Voluntourism code of good practice

Back in August of 2007, I published a post on Volunteer Travel in South Africa, then in November a new Code of Good Practice was put forward by volunteer travel agency Voluntours in collaboration with an award-winning responsible tour operator, Calabash Tours. The Code is theirs only so doesn't have broader buy-in as yet from the industry, but it's only a matter of time before that will be implemented -- or mandated by government.

Here's what they promise:

As a responsible volunteer operator we pledge our commitment to uphold a minimum Code of Good Practice, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Having a long-term relationship and agreement in writing with the host community.
2. Programme outputs must be determined by and with the community, for example, via a needs analysis, collective consultative meeting.
3. Having a shared vision with the community/project on the role played by volunteers.
4. Volunteers must not be taking the place of local employees.
5. Where overseas placement organisations are used to source volunteers, these organisations should be charging fair prices in a transparent way.
6. Volunteers must be screened for personal references and criminal records.
7. Volunteers' skills/interests/hobbies must be matched to the programme needs.
8. The community or programme must have final right of acceptance or rejection of applicants. Automatic acceptance should not be the norm.
9. Volunteers must be provided with a written Task Description outlining project duration, resources, supervision, reporting structures and final objectives/ measurable outcomes.
10. Volunteers must transfer skills to the community.
11. Volunteers must be orientated effectively prior to arrival and on the programme.
12. Volunteers must be self-funding so as not to burden the host community.
13. Volunteer programmes must be financially transparent by giving volunteers access to information on the breakdown of their fee and what amounts go into the community.
14. Volunteers must be effectively managed on the ground (assistance, guidance, supervision) by programme co-ordinators, so as to ensure community and volunteer gets value from placement.
15. Volunteers must abide by a written code of conduct.
16. Volunteer programmes must carry volunteer specific insurances (legal compliance).
17. Volunteer programmes must carry PDP permits and relevant insurances when charging volunteers for transfers/transportation.
18. Volunteering management companies/ agencies must adhere to basic legal requirements of their specific sector of the industry and laws of South Africa.
19. Volunteer project must have a Responsible Tourism Strategy that addresses economic, social and environmental policy.
20. Volunteer programmes must have a structure/system for monitoring feedback and de-briefings with the volunteer.
21. Volunteers should be advised what form of post volunteering support the programme can offer with regards to continued communications, fundraising, awareness issues.
22. Volunteer programmes must have a reporting process back to the sending organisation, where applicable.
23. Volunteer programmes must have a reporting process back to the community that allows for community participation.

I think this is a great start. Calabash have been award winners nationally and internationally for their responsible tours, and now Voluntours has been nationally recognised. Bravo to them.

For potential volunteers, this is a great checklist to run past the operators you are considering. Even if they don't adhere to the code formally, ask them to respond to the points in writing if you aren't sure what their practices are.

[Check out the original post]

Voluntourism code of good practice

Lwandle Township Soccer Update

SABC TV coverage of the Lwandle Township Soccer match against Killester FC from Ireland was recently posted to YouTube:

Lwandle Township Soccer Update