Volunteer in community development and help some of the world's most disadvantaged people work their way out of poverty. Help create sustainable futures for generations to come.

Community development volunteering is for you if you're passionate about improving people's lives, and want to work on a project which is sustainable.

It suits people who are motivated, can come up with their own ideas and implement, but who are also able to work as a team. There will be different roles available in the various projects, so you can find one which suits your skills, experience and interests.

What does community development actually mean?

Community development covers quite a wide range of projects and roles. Basically, it means improving a local community (usually poor and/or with other disadvantages) to bring long-term benefits. This could include education, health, sanitation, construction or business.

The projects are determined by the needs of the local community, so they are very varied and can change rapidly. Because locals are involved at all stages, you can be assured that your contribution is wanted, needed and valuable.

What will I do on a community development volunteer project?

Community development covers such a wide range of projects and tasks. Here are some which you could get involved in:

  • Construction and maintenance, including building, digging, painting and decorating. Well-maintained buildings are essential for schools and businesses.
  • Sanitation and recycling. Not glamorous but so important! Good sanitation reduces disease and improves school attendance, particularly for teenage girls.
  • Gardening, farming and conservation. Improving the environment is part of community development. Children and disadvantaged people can benefit enormously from gardening as they are spending time outside, learning, and improving their mental health.
  • Education. This could be teaching children basic primary subjects, or teaching music, dance, art and drama. You could also teach adults who will benefit from learning various business skills or learning how to manage their resources.
  • Business - helping particular groups (such as women or social entrepreneurs) start and run businesses. You could also be involved in logistics, administration, communications or project management.
  • Marketing, fundraising and raising awareness - you could be reaching out to the local community or wider community to help them get involved in the projects. You may also be working with other NGOs or government departments.
  • Sharing your own experience or skills. If your professional background is relevant to the project you are working on, you may teach your skills (particularly business skills or IT) to others. Many volunteer project don't require experience, but if you want to share your skills, you can be matched to a project which can use them.
  • Initiating your own projects. If you are motivated and creative, you may spot an opportunity for a new project and on some placements, will be able to implement this.

Who will I be working with?

In short, the local community! Community development projects are never done in isolation - they always involve the needs and opinions of locals (otherwise they won't work!). You'll be working with a variety of local people, including staff who will support and supervise you. You'll also be working with a team of other volunteers, so you have a ready-made group of friends to socialise with in your time off!

Depending on the project and your particular role, you may be working with others in a team most of the time, or you may work largely alone with minimal supervision.

What will I get out of a community development project?

Because there's so much variety in community development projects, you will develop an exceptional range of skills. You'll learn to solve problems creatively, face challenges, motivate others, lead people, work as a team, communicate more effectively with a wide range of people, and so on.

One of the great things about working in a community development project is that you can learn skills that you might not be able to get in your day job, which means you can rise up the career ladder faster on your return. This kind of volunteering is very much a skills exchange - while you are bringing benefits to the community, they are also sharing their knowledge with you.

Community development volunteering is one of the best career breaks you can do, because you will learn so much and give so much!

Click here to see all organisations which can find you a community development volunteering placement.