How to undertake a solidarity trip?
Voyage solidaireIlana and Adrien have been traveling the roads of the world for six months as part of the project of their association Pimp My World. Here are their tips for organizing a solidarity trip without falling into the traps of ecotourism.
Two years ago, we chose to embark on this long-term journey with the guideline of helping small local associations – previously identified – by financing and carrying out on site a specific project covering one of their needs. .
Our first six months in South America allowed us to carry out two solidarity projects: in Peru, on the theme of the environment, and in Bolivia, on the theme of animal defense. We traveled between each project to discover the wonders and riches offered by these beautiful countries.
2018 will begin with a change of continent and the prospect of two new solidarity projects in Nepal, on the theme of painting schools following the earthquake, and in India, on the theme of education.
At this stage of the trip, a first assessment allows us today to highlight three pieces of advice, which we believe are essential when choosing to undertake a humanitarian / solidarity trip.
Define a solidarity trip that suits you
This is the key to the success of your future trip. It is indeed important and inspiring to read the associative experiences made by other travellers, however, the definition of your project must be personal. Each individual is different and has their own aspirations. A solidarity trip has no precise definition and can take very varied forms. Create your own definition.
The first advice is to take a sheet and a pen and identify the themes that affect you the most. The environment, education, animal defense, women's rights... Read articles, books, attend conferences to confirm these interests and learn more about the subject.
It took us some time to find the precise direction that our trip would take. We wanted to combine our personal interests with the skills and knowledge acquired during our respective professional experiences.
All our research, meetings, events in which we took part, gave us a complete, solid and structured base to guide us towards what we WANTED.
Choose a project that suits you and motivates you. Do not copy someone else's project on the pretext that it has changed their life, if the subject does not interest you. The preparation phase for the trip is essential in order not to be mistaken and to make the most of this experience.
If you want to bring meaning to your trip, there are many possibilities:
Find a local association that works in an area that interests you
Join an NGO or Foundation that you know that is established in another country
Service Civique for people under 26 of French nationality
European Voluntary Service for people under 30
Go Woofing or visit the Workaway site, present in many countries, this connects individuals who need a helping hand in exchange for room and board. This can be help on the farm, in a vineyard, etc. Solidarity travel Pimp my world
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