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Otago students take on the world.

15 January 2008

A partnership between Otago University and Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) has opened the door for young New Zealanders to work in sustainable development in some of the world's poorest countries.

The UniVol scheme, which gives Development Studies students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a developing country, was launched in 2006 and the first year of the three year pilot saw eight Otago University Geography Department students going to assignments in South Africa, Tanzania, Cambodia, Bougainville and Vanuatu last year. Another six have been selected and they leave for their assignments in February.

VSA CEO Deborah Snelson says UniVols is a way VSA can provide unique opportunities for young New Zealanders who are already committed to development. "The students will be working at the grass roots; living, working and learning alongside local people as equals. This is a way of allowing New Zealand's future development workers to shape their perspectives on global poverty and effective aid. VSA also recognises the value younger volunteers can add through their different approaches and personal attributes," she says.

Head of the University of Otago's Geography department Professor Tony Binns, says the pilot study between the University and Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is unique.
"It is the only link that Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) has set up with a University in New Zealand. We are very proud and excited about this," he says.

Professor Binns says this programme is different from other international schemes because the students will be actively involved on a daily basis in the projects. "I feel sure that their experiences will help them tremendously in terms of capacity building, motivating others and contributing to university life".