Training
Learning is central to the VSO volunteer experience. Upon joining VSO, the volunteers are inducted into a learning journey that optimizes their potential to meet identified development goals and maximizes organizational learning within VSO. Learning opportunities are integrated at every stage of the volunteer journey. There is worldwide consistency in how the volunteers are supported in this journey.
VSO provides training and learning support to volunteers in addressing the following inter-linked learning needs:
personal learning needs (eg adapting to living and working in a new culture, attitudes, ethics, language)
development learning needs (eg HIV and AIDS as a development issue, gender, Millennium Development Goals, globalization)
professional learning needs (eg training skills, program development, motorcycle driving).
Pre-departure training
After you have been accepted on a placement you will need to attend pre-departure training courses:
Preparing for Change (PfC) course
The first of the two VSO pre-departure training courses will explore a range of issues involved in moving to a new environment overseas. The PfC is a four-day residential course, given to all volunteers once they have a placement.
Wider Role of Volunteers (WRV) course
WRV discusses practical tools and skills that will prove useful to volunteers in their placements. It is a five-day residential course given to volunteers who have been accepted a volunteer placement and are certain to depart soon.
Skill-focused orientation/training
You can suggest individual training, such as immersion in an HIV and AIDS project or fundraising activity, if you consider such training useful to your future assignment. You are also encouraged to do a self-briefing to meet any gaps identified in the learning needs assessment.
Motorcycle riding course
You may need to have motorcycle training if it required for your placement. The motorcycle safety riding course lasts 5–10 days and is run at the Honda Driving Academy. The costs of the training as well as transportation, lodging and board will be covered by VSO.
In-country training
All our volunteers undergo in-country training (ICT) which you will receive when you arrive in your placement country. The ICT usually runs for two weeks although, in can be longer in some countries. The training usually includes local language training.
