Aid work advice??

24 Jun 2008

I am now absolutely livid as I typed out a really, REALLY long thread and didn't save it before pressing "submit" and have just lost it :cry: mad

Anyway........... (won't be making THAT mistake again).
So, picture the scene, me and miss srne have decided to turn our backs on the world of materialism and buying stuff we don't actually need and decided we will try and help other people a little more whenever and where and however we can!
Sounds great right?
So, we decided after hearing some really worrying stories about how only 15p in every £1 donated to charity actually gets to the root cause you donate to, that we would help out in another more direct way and volunteer to do some aid work abroad.
We started ye olde internet search and discovered to our huge disappointment and annoyance that aid agencies now ask for money for you to go and actually do "aid work"!!
Now, I'm not talking a couple of hundred pounds to cover the cost of your air fare etc which we would of been happy to pay, I'm talking thousands (like £4000 per person) for a 5 week "trip to help people who really will benefit from you being there".
Now forgive me if I am missing something but how much does it actually cost to send a person to say Africa on an economy flight and get them to a village that they can help build or supply skills etc to help out in whatever way, shape or form is needed there?
Surely not £4000 per person?
We genuinely wanted to do something worthwhile but at £9000 we just cannot afford to do "charity work" and I think this is an absolute travesty.
I did phone one aid agency to ask for a breakdown of how it costs so much and was told, off the record, that that is how his boss drives a "company BMW costing £40,000" and "earns £135,000 a year" and I just could not believe it.
It really is a shame that even charity and aid work has become big business and stops people like us who want to do something for genuine reasons actually being able to. It seems to cater for rich kids who's parents want them to "see a bit of the other side of life" as most of the internet sites seemed to advertise for gap year breaks etc,etc.
Anyone with any information or has done some aid work would be appreciated or even if you just have a comment or a criticism we would be glad to hear it?

24 Jun 2008

Quote by Srne
I am now absolutely livid as I typed out a really, REALLY long thread and didn't save it before pressing "submit" and have just lost it :cry:
Anyway........... (won't be making THAT mistake again).
So, picture the scene, me and miss srne have decided to turn our backs on the world of materialism and buying stuff we don't actually need and decided we will try and help other people a little more whenever and where and however we can!
Sounds great right?
So, we decided after hearing some really worrying stories about how only 15p in every £1 donated to charity actually gets to the root cause you donate to, that we would help out in another more direct way and volunteer to do some aid work abroad.
We started ye olde internet search and discovered to our huge disappointment and annoyance that aid agencies now ask for money for you to go and actually do "aid work"!!
Now, I'm not talking a couple of hundred pounds to cover the cost of your air fare etc which we would of been happy to pay, I'm talking thousands (like £4000 per person) for a 5 week "trip to help people who really will benefit from you being there".
Now forgive me if I am missing something but how much does it actually cost to send a person to say Africa on an economy flight and get them to a village that they can help build or supply skills etc to help out in whatever way, shape or form is needed there?
Surely not £4000 per person?
We genuinely wanted to do something worthwhile but at £9000 we just cannot afford to do "charity work" and I think this is an absolute travesty.
I did phone one aid agency to ask for a breakdown of how it costs so much and was told, off the record, that that is how his boss drives a "company BMW costing £40,000" and "earns £135,000 a year" and I just could not believe it.
It really is a shame that even charity and aid work has become big business and stops people like us who want to do something for genuine reasons actually being able to. It seems to cater for rich kids who's parents want them to "see a bit of the other side of life" as most of the internet sites seemed to advertise for gap year breaks etc,etc.
Anyone with any information or has done some aid work would be appreciated or even if you just have a comment or a criticism we would be glad to hear it?

I must say that what you want to do is a very noble thing. I take my hat off to you and hope you get to do whatever you want in that field.
On the subject of cost I cannot understand the cost either, and if someone is making money out of it, then that is awful but....obviously there are always people out there to make money at other peoples expense.
I am sure there are other ways of doing what you want to do without it costing a fortune. I would have thought they would have paid people to work abroad, to do that kind of work...obviously wrong.
But I hope you find a way of doing it, and wish you luck with your venture.

