MP URGES LOCAL YOUNG ADULTS TO TAKE CHANCE TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

7th March 2008

Des Browne MP has urged young adults in Kilmarnock and Loudoun to take advantage of a pioneering new government-backed global volunteering scheme.

The scheme will enable 2,500 young adults – particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds – between 18-25 years old, to do voluntary work in a developing country and raise awareness of development issues in the UK.

The name of the scheme is “Platform 2” and is funded by the Department for International Development which leads the UK Government’s fight against global poverty. It starts this summer with placements in Ghana and South Africa where volunteers will spend ten weeks working on local community development projects such as environmental conservation or HIV/AIDS awareness.

The scheme is open to young adults from less advantaged backgrounds who are aged 18-25 on the date of travel and who meet a combination of criteria relating to previous education, employment, benefits and travel. Positive emphasis will be placed on a track record of community involvement.

Welcoming the government initiative, Des Browne said:

“This is a great opportunity for young adults to make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

“By living and working with people of different cultures, facing different challenges it will also help broaden their understanding of the world.

“I particularly welcome the scheme’s emphasis on those from less advantaged backgrounds, as this will help ensure those who would not normally have the chance to live, work and make a contribution abroad now can.”

Anyone interested in finding out more can go to: www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/volunteering-programme.asp or contact Des Browne MP’s office, at 32 Grange Street, Kilmarnock (Tel: 01563 520267).

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