What

our placements

Each 12 week placement is different. That’s because our programme work is designed to meet the needs of the country and communities we are working in. As we focus on the issues that most effect young people, it is likely that you will be helping us to address crucial issues such as sexual and reproductive health (including HIV), unemployment and other factors that contribute to poverty. Importantly, you will also be helping young people become leaders of their own development.

Read a blog written by Aram, one of our ICS volunteers in Uganda, to find out what a placement can be like.

Here are some examples of the work our ICS volunteers have been involved in:

• Delivering career guidance workshops to students, which include CV writing sessions, supporting students to complete job or training applications, and exploring different career opportunities with students.
• Building the capacity of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Volunteers receive training on development issues, and then work to increase the quality of the CSO’s work.
• Running dance4life workshops, which involve using dance and music to promote HIV and AIDS awareness to young people.
• Conducting research, through focus groups, surveys and observations at youth clubs, and then designing a manual to support future work in the communities.
• Supporting students to set up Leadership Clubs. Club members then take action to address issues in their community by organising rallies and petitions, and lobbying politicians and leaders.

Read a blog written by Josh, one of our South Africa Leaders, for an insight into life as an ICS volunteer.

'My experience on the ICS programme has been really wonderful and inspiring. I've interacted and worked with different young people from various backgrounds of life which has been a dream come true for me. Thank you, Restless Development, for this opportunity.' Chancy, ICS volunteer, Zambia, 2011

social action

Once you return to the UK, you’ll be involved in social action projects that help people in the UK understand why reducing global poverty is important, and how they can help. Previous volunteers have joined our Student Stop AIDS Campaign, been trained as Facilitators for our dance4life UK schools tour and become an ICS Youth Rep, working with the ICS agencies and DFID to ensure young people are involved in the development of the programme. There’s something for everyone to get involved in.