Are you between 18 and 30? Ever wanted to do some voluntary work? Wondered what it would be like to work on a community project in a developing country? Want to broaden your horizons and help others do the same?

If so, GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) could be for you. GOLD provides members of Girlguiding UK with opportunities for personal development through participation in community development projects overseas, using the medium of guiding. Development projects vary and could include anything from teaching English as a foreign language to setting up and running a business skills training programme. On return to the UK, participants bring back what they have learned to their own community.

Take part and you’ll travel in a team of four to six others at the invitation of a guiding Association in another country. You’ll work alongside local Guides on projects ranging from guiding development to self-esteem, and life skills to health awareness.

Projects are typically two to four weeks in duration and currently take place in July to December. You are expected to fund-raise for all project costs including travel and living expenses, and any equipment you may need for use on your project. You will need to be very committed to undertake all the preparatory work for your project which will include a minimum of three briefing weekends and a debrief weekend on return to the UK.

In 2006, the programme allowed people to visit Bangladesh, Belarus, Fiji, Honduras, Madagascar, South Africa and Thailand.  There were two tripartite projects: Thailand which works with Guides Australia, and Fiji which was led by Guides New Zealand.

Want to take part?

If you are interested in taking part in GOLD, you must attend an INTOPS weekend.