally understanding with my situation and just having someone to talk to and be open to any concerns I had, whether that be logistical or about the nature of the placement was extremely helpful.
The SKWID course was a particular highlight for me in the volunteer journey. On a sunny Friday afternoon I made my way to the idyllic hideaway of Villiers Park in Foxton, Cambridgeshire with its open fields, tennis court and spacious buildings. The SKWID course focuses on participatory tools for working in development with an emphasis on the importance of a relationship centric approach rather than task driven approach to one’s placement. We had a greater opportunity to learn about some of the root causes of injustice and inequality in the world and consider our placements in context of those wider issues.
The participants and facilitators for the training session really got on well right from the start. Many of us were from very differing backgrounds and professions, with our own stories to tell and experience to being to the table, but we also all had that common desire to help to make a difference. It was that combination that made the whole training weekend so much more enjoyable and rewarding and helped to foster an encouraging and supportive learning environment. And where I have had the odd doubt throughout the volunteer journey, I was able to draw inspiration from other like minded people, which reinforced my reasons for choosing to volunteer with VSO.
The SKWID course certainly wasn’t a weekend jolly by any stretch of the imagination though. It is intense. The Saturday sessions last from 09:00 to 20:30. The lovely facilitators perform their role very well. They facilitate - which means you have to do the thinking and come up with the solutions. But it’s all very interactive with a range of workshops, discussions and games to keep things interesting and get you through the day, even if you are suffering from one of the more severe strains of man-flu.
By the end of the course everyone had exchanged emails, handshakes and hugs before saying their farewells. I sincerely hope we are able to remain in touch.
I've now finally managed to finish work but I still have lots of organising to do including getting to grips with the language basics through VSO’s online training course. I've just had my visa approved by the Indian High Commission though so it’s looking like full steam ahead now for setting off to India!
See more photos from the SKWID weekend
See more on the support VSO provides to volunteers
Find out about VSO volunteer opportunities