Exciting new youth volunteering programme - International Citizen Service (ICS)
Restless Development, the youth-led development agency (previously SPW) seeks your support in offering the members of your volunteering centre, a new overseas volunteering opportunity as part of a leading UK government pilot initiative; International Citizen Service (ICS).
With over 25 years of experience, we are recognized experts in providing young people with meaningful volunteering opportunities overseas. This is why the Department for International Development (DFID) has identified Restless Development and five other partners to deliver this exciting pilot. ICS will offer young people aged 18-22 and 23+ the opportunity to spend 12 weeks in countries in Africa or Asia, utilizing their skills to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing young people in these regions and contributing to meaningful development overseas.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we want all young British citizens to have access to. ICS will provide young people not only the opportunity to learn about a new environment and global issues, but also equip them with key life skills which will remain with them long after their return to the UK supporting their career development plans. The content of each placement will vary depending on the specific context but all placements will include structured training and support in-country.
As we are hoping the first group of volunteers will be starting their overseas placements in July this year (with additional placements leaving in September, October and January), we are beginning the recruitment process now and are keen to get in touch with young people who may be interested in getting involved. Participants do not need to have any prior experience or qualifications, nor should cost be a barrier. The amount each young person will need to contribute to take up a placement will depend on their individual financial situation. Some places will be fully funded, whilst others will be asked to fundraise some money towards the cost of their placement.
As an active volunteering centre we would really appreciate your assistance in letting your society members know about the ICS scheme. We are therefore asking if you, or the appropriate member from your centre, would be able to tell your members about the scheme and provide them with the attached information; an introduction leaflet, a flyer, and also a booklet with more information. We are aware that endorsement from your centre would go a long way to ensuring that we are able to reach as many young, budding volunteers as possible. We have already had a great response from volunteer centres in the Tyne and Wear region and would love to expand our outreach to volunteer centres in other counties.
If you have any questions about the scheme, would like further information, or would like to discuss other ways in which we could work together (e.g. through a visit to your centre) to promote ICS in your area please contact Danielle Powell at Danielle@restlessdevelopment.org.
Many thanks for your time. We will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Rachel Litster
ICS Inception Assistant
Restless Development
7 Tufton Street
London
SW1P 3QB
UK
Tel: +44 207 808 1780
Registered Charity No. 112748