Serving a real purpose

Michael Olney

A Cork-based volunteering charity is now recruiting for its 2024 summer overseas volunteer programme.

The SERVE Volunteer Programme offers applicants various opportunities to work with local charities for four weeks based in Mozambique and the Philippines.

Applications for the programme close on 25 Jan and all applicants must be aged 18 or over, not in full-time second level education.

The charity also said that applicants should have a keen interest in meeting like-minded people, learning about new things, and contributing to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

The overseas project is only one part of the SERVE Volunteer Programme. When a candidate accepts the placement, they sign up to a seven-month programme which includes training days in Cork and multiple thematic information sessions held online.

SERVE alumnus Siobhan Claire, who presently works in the area of global citizenship education, said: “SERVE is unique in Ireland because it’s such a close, small community that has a huge impact. And it’s really special to be part of that.

“My experience of working with SERVE is that you really immerse yourself in the process of solidarity in action.”

One of the first volunteers to complete the SERVE volunteer programme in the Philippines in 2003 was Dianne Duggan. Today, Dianne is a barrister by profession and is a board member of SERVE.

Dianne explains: “Choosing how or if you should volunteer overseas can be tricky. Are you genuinely serving the communities? Is there a measurable impact? Is the process safe and transparent? The answers to all of these questions with SERVE is, yes!

“They have an impeccable record and if you get the opportunity to go with SERVE then you’re in an incredibly fortunate position and you’ll have an amazing experience of a lifetime.”

SERVE invites people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply to the 2024 Volunteer Programme on serve.ie. Applications close on 25 Jan.