Comhlámh's Pre-departure Training Service
Comhlámh offers tailored pre-departure and on-return training courses for groups of volunteers upon request. Our training reflects the best practice principles of responsible, responsive volunteering set out in the Code of Practice and the Volunteer Charter.
Comhlámh strongly advocates for the importance of providing comprehensive training and support for volunteers before they go overseas. This training allows volunteers to better prepare for their experience mentally, to manage their expectations and consider how to responsibly contribute to social change generally and to the work of their sending agency more specifically.
Pre-departure topics covered include:
- An introduction to key themes in global development
- Exploring the role of the volunteer
- Considering your motivations for volunteering overseas
- Encountering difference: volunteering in an intercultural setting
- Exploring key volunteer attributes and skills
- Considering the Use of Images and Messages in Development
- An introduction to child protection principles
- We can also organize a Health & Safety session, bringing in an external expert in the area.
Methodologies
All training sessions are conducted using participatory, development education methodologies, drawing on the participants’ ideas, experience, and expectations with guidance and input from the facilitator. In general optimum group size is between 8 and 20, allowing everyone to contribute productively.
Cost
There is a cost associated with out training provision which is tailored for each session depending on group sizes, length of training etc. For a quote tailored to your organisation's requirements, please get in touch.
Contact
To enquire about pre-departure training for your group, please contact Janet at janet@comhlamh.org.
Pre-departure training for long-term volunteers and development workers
For volunteers planning to go overseas for longer periods of time, individually or independently, Dtalk (Development, Training and Learning at Kimmage) offers a 4 day initial preparation programme for volunteers and development workers going on placements overseas. They also offer a range of specialist courses to ensure that development workers and volunteers about to undertake work in the developing world are adequately trained and prepared for the challenges and complexities of their future roles.
Visit Dtalk's website for further information on upcoming courses.