intro: there are probably a lot of local volunteering organisations all over the world. What we feature here after are two examples of international initiatives: the renowned Service Civil International (SCI) and the more recent Teaching & Projects Abroad. Their mission is to enhance the co-operation in local development projects as a unique experience in social commitment and individual growth.

working for peace: the main and possibly the first to create a non-confessional and apolitical activity devoted to peace and local communities’ empowerment was Pierre Ceresole, founder of Service Civil International. After World War I, Ceresole's pacifism and his interest in the philosophy of William James led him to create what he hoped would evolve as an alternative to military service. He and others went to work in a war-torn village in France. They helped with reconstruction, working to diffuse war hostilities. Thus the first workcamp was born.

SCI, founded in 1920, is today a voluntary service organisation and peace movement with 37 branches and groups worldwide and constantly organises international volunteer projects (including reconstruction, teaching, etc.) all over the world in the name of peace, “because we know that peace can only be built if people with different backgrounds and cultures learn to co-operate and work together.” affirm the promoters.

teaching for development: Teaching & Projects Abroad is a British organisation dedicated to recruiting young people from the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada and South Africa to do voluntary work overseas. Each year, it sends more than 2,000 enthusiastic volunteers to 14 developing countries to teach conversational English and to gain work experience in the fields of medicine, journalism, veterinary science, law and conservation.

All year round Teaching & Projects Abroad recruits and sends Assistant Country Managers to work alongside its local teams in each destination. The assistant is responsible for making each new arrival feel welcome and secure; for maintaining effective communication between the overseas office and the UK head office; for giving assistance in setting up new work placements and for finalising accommodation arrangements for future volunteers. Assistant Country Managers are employed on a 6-month contract.

cool for you: if you are interested in voluntary working & teaching programme organisation, enthusiastic about working in a different culture and relish the opportunity to work in a challenging environment, this may be a good opportunity to keep in mind.