Gap work scheme for disadvantaged

Douglas Alexander wants young people to understand world issues

Young adults from less advantaged backgrounds are to get the opportunity to carry out voluntary work overseas under a new government scheme.

Over the next three years, 2,500 people aged 18 to 25 are each due to do 10 weeks' work in developing countries including Ghana and South Africa.

The Department for International Development is backing the £10m scheme.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said the volunteers would make a "valuable contribution".

Those taking part must be from less advantaged backgrounds, who meet a combination of criteria relating to previous education, employment, benefits and travel.

A DFID spokeswoman said: "We particularly want to reach those who work hard and want to give something back to their community but perhaps are, at present, in a situation where all the money they earn goes to their living expenses."

Volunteers will spend 10 weeks overseas, and the first group of 12 will go to Ghana or South Africa in May. Later groups will visit India, Malawi and Peru.

'Global citizens'

Mr Alexander said: "This scheme aims to give young British adults who wouldn't normally have an opportunity the chance to make a valuable contribution to the lives of people overseas who are blighted by poverty.

"By living and working with people from very different backgrounds, facing very different challenges, they will learn new skills and help unlock the potential within them to become better global citizens.

"And on return they'll be applying what they've learned to activities in their own local communities.

"It is important that young people understand the issues that shape the world they live in. All round this should prove to be a very rewarding life experience for the young adults involved."

Perhaps I'll even find a lifetime friend in someone who lives a hundred miles away from me Runa Khanom 'Life-changing opportunity'

The scheme will also be run in partnership by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Bunac. Dr Hany El Banna, president of Islamic Relief, said: "This project is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved.

"It will offer young British adults from all ethnic and religious backgrounds, especially those from the least well-to-do families in the UK, the chance to travel as a group and do a voluntary work placement in a developing country."

One of the first volunteers accepted into the scheme is Runa Khanom, 24, from Smethwick in Birmingham.

She said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I feel that this programme will give me a renewed enthusiasm to do things I believe in and to help others feel the same about themselves.

"Perhaps I'll even find a lifetime friend in someone who lives a hundred miles away from me."