GlobAlong, an organization specialised in language courses and humanitarian volunteering abroad since 2013, looks into the abuses of humanitarian volunteering abroad.

Taking part in a humanitarian project in a developping country is a dream for many people who wish to be useful, provide help and, sometimes, professional skills to the locals (in the medical field, teaching and construction, for instance).

This can prove to be an enriching experience for participants… as long as their ideals do not deviate too far from the reality once on site!

For a few years, many charities, agencies and organizations specialized in humanitarian volunteering have seen the light of day – some more lasting and responsible than others.

The sudden increase in humanitarian volunteering programs offered online confirms this international cooperation and collective awareness. Because this phenomenon has become quite popular, however, its money generating potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. As a consequence, scams in this profitable market have emerged.

So how can one stay clear of the abuses of humanitarian volunteering abroad?

Wishing to make a real difference on site, you must ask yourself the right questions before throwing yourself into this adventure, in order for your experience to fully match your expectations.

Define your project several months before departing :
Taking the time to prepare your stay several months before departing can help you explore all possibilities and choose a stay which best suits you. Humanitarian missions are based on sharing : observing, learning, receiving and giving. In the first place, establish what you could bring to the locals (particular skills, getting along well with children, etc.).

If you’re opting for a non English-speaking destination, why not combine a language course with a humanitarian volunteering project, so that you start your mission with a good level of the language spoken on site? Slow and steady wins the race…

What type of volunteering should you go for : humanitarian volunteering or voluntourism?

By becoming a humanitarian volunteer abroad, you choose to actively take part in a project taking place in the developping world, where the locals lack means and can’t afford to hire staff. You will bring support to the locals, follow the evolution of a project, but you can also, however, visit the country during your free time.

Voluntourism is an alternative way of travelling abroad whose reputation is more questionable. You may visit the beach, an animal shelter and an orphanage in the same week. Some practises can be harmful to the locals (near-voyeuristic) and disrespectful.

Which partners should you choose ?
Beware of the reputation of the charities or agencies you wish to associate with! Paying for management fees is normal, however, make sure that you’re dealing with a responsible organization which promotes transparency : the aim of your mission is for local communities to make the most of your solidarity action.

Beware of some organizations, often presenting themselves as charities, who send volunteers abroad on humanitarian missions on the other side of the world while never going and checking whether the programs and reception conditions proceed properly on site.

The GlobAlong team based in France is committed to checking each project on site in order to insure that the programs proceed well and to insure the safety of all participants.

GlobAlong’s daily actions :
GlobAlong is an organization independent from any financial, religious or political source and does not get any subsidies. As a consequence, funding a language course or a humanitarian volunteering project abroad lies with the volunteers.

GlobAlong supports and funds a variety of projects and causes:

• Supporting the charity ”Un sourire pour Enzo”
• Supporting the charity ”Balou Grandou”
• Purchasing school books for a school in India
• Purchasing a school bus in Dakar, Senegal
• Funding a school canteen in Madagascar
• Providing financial support towards the operation of a young girl, Ana, in Senegal
• Creating a recording studio in Madagascar which generates employment to young people from the orphanage
• Giving presents to children from several orphanages during the holiday season
• Providing wheelchairs to destitute children with a disability
• Etc.

Moreover, management fees paid by each participant are partly redistributed to charities in need, as a donation.

If you wish to throw yourself into this adventure, go to our website, where you will find all the necessary information : http://www.globalong.com/.
Feel free to contact us at : info@globalong.com.