Overview

Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) promotes international volunteering for development, linking New Zealanders with people in developing countries, working to create positive change in their communities and countries. Working in partnerships with government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations, their key development needs are identified. VSA then responds to requests for support by providing skilled professionals who volunteer their time for up to two years to work alongside its partners to improve their development outcomes

Background

VSA has worked in Cambodia since 1992, under an umbrella agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which proposed a cross-sectoral community development programme focusing on Kus Commune in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province. Using the Ministry of Education as a focal point, VSA agreed to place volunteers in teacher training, primary health care and agricultural extension assignments. From 1992 to 1999 volunteers were based in Takeo working to support and improve primary teacher training, community health initiatives, primary school education and agricultural infrastructure at Kus Commune. Over time VSA diversified and started working with partners such as Takeo Provincial Office of Education, Youth and Sport and the Takeo Primary Teacher Training College. In addition VSA also established partnerships in Phnom Penh with organizations such as the Institute Technology of Cambodia, The Cambodia Trust and the Royal University of Phnom Penh and a number of NGOs. However, since the start of 2008, the VSA programme in Cambodia has developed a new strategic direction which primarily focuses on Takeo and Svay Rieng provinces in the sectors of education, social development and economic development. The main aim of the VSA programme in Cambodia is to support local Government and local NGOs to plan and deliver services that increase access for rural and marginalised people to economic and education opportunities, and greater inclusion in society.

Value

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Mission

VSA‘s Strategic Intent 2007-2011 is structured around three objectives:  New Zealand volunteers and partner organizations and communities abroad share skills and knowledge to help improve quality of life, and build self-determining communities and stable nations.  New Zealanders understand their role in international development and participate as good neighbors in the global community.  New Zealanders appreciate and support international volunteering for development.

Vision

Our values guide the tenor and practice of our work: building respectful partnerships; diversity and cross-cultural understanding; manaakitanga (recognizing the importance of nurturing relationships) and the spirit of volunteering. A core tenet of VSA’s approach is about working and learning together with partner organizations to create pathways for change.

Goal

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