Salient Reporter

Ever since NZUSA sponsored the formation of Volunteer Service Abroad in 1962 as a logical development of its own Volunteer Graduate Scheme, graduate volunteers have played an important and increasing role in VSA's work. A pattern of volunteer positions suitable for graduates is becoming apparent.

For new graduates the most likely avenue of service is in teaching, particularly of English, mathematics and science. Even for graduates not intending to become teachers, teaching at a school in a developing country can be an extremely valuable and satisfying experience, whatever their subsequent career.

Teaching posts are available for new or experienced graduates, with or without teacher-training, as teachers in secondary schools. Provided certification has been completed, teaching with VSA in New Zealand-inspected schools in the Pacific counts towards the discharge of Education Department bonds and superannuation and grading rights are safeguarded.

The Education Department will consider applications for deferment of teacher-training for women graduates to enable them to teach under VSA in these areas, although it prefers academic and professional training to be continuous. This applies to women graduates only, as part of the existing scheme for these teachers to defer their training.

In very exceptional circumstances, the department may consider applications for deferment of bond obligations and or leave and protection of rights in order to teach under VSA in Asian countries.

However, a department spokesman has warned that these applications are not normally agreed to.

Graduates under bond to any other Government Department will need to obtain that department's approval before offering themselves for service with VSA.

For new graduates of faculties such as agriculture, horticulture, engineering, medicine, or commerce, and for graduates of all faculties with postgraduate experience, opportunities exist in many other fields besides teaching. A candidate's suitability for these positions will depend on the nature of his degree and the length and type of his experience.

Examples

Some examples of these positions:—

• Agricultural and community development in Thailand. VSA hopes to send further four-man teams to north-east Thailand similar to the Rotary-sponsored VSA "Good Neighbour Team" which has been operating there successfully for the last two and a half years.

• Produce and handcrafts marketing in Western Samoa and Tonga. VSA hopes to be able to provide a marketing officer for Tonga and as assistant marketing officer for Western Samoa. The task is to encourage the local people to grow and market new exports and to increase their production of existing exports while at the same time improving handling, packaging, marketing methods and administration.

• Agricultural instruction in Malaysia and the Pacific.

• Accountancy training and allied tasks in Tonga and Western Samoa. An accountant is required for in-service accountancy training and development work with the Tongan Copra Board and commerce and administration graduates with suitable experience could well fit into marketing and other positions.

• Engineering in Thailand and the Pacific.

• Teaching in Asia and the Pacific. VSA hopes to increase the number of graduate teachers it has serving. Positions are available in Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Western Samoa and Tonga and may become available in Indonesia, Fiji, the Cook Islands and other Pacific countries. Subjects taught include English, history, geogrpahy, science, music, home science, mathematics and physical education. English is the medium of instruction.

Service

Service with VSA is normally for two years, but shorter periods are considered in special circumstances. In place of salary, volunteers receive food and accommodation, a field allowance of about £NZ5 a week, a clothing allowance of £22/10/- a year, and on return home a minimum grant of £5 for each month's service. VSA or the employing authority meets personal accident insurance and medical or hospital expenses. The New Zealand Government provides travel to and from the field and insurance of personal possessions.

The living conditions of volunteers, though far from luxurious, are certainly not primitive. Adequate standards of hygiene, accommodation and food are necessary if volunteers are to maintain the health and morale necessary for success. However, care is taken to avoid placing a barrier of wealth and comfort between volunteers and the local people whose friendship, confidence and co-operation are equally necessary for success.

Completion

Normally university students are not selected until they have completed their degrees so that their studies are not disrupted. However, undergraduates may apply before and have their applications filed pending completion of their degrees.

Participation in VSA as an individual member is also possible. Quarterly newsletters keep members up-to-date with the latest volunteer requests, the activities of volunteers abroad and new developments in VSA's work. Because the New Zealand Government pays VSA's administration expenses and volunteers', fares, all 20/- of the annual £1 subscription (7/6 to those under 19) is used to support volunteers at work.

Volunteer Service Abroad may be contacted at 51 Mulgrave Street, Wellington (P.O. Box 3564).