24 Jun 2008

Good for you, I thought about doing the same a little while ago but iit wasn't ppractical for me at the time.

They're supposed to be one of the best organisations, to my knowledge they don't ask you for money - I could be wrong though.
H.x

24 Jun 2008

My mother works for a UK based charity, she gets a new company car every 4 years a very good wage and trips to london all paid for even down to the food and a ready kitted out office in her own home laptop, printers phonebills and broadband all paid for via the charity of course, and she is still pretty low on the management tier which makes you wondeer what the fat cats at the top are getting out of it.
Its very nobel of you to do it, personally i wouldnt but purely on the money factor
Instead of going through the organised charities why not do it all your self do some fundraising and collections book your own flights and go there yourselfs and help! surely a cheaper option and then you know all the money is going to what you actually mean it to.
Good luck with witch ever route you decide kiss

24 Jun 2008

My cousin worked on a building project in Honduras, doing what you've described for about 2 months. I remember at the time it cost her a bluddy lot of money :shock:
She worked hard, bluddy hard considering she could've got a cheap relaxing holiday for the same price!! Wasn't put up in a hotel either - no hotels around for a start! :lol2: She got put in with a family, who obviously got rent.
She lived a very basic standard of living, in a house that this 'charity' got for her. I don't know how much rent this family got, but it certainly wasn't nearly enough to run a BMW, let alone buy one. Wasn't even enough to have an indoor "toilet" or "shower". In fact, all water was fetched from the well up the road I think (from what I remember).
As my cousin said, it was a total rip off, and she couldn't see where her money went, although she did say that the feel good factor was huge, when helping build part of a school.
Looks to me like the work is needed, and these companies work as the middle man and supply the contacts.
What it did lead on to tho, was a further few years of charity work, that wasn't found by these middle men. After Honduras, she was then on the "travellers" route. Through word of mouth, she found several charities that needed a hand. Cost her nothing.
One of the best things she done was a conservation thing of the turtles - she had to walk a 10km beach each evening to count turtles and log when they're laying etc. She absolutely loved it, fab experience that was far far away from the tourist spots, and living in a hut with a dozen others.
I wouldn't know what to suggest Srne - maybe have a look round to see if there are any 'travellers' forums or similar. Maybe, if possible try to get your own contacts, rather than paying 4000 quid for them :shock:
Just had a very quick search and found this site Haven't looked at it properly, but looks like it could hold quite a few useful resources for you biggrin

If South America is your thing of course confused

Hugs and pats on the back to you both kiss

Good luck with it, you'll have the time of your lives, with a feel good factor off the scale!! :bounce:

24 Jun 2008

am compiling a response... I know you will be waiting on my every word. rolleyes

24 Jun 2008

Or if Africas your thing
Once again, don't know how much info or how helpful it is, but looks good at a glance biggrin

IN EDIT: Ohhhhh that's not just an Africa site!! Just seen there's all countries on there!

24 Jun 2008

Quote by splendid_
am compiling a response... I know you will be waiting on my every word.

