PLATFORM2 - Your platform to change your world
About/
Platform2 is a unique opportunity for 18-25 year olds from the UK to volunteer in a developing country and then come back and creatively express their experiences in the UK.
It's aimed at people who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to volunteer abroad, so it's fully-funded and free for the volunteer.
The programme includes return economy flights, travel insurance, local food and accommodation, a small local allowance, health screening, a medical kit, all minimum required vaccinations, transfers to and from the airport in country and to and from the project, a guidebook, and full training in the UK and in the country.
Platform2 is a 3 year programme which will see more than 2,500 18 – 25 year olds volunteer for 10 weeks in a number of developing countries including South Africa, Ghana, India and Peru.
Volunteering/
The kinds of community-initiated work volunteers might be involved with are:
Construction of community buildings, schools and toilets/
Renovation of existing buildings/
Developing new and existing sports pitches, play areas and gardens/
Teaching and caring for children in schools, nurseries or orphanages/
Assisting in HIV clinics and helping with peer education/
Building infrastructure at ecological or conservation areas/
The volunteers will travel out and back in groups of 10 to 15 volunteers, and work together in the community. Volunteers will either stay in pairs in local family homes or in dormitories.
The other great thing about Platform2 is that when volunteers get home, they'll be supported and resourced to make a real difference in their community by making people aware of the experiences they've had and what they've learnt.
Before they travel, we'll give them ideas of how they might want to record and capture their experiences - through writing, poetry, music, art, photography, dance... whatever they're into. When they return they'll attend a 3 day workshop with other volunteers who have visited various countries where they'll share ideas and develop a plan of how they're going to share their experiences.
Quick q/a's/
1/How long are the trips?
10 weeks, with a 1 week in-country orientation and then 9 weeks at the project.
2/What countries can I go to?
With Platform2, you could go to Ghana, South Africa, Peru, India or Malawi.
3/Can I go with a friend?
Your friends are welcome to apply to Platform2, but we can't guarantee you'll be placed together.
4/What happens when I get back?
You'll attend a 3-day residential workshop and plan how you're going to express your trip in your community - through music, art, film, photography - whatever you're into.
5/How do I apply?
You need to fill in an application form and post it back to us: Platform2, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0QH. If we think you're suitable, we'll invite you to an interview.
6/What kind of work do the projects involve?
Constructing community buildings, caring for and teaching children, building infrastructure at eco centres, and assisting in HIV clinics.
7/How much does it cost?
Platform2 is a unique opportunity in that it's aimed at people who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to volunteer in a developing country. It's fully-funded by the Department for International Development, so it's free.
8/What do I have to pay for?
The only things you have to cover the cost of yourself are travel to and
from your interview, travel to and from Heathrow airport and getting a
passport if you don't already have one.
9/Do I need any special skills?
You don't need any specific skills but, if you have relevant skills or experience, we'll do our best to make sure you have the opportunity to use them.
10/Who’s running Platform2?
Platform2 is run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC, and is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID).
Branding video/
Who runs the programme?
Platform2 is fully funded by the UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID) and is run by a consortium.
Department for International Development (DFID)
The Department for International Development (DFID) is the part of the UK Government that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty.
We are headed by a Cabinet minister, one of the senior ministers in the Government. This reflects how important the Government sees reducing poverty around the world. We have two headquarters (in London and East Kilbride, near Glasgow) and 64 offices overseas. We also have over 2500 staff, almost half of whom work abroad.
Christian Aid
Christian Aid is a development agency rooted in the communities of the UK and built around volunteers with a mission to expose the scandal of poverty, help the poorest of the poor and work to change the structures which give rise to poverty. We work with people of all and no faiths, and have a track record in the UK of working both within and without faith settings.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief (IR) is an international relief and development charity, which aims to alleviate the suffering of the world's poorest people. It is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by Dr Hany El Banna. As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities - regardless of race, religion or gender.
I am a Muslim and encouraged by Islamic Relief's involvement. What is their advice to me?
BUNAC
BUNAC is a leading provider of volunteering and work abroad opportunities. One of BUNAC's primary objectives is to encourage interest and understanding in overseas cultures among British students and young people; and to encourage interest and understanding in Britain among students and young people who travel to Britain on reciprocal programmes.
BUNAC has been operating work abroad experiences for 45 years. During this time, over 1/4 million students and young people have participated in their programmes.