What is VSO ICS?

ICS (International Citizen Service) is a programme funded by the UK Government’s Department for international development to give young people aged 18-25 the amazing opportunity to volunteer overseas. VSO (Volunteering Service Overseas) and other respected development organisations lead ICS in partnership by providing structured support and training to volunteers before, during, and after all oversea placements. In order for this to be sustained, all volunteers are set fundraising targets which have to be met before their oversea           experience begins.

 Why VSO ICS?

In January 2017, Lydia and a small group of UK volunteers are travelling to Mtwara in Tanzania to work on a VSO livelihood project for three months. The team will work alongside local volunteers to ensure the impactful project is sustained.

During Lydia’s stay, she will live with a host family who will help her to integrate with the community and discover their cultural lifestyle; something she is really excited about! This links to VSO’s People First strategy which has already benefited 24 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

After returning to the UK, Lydia take part in at least one “Action at Home” project. This will be initiated by herself and aims to benefit local  communities or inspire positive social change via fundraising or campaigning.

What is Lydia's project?

Lydia will participate in a project called Enhancing Employability through Vocational Training (EEVT). This is implemented by the Vocational and Education Training Authority (VETA) and the VSO partnership with coalition of LNG companies in Tanzania. 

EEVT projects focus on the increasing demand for skilled labour in the gas industry and other related services by aiming to improve the employability of young people who live in Mtwara and Lindi (Southern Tanzania). 

The standards of: craftsmanship , food preparation, plumbing, welding, carpentry, motor vehicle, electrical installation, and generic skills like English language, health and safety, maintenance, and entrepreneurship have been raised by VETA South East Zone. 

VSO projects help to: coordinate, deployment of advisors (volunteers) and management of these standards and include the improvement of employment for graduate students  by working with  VETA Mtwara as an organisation  partner.

Examples of what she will be doing:

* Peer to peer training will help young people  at VETA to set personal career goals. Volunteers will identify potential mentors to give talks and provide further support. English training and practices will also be organised by the volunteers for VETA graduates and for those who have established their own small businesses/enterprises.

* Peer education includes organising activities on career development and the alternative pathways for youth in the Mtwara  community and at VETA. These activities will also help those who have established their own small  businesses/ enterprises by developing marketing skills. Volunteers will work closely with the Young Entrepreneur Society (YES) on market strategy and the design of marketing materials. There will be a high focus on the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the volunteers.

* Youth dialogue requires volunteers to liaise with  VETA Mtwara and EEVT to expand the opportunities made available in the Mtwara region and how to make these easily accessible.

* Sports development for VETA students.

* Provide publication  to increase awareness of the project as well as  inform and support the youth who are on career development  project.

Thank you for your support,

Lydia :)