I am....I am.... lol

24 Jun 2008

I work for a charidee....
With my skills and qualifications I could be earning at least double in the corporate world. In fact my subordinate from the corporate world is driving around in a posh car and has paid his house off and is about to buy another house with his partner for the country life he 'needs' to relax in to get away from the stresses and strains. His life, his choices.
I work for significantly less. I have my own car, my own home, no debt. I earn enough to support my life. The difference between before and now is that I want for less. I actually value different things more.
My job brings me face to face with the true 'needs' in this world.
My bosses have nice cars and I presume nice houses.. just like me. I suspect that what we view as 'nice' is a damn sight different to what is viewed as 'nice' by my previous peers. (I love my peugeot 107, it is the sexiest thing that I have ever driven)what I can tell you is that they have worked damn hard to get to where they are. I only know that because I am climbing this ladder too and I am learning from them. I resent them nothing.
I have my own budget and my partner who is in the corporate world uses my yearly budget in a month and still winces at the cutbacks she makes.
To the point.... my project works with at least 50 people a day... we save lives, we change lives, we support people, we help.
We advertise for volunteers and the applicants I get that don't get past interview are the 'do gooders' who think that the people 'in need' are going to be eternally grateful for the charity work they get. It is damn hard work and I employ people who are prepared to go the extra mile and all of my staff bar none got into this line of work by giving up many, many, many hours of their own time and as a result their own money (childcare- no overtime in their paid work- paying for meals because they were away from home) over many months and years.
I have a small staff team... if I could employ a bigger staff team I would. But I can't spare the time from my team to train new members at the moment and my budget has been cut again so I have to make a choice between training new people or helping more people. I just hope that my staff team aren't driven into the ground before we meet our 'quota' and our budget is awarded or not in the next 'round' of awards.
Security checking new staff, (believe me there are some 'right nutters' wanting to work with vulnerable people)training new staff, developing their skills to the point where they can be trusted to support vulnerable people in the right way... all takes money. That is even before they have done any 'charity' work.
If you want to make a donation of one or two grand and know that it is going to be used wisely let me know. You will save yourself a fortune you will actually do some good and you won't be taking skilled charity workers away from their job to help you do 'aid work'

25 Jun 2008

For the last 20yrs I've worked in the third sector, its bluddy well hard work and stressful at times. Long hours for not brilliant pay (not for what you do). But I loved every minute of it... I'm going to find it so hard leaving the voluntary sector (gonna do a few freebies for the local church though) but for the moment I need to for my own health and well being.
When budgeting for a voluntary project I was always taught that the service delivery/running expenses, should always be twice as much as your staff budget is...
When you say charities though, that includes a huge amount of groups/organisations that fit into that criteria...from the large inter/national charities to the small ones that don't spend a large amount of budget on promotion, hence you have to really do your research to find them.
I used to run a Volunteer Bureau and supported many individuals finding organisations to volunteer abroad with. I would start by breaking down your interests, start with the country you want to go to. Then start your research from there and find out what skills are needed and the costs (if any)
They are ones that don't want thousands for you to go! I know of a children's home in India for example where you apply on-line, stating how many weeks, months you would like to volunteer, what your skills are (many want teachers or a particular skill). You pay for your flights, living expenses etc. as its quite a cheap place to live and eat its not that expensive I think. They couldn't afford to help volunteers with bursaries for flights. Although if your cheeky enough and call the flight operators/airline and ask if they do discount for volunteers you might get lucky! I know some airlines will let you take extra baggage free of charge if your taking *goods* for a charity abroad.
I was looking into going last year and found a great website, if I remember tomorrow I shall see if I can find it. I found some cheap interesting ones...
I was really impressed how the Australian Volunteer programme works in the south pacific regions... most of the V's don't pay to go, the international orgs pay for it all... some fantastic work opportunities as well if you have the right skills and experience!
Also if your under 30 you have a better chance.... or maybe I should say more opportunities! smile

