This site provides an overview of the Suas Volunteer Programme: who is involved? what it is about? and the challenges and opportunities involved. For potential volunteers we hope this site will help you decide whether or not the programme is right for you.
The Suas Volunteer Programme provides an opportunity to volunteer in a community-based school or educational project in India or Kenya, for ten weeks, while learning about different cultures. It offers the possibility to develop personal and professional skills, to work in a team, and to learn about the challenges and opportunities of development in our interconnected world.
Since 2002, Suas volunteers have been working with our Partners overseas. The overall success of each year participants has enabled the continuation and further development of the programme. Today, it continues to evolve, learning from the highs and lows of each successive year and responding to the ongoing changes and challenges faced in each Partner Organisation.
Supporting Education in our Partner Schools
The Suas programme is a professional work placement. It is a very demanding, and challenging experience. Volunteers work with their teachers for an average of 40 hours per week; assisting with curricular activities; providing one-to-one support to children; and producing TLMs (Teaching Learning Materials) as well as extra-curricular activities; summer camps, arts & crafts, football, rugby, hurling and drama etc. In addition, volunteers may assist their Partner Organisation with research, IT support, documentation, and curriculum development.
Creating networks of young people to make a difference
The Programme is a way to meet and work with like-minded individuals working for change, in Ireland and overseas. It's about leadership and serving the needs of others. It facilitates the creation of a network of young people who will hopefully make a contribution to their communities far beyond the programme itself.
Volunteers as part of our Overseas Partnership Model
The Volunteer Programme is part of the wider service provided by Suas to our Partner Organisations overseas. The Volunteer Programme builds trust and respect helping us work together to make a real difference.
If you have any questions that aren't answered on these pages or the FAQ, please contact Suzanne or Dermot through vp@suas.ie or Tel: +353 1 662 1412
Thank you
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The volunteer's role begins in February and is divided into three phases:
1. Preparation (February - June)
A) Knowledge & Skills Development: three action-packed weekends to support the volunteers preparations. These cover an introduction to: the Partner Organisations, Development issues, skills development & team work, and health & security.
B) Fundraising for the participation fee (with our support).
2. Overseas Placement (June - August)
A 10 week placement in one of our Partner Schools in India or Kenya. Teams of 12 volunteers will work together to serve the needs of the teachers and children.
Teams will work on a broad range of projects, both curricular (English, Maths, Science...)
and extra-curricular (Sports, Music, Art...)
with children and young adults from ages 4 to 17 years.
Global Perspectives
Understanding the wider challenges of development is an integral part of the programme. Global Perspectives Week takes place half-way through the placement with speakers from the UN, Government and development agencies.
3. Return & Closeout (August - October)
A debriefing weekend for volunteers to reflect on their experiences and what they have learnt. The aim is to thank everyone involved in the programme and to look forwards - to ask what's next?
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