It’s Been Quiet Here

by | Jan 17, 2009 | Work

… mainly because I’ve been on the road/ enjoying some great company.

I spent the last few days in Swanwick at the CA staff conference – and honestly, I don’t think I’ve been ever prouder that I work for Christian Aid, such a privilege. About a third of our staff were at the conference, during which we went back to the basics of why we’re doing what we’re doing, and how we can do it better. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet a vast array of staff from different countries/ offices/ departments, but mostly it was good to spend some time with my fellow gapper colleagues. I’m constantly inspired by them, and the wider CA staff, by their passion, energy & commitment to ending poverty.

Platform2 :: Your Platform To Change Your World

by | Jan 8, 2009 | Social Justice, Travel, Work

One of the programs I’m involved with through work is Platform2, a fantastic volunteering opportunity. We’re still recruiting, so check out the spiel below, and if you’re interested/know someone who might be, either get in touch or pass the details on!

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platform2

Platform2 is fully funded by the Department for International Development and does not cost anything for the volunteers who take part. In short, Platform2 is a 10 week fully paid placement on a project in a developing country. It is specifically directed to 18-25 year olds who would otherwise not be able to afford such an opportunity. Check out our website: www.myplatform2.com for details of the program.

At the moment we are recruiting for the trip leaving on the 17th March ‘09. If someone were to apply now they could be away to Ghana, Peru, India, or South Africa at from mid March (until the end of May)! Applications for this trip must be in by 19th Jan ’09 – less than 100 places left!! There will however be trips leaving regularly over the next 2 years. The next application deadline would be the end of March for trips leaving 26th May ‘09.

Platform2 is a unique opportunity for 18-25 year olds in the UK to volunteer in a developing country for 10 weeks and then come back and creatively express their experience in the UK. Volunteers could be going to countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India, for a 10 week placement which will make a real difference to the local community – all of the work is locally operated and supervised, and sustainable.

When the volunteers get back, we’ll give them a platform to creatively express their experience – through art, film, photography, blogging – whatever they’re into, they can use it to tell people about their trip and what it’s like to live in a developing country.

Platform2 is different to most overseas volunteering opportunities because it’s aimed at people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to do something like this, so it’s free. The scheme is fully-funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC.

If you’re 18 to 25 (at the time of travel), have / are eligible for a UK passport, and want to make a difference to people in the developing world, here’s your chance.

To find out more, please visit www.myplatform2.com or email Craig at cmccreadie@christian-aid.org.

Congolese Fishing

by | Dec 19, 2008 | Africa, Film, Work

Some of my fellow gapper colleagues are busy working hard editing the video footage we shot while in the DRC last month. Jim & Steph did the filming work, and are now editing along with Chris & JP. Here’s a first glimpse of their work…

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