25 Jun 2008

Quote by splendid_
I work for a charidee....
With my skills and qualifications I could be earning at least double in the corporate world. In fact my subordinate from the corporate world is driving around in a posh car and has paid his house off and is about to buy another house with his partner for the country life he 'needs' to relax in to get away from the stresses and strains. His life, his choices.
I work for significantly less. I have my own car, my own home, no debt. I earn enough to support my life. The difference between before and now is that I want for less. I actually value different things more.
My job brings me face to face with the true 'needs' in this world.
My bosses have nice cars and I presume nice houses.. just like me. I suspect that what we view as 'nice' is a damn sight different to what is viewed as 'nice' by my previous peers. (I love my peugeot 107, it is the sexiest thing that I have ever driven)what I can tell you is that they have worked damn hard to get to where they are. I only know that because I am climbing this ladder too and I am learning from them. I resent them nothing.
I have my own budget and my partner who is in the corporate world uses my yearly budget in a month and still winces at the cutbacks she makes.
To the point.... my project works with at least 50 people a day... we save lives, we change lives, we support people, we help.
We advertise for volunteers and the applicants I get that don't get past interview are the 'do gooders' who think that the people 'in need' are going to be eternally grateful for the charity work they get. It is damn hard work and I employ people who are prepared to go the extra mile and all of my staff bar none got into this line of work by giving up many, many, many hours of their own time and as a result their own money (childcare- no overtime in their paid work- paying for meals because they were away from home) over many months and years.
I have a small staff team... if I could employ a bigger staff team I would. But I can't spare the time from my team to train new members at the moment and my budget has been cut again so I have to make a choice between training new people or helping more people. I just hope that my staff team aren't driven into the ground before we meet our 'quota' and our budget is awarded or not in the next 'round' of awards.
Security checking new staff, (believe me there are some 'right nutters' wanting to work with vulnerable people)training new staff, developing their skills to the point where they can be trusted to support vulnerable people in the right way... all takes money. That is even before they have done any 'charity' work.
If you want to make a donation of one or two grand and know that it is going to be used wisely let me know. You will save yourself a fortune you will actually do some good and you won't be taking skilled charity workers away from their job to help you do 'aid work'

Firstly can I just say this is the most derogatory and blatantly condescending post I have read in many a moon!!
Can I just ask Splendid, did you actually take the time to think that what you have written is clearly going to annoy us and believe me I don't get annoyed easily.
Some of the statements you have made are at least completely generalised and I would even go as far as to say insulting.
Let me start with this one........
We advertise for volunteers and the applicants I get that don't get past interview are the 'do gooders' who think that the people 'in need' are going to be eternally grateful for the charity work they get.
So what your basically saying is that people who walk through the door and have a real and very passionate desire to try and do something selfless are "do gooders"? I would VERY MUCH like to hear your interpretation of these people as I'm sure you have insulted just about everybody who works on a non paid basis for a charity, or at least sweepingly collated them into a sub category of your own opinion!
You work for a charity, in a paid capacity, and I have no problem with this untill you start to self justify your position as a paid charity worker by implying subtly that "do gooders" somehow actually do more harm than good. This is CLEARLY evident in your post, some of the statements you have made in your post which are blatantly and very obviously (even for those who are neutral to this debate I would imagine)meant to demean what we are trying to do are extremely insulting.
To imply that charity work on a non paid basis is "do gooders" wasting the time of you highly skilled paid workers doing their job is ludicrous!
"If you want to make a donation of one or two grand and know that it is going to be used wisely let me know. You will save yourself a fortune you will actually do some good and you won't be taking skilled charity workers away from their job to help you do 'aid work'."
How can the above be taken in ANY other context?
I'll be quite honest when I saw it actually has got me extremely annoyed.
Now I don't know what charity you work (in a paid capacity) for, but I will be damned if ANYONE is going to imply that by me and miss srne going to do aid work abroad we are actually hindering efforts......... "you won't be taking skilled charity workers away from their job to help you do 'aid work'."
You said in your post that you could be earning more money with your "skills and qualifications" in the commercial sector. What so your giving up more than we are by working for less money than your worth??????
We are going to a foreign country for FREE, to do whatever is necessary top help people less fortunate than we have been privileged to be, how dare you come on here and insinuate from your high moral post that we should leave you "skilled charity workers" to it?
I can safely say that everyone is entitled to their opinions, and in your post you started by generalising charity workers as "do-gooders", which I cant really take great offence at. It was when you personalised the post to us directly I really got upset, evidence of both my annoyance and your personalising the post are above, just in case anybody would like to jump to her defence!
Now I'm sure you are going to reply with a well written and cleverly worded retort, but the evidence is there. I do not think I am being over sensitive and I do think I am WELL within my rights to post this.
I think you have posted this to try and justify your work as a paid charity worker and I can see your point in a small way for you doing this. I have no argument that SOME paid charity work is needed to successfully achieve a charity's aims and ensure the smooth running of its logistical operations, I'm not that naive.
However, by basically insulting us as "do gooders" who were "taking away valuable skilled charity workers to help us do 'aid work'" you really stepped over my mark of acceptability and thus have ensued a rant from me.
I said this earlier but did you stop to think of how CERTAIN aspects of your post may be construed BEFORE pressing the 'submit' button?
I am pretty surprised really that somebody in the charity sector even as a paid employee, would have your attitude towards what we want to do! Its pretty gutting actually and makes us feel really rather deflated that people would assume the worst of people trying to do their best!!!!!!!

