YOUR SAFETY Your Safety and Security while overseas is our Priority. Political instability, crime and violence can be common in developing countries. As a rule of thumb, volunteers should not leave their accommodation after dusk. If it is absolutely necessary, then Taxis should be used. A little Common Sense goes a long way. You have of course the added security of our overseas representatives in the field. They are there to assist you with your concerns & problems and to advise you on all issues. Our overseas representatives will visit you to ensure that everything is running smoothly. In addition, we will be monitoring your progress at Humanitarian Volunteers Headquarters.

MEETING ON ARRIVAL

It is the responsibility of Humanitarian Volunteers to meet you at the Airport. You will be met by one of our representatives who will be easily identifiable and familiar with your details.

It is also our responsibility to see you safely back to your departure airport and airline.

BRIEFING

All Humanitarian Volunteers will be comprehensively briefed before commencing work at their project.

You will be introduced to the local transport – Tuk Tuks and Matatus.
You will be given an orientation tour of the area.
You will be supplied with emergency contact numbers.
You will be advised on local customs and the realities of life in your project area.
You will be advised on your behaviour, what is expected of you, what is acceptable and unacceptable.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of each volunteer to ensure that he/she has adequate travel/medical insurance for the duration of their placement overseas.

Humanitarian Volunteers will assist you in this regard Volunteer Africa Email

If a volunteer becomes ill our overseas representative will help you with hospitals and insurance liaison. We will also of course be there as a Friend !

TRAVEL ADVISORY WARNINGS

In general, people in developing countries are friendly, helpful and humane. The vast majority of volunteers recount only positive experiences about their overseas mission.

That being said, Humanitarian Volunteers regularly monitor the Security and Safety issues in each mission area. We advise all Volunteers and Potential Volunteers that it is their responsibility to do likewise.

The following websites are Compulsory Reading for Every Volunteer/Potential Volunteer - Go to Travel Section of Sites :-

www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie
www.dfat.gov.au
www.fco.gov.uk
www.state.gov