It's about your personal legacy
07/07/2009 15:50:00
Over the summer, hundreds of Irish people will visit Thailand on holiday but Paul O'Keeffe from Glanworth is planning a more extended stay.
Paul, 30, will fly out to Thailand in July on a six-month placement as a volunteer with VSO, the charity that recruits professionals to work in some of the world's poorest countries.
Paul who works at the Irish Council for International Students as a cultural awareness trainer and lectures in cultural studies at UCD decided to volunteer with VSO to use his expertise to assist the less fortunate and appeal to other like minded professionals who are considering volunteering overseas:
"I have being considering the option of volunteering for some time now. VSO placements are real live projects that really do make a difference to developing communities. I think now is the time to think about your personal legacy – what will you remember as the best part of your career? Becoming a VSO volunteer allows you to continue to develop professionally and more importantly help others. People don't realise the difference they can make by doing their job," he said.
Paul will work with the Peace Way Foundation that monitors and records human rights violations in Burma and also provides a support network for Burmese refugees in Thailand under a programme which is funded by VSO.
VSO volunteers receive a comprehensive package of benefits including flights, accommodation, insurance, training and a local living allowance.
VSO are continually looking for professionals in health, education, business management, and community development.
