Overview

What is ABV? Australian Business Volunteers Ltd. is a not-for-profit service organization, formed in 1981 to provide management and technical training assistance to businesses and institutions such as governments and non-government organizations, in the developing countries of the Asia Pacific region. What does ABV do? ABV is interested in the transfer of a wide variety of skills used in government, non-profit, educational, and business organizations using highly capable and experienced volunteers. ABV is contracted by, and receives major funding from, the Australian government through AusAID (the Australian Agency for International Development) to assist in the transfer of vital skills that are difficult to obtain in developing countries. ABV arranges short-term assignments through which Australian volunteers work alongside their local counterparts for skills transfer—ABV does not provide volunteers for ‘line’ positions, or displace local employees. Who are ABV volunteers? ABV has over 2,200 Australians registered on its database, with expertise across a wide range of private and public sector organizations and businesses. These volunteers have proven track records in their respective fields, with many years of practical experience behind them. They are highly motivated people, interested in helping others and willing to donate their time. How do you access ABV's services? To request assistance, clients must complete a formal application for the services of an ABV volunteer. This allows ABV to match volunteers and assignments. When engaging ABV volunteer, clients who are financially able provide reasonable accommodation, local transportation and an allowance to cover the cost of meals and incidentals. Sometimes the client will be asked to contribute to the cost of the international travel. The volunteer receives no salary or wages for their time and ABV does not charge a fee for the service. Maximum length of volunteer assignments is 12 months, although assignments can be repeated.

Background

More than 100 assignments have been accomplished in Cambodia since 1999, when it started some projects with the Disability Action Council. Since then it has sent volunteers to assist with projects in agriculture, organizational development, finance, computer training, human resource management, marketing and public relations, policy and planning, retail management, teacher training, training of community workers, water engineering, and vocational, technical, and construction skills (e.g. plumbing, electrical, tilesetting).

Value

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Mission

• Strengthen the capacity of organisations working directly in administrative and financial reform and governance • Promote the growth and development of small and medium enterprises. • Support the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry. • Transfer of Skills • Sustainable Growth • Effective Service Delivery

Vision

ABV Volunteers will contribute to sustainable growth in developing communities through the transfer of knowledge and workplace skills using volunteer expertise.

Goal

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