Edinburgh Global Partnerships
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edinburgh Global Partnerships, or EGP, is a student-run charity based at Edinburgh University that aims to assist in sustainable community-led development oversees. It was founded in May 1990 under the name H.E.L.P. (Scotland).
The projects, which range from HIV/AIDS education to school expansion and infrastructure development, take place in the summer months during student holidays. None of the projects are conceived by EGP; rather they are proposed by indigenous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and accepted according to criteria set by EGP. The rationale is that the work conducted by volunteers will be more relevant and useful to the host community.
The academic year is used to train volunteers and to raise funds for the projects. Volunteers also participate in a Community Links project, located in Scotland, which involves work such as conservation and/or helping those living with HIV.
EGP's stated goals are:
- To support community led initiatives, working together with people to help them achieve their goals for development.
- Allow students to develop new skills and a wider perspective on the world we live in.
- To promote international understanding through projects that are focussed on building friendship, trust and respect between EGP volunteers and people across the world.