25 Jun 2008

From a very objective standpoint, SRNE (and I'm answering the only bit I can do from what I know to be true).......
My neighbours are leading anthropologists who work in a very deprived area of South America. Their work is not charity based, but they are involved with the coordionation of several small charities. Many volunteers go out there with good intentions but no practical skills and therefore the inability to work independantly.
This means that the full time workers' time is taken up by "puppy walking" people who need lots of supervision. I'm guessing that the reason some of these arrangement fees are so high is so that the charities make some actual cash, meaning that people are basically paying for the privilidge of assuaging their consciences.

25 Jun 2008

I stand by everything I said. I won't apologise for your interpretation.
Just for the record and to those who do a fantastic job volunteering and are valued by those who recruit and employ you- thankyou.
My point about my staff team (and myself) didn't do them justice in that I neglected to specify that their many many hours of experience were gained initially by volunteering. This is where I said

Quote by splendid_
It is damn hard work and I employ people who are prepared to go the extra mile and all of my staff bar none got into this line of work by giving up many, many, many hours of their own time and as a result their own money (childcare- no overtime in their paid work- paying for meals because they were away from home) over many months and years.

Three of my volunteers have learnt so much and have been so brilliant they were successful at interview have been employed full time. (1 for me and 2 elsewhere)
I am proud of their achievements and pleased that they have realised their ambition.

Quote by Srne
Anyone with any information or has done some aid work would be appreciated or even if you just have a comment or a criticism we would be glad to hear it?

clearly not.

25 Jun 2008

Quote by flower411
I work for a charidee....

25 Jun 2008

I've had my eyes opened by this thread.
Splendid's post made uncomfortable reading in parts. But I have no doubt that what she says is true.
Until today, I have to hold my hand up and say I was one of those who vaguely thought "that the people 'in need' are going to be eternally grateful for the charity work they get."
I've done little bits of charity work in the UK, only small in the scale of things, and the bits that I have done, have always lead to huge gratitude from the organisers of whatever it was.
I always looked upon people who went further than that, people who actually went abroad to help out, as hugely admirable, people who should be worship

.
And I still think that, I still think anyone who shows willing to actually get off their asses and do physical work, either here or abroad, should be admired for their work.
BUT...
It never occurred to me before, that there is a so much more involved in the recruitment & administration of charity workers.
As I said, Splendid's post does make uncomfortable reading in parts. It sounds harsh, and goes against what we in the general public have come to believe. But that doesn't mean that what she has said, is not correct.

25 Jun 2008

Great post, Splendid - very informative. :thumbup:
Mal
wink

25 Jun 2008

Quote by splendid_
I work for a charidee....

could you just tell me why you opened your reply with the bit I`ve quoted ??

I used that word because it was a comedians catchphrase or something wasn't it? I can't remember anyhoo... it is a word we use in work a lot as a piss take out of ourselves in certain circumstances.
Smashy and nicey the radio DJ's played by Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield....
"well it is for charidee mate"
" yes great mate it is for charidee"

25 Jun 2008

oh flippin' eck stormy... I really AM that old.
bugger
sad

25 Jun 2008

Quote by splendid_
oh flippin' eck stormy... I really AM that old.
bugger

I'll get the lard.....

