Supporting people-centred rural development and environmental protection in South-East Asia

For several years UNA Exchange has worked in partnership with the Global Opportunity Centre at Cardiff University to provide a programme of group volunteering with projects in South-East Asia. This summer students will take part in month-long projects across Japan and Vietnam, supporting people-centred rural development and environmental protection. In May we met this year’s cohort of volunteers and provided pre-departure training, which supports participants to develop their intercultural awareness, make the most of their experiences and stay safe whilst abroad.

This year one cohort of UNA Exchange/Cardiff University volunteers is heading to the Japanese island of Hokkaido, where they will be contributing to sustainable agriculture projects in Kuromatsunai and Yoichi. Whilst a second group will be taking part in environmental work across the national parks of Cat Ba and Ba Vi in Vietnam.

UNA Exchange works in partnership with fellow members of the UNESCO-affiliated Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service and the Alliance of European Voluntary Service organisations to provide opportunities for UK-resident volunteers to participate in community-led projects worldwide.