International Programmes

Just Out! Following our extensive work with Sightsavers International supporting the development and introduction of a new Programme Partnership Policy, the first  Learning Report has been published. Read about the process, what worked, what the challenges were, what we learnt, and consider how it might apply to you 

We have been involved in international development since the 1970s, primarily through:

• the Volunteer Service Programme (1981-2006)
• the Village Volunteers sponsorship scheme (1985 to date)
• fundraising and grant management with African ICAs
• provision of training and facilitation services to other organisations

Our international programmes are underpinned by our mission and values, and guided by our approach and the priorities of our 3-year strategy (pdf). We are members of Bond. Bond is the UK membership body for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in international development. Established in 1993, Bond now has over 330 member organisations, from large organisations with a world-wide presence to smaller, more specialist organisations working in specific regions or with specific groups of people.

Within our current strategy, the international programmes are focused on three main areas:

• improving the practice of participation and partnership in UK-based international NGOs by offering quality, tailored training, facilitation and consulting services based on experience and evidence

• developing the capacity of our African partners to provide services more effectively, particularly in the areas of participation, HIV/AIDS, and climate change - by improving their capacity to mobilise resources, and by developing and expanding the Village Volunteers sponsorship scheme in the UK

• research and development of new areas for applications of the Technology of Participation (ToP) internationally