26 Jun 2008

I have to be honest Splendid, I did think your comment regarding *do-gooders* was a bit hard nosed... confused

Im a *do-gooder* (according to some) lol

and have been for years!
Volunteering has I feel got so professional over the years. So much so that it omits some people who have an awful lot to give.
For many potential volunteers, volunteering is about getting their lives back...gaining confidence, self esteem and skills and hopefully at some point getting back into the workforce. Some volunteers are already vulnerable people wanting to work with those who are the same - that scenario doesn't always work well. Yes, thy are some *nuts* who want to work with vulnerable people...they usually get filtered out somewhere along the line. Yes, it is costly for crb checks, training etc... but if you use voluntary workers that's the price an organisation pays.
I don't feel that volunteers should be working along side paid workers long hours, they aren't there to be used in that way or to replace paid workers, no-one should be out of pocket either. Yet many do it as they are giving people.... Volunteers suffer from burn out too :? (been there) If workers and volunteers are working all hours, giving, giving an yet more giving, I believe a project has got to a stage where its spreading itself too thin and trying to do to much...and I know of many organisation doing just that, I ran one. The pressures that funders etc now put on an organisation to hit *quotas* is madness sometimes!
If a project is running on a small budget and staff team, you can only take so many volunteers and support them in an appropriate way. I think that's sort of what you said Splendid? So can understand what your saying.
One of the things that has bugged me for years is targets that have to be hit to receive funding for the next quarter etc. They are unrealistic yet most organisations set them themselves because they need the funding to continue excellent and much needed work. I've heard recently that the police (in Bristol not sure about anywhere else) have done away with targets and got back to what they should be doing without filling out useless bluddy paperwork to keep someone in a suit happy rolleyes

(apoligies to all those who wear suits - its what young people I used to work with called those who funded us) An to cap it all, doesn't read it and files it away! Grrr!
I think what Srne want to do is brilliant, it might be seen as *do-gooding* dunno

but I think they have hit the nail on the head with the large charities... spending far too much money on some things and not the ones that are most important... their clients and service delivery! And for the volunteers??? Its about positive experiences......and if that's doing Aid Work abroad and going to the source of where their interests lay, why not eh??? smile

Anyway, I've waffled again and can I just say this post isn't directed totally at Splendid... volunteering and the voluntary sector are subjects I'm passionate about and I could chat for England on it.

26 Jun 2008

I see what your saying splendid and can understand it fully but its still a bit off when certain charidees expect volunteers to pay a whole heap of money in order to do voluntary work.....
Paying for air fares is a no brainer and accomodation as well but the amount the OP spoke of seems a lot of money(to me anyway) to expect someone to pay out....
I know certain checks have to be carried out CRB checks for instance but they arent that expensive are they dunno

I know an organisation I am registered with does CRB checks on all its members and they are as tight as a ducks arse in water :lol2:
Nothing in the above is meant as a dig I think I am just seeking some more information as to where the money goes I suppose :dunno:

26 Jun 2008

Quote by Mal
Great post, Splendid - very informative. :thumbup:
Mal

After reading splendid's post many, MANY times, I would agree that a majority of the post IS informative, as Mal has been quick to defend!!
The problem we have with this post is when the implications and connotations start about "do gooders", and especially the last bit which cannot be interpreted as anything other than negative.
I am absolutely adamant I KNOW what splendid's intonations were, and to be honest splendid, I half expected you to try to pass off my second post using that good old word "interpretation"!!
Nevertheless, I am pleased the less bolshy and self pontificating members of this community seem to understand why we are doing what we are. It seems some people will always try and find fault in anything you do rolleyes

28 Jun 2008

CRB checks are free if I remember correctly for Volunteers...
For staff, the standard is about £30 and enhanced I think is £36 but it could have gone up again! If you go through a named agency which deal with all the paperwork for you (after your have staff/volunteers have completed the forms and supplied original certificates needed) there is an additional cost (and most cities are recommended to use these).

28 Jun 2008

my other half regularly uses the specialists in the CAB in his work and always suggests that anyone with a day or more a week going spare should get involved. For the advisors the training is long, as it should be, and very demanding at times but there's usually admin staff or receptionists needed.
It's always good to give someting back to the community.