Global Volunteer Network

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The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private NGO based in Wellington, New Zealand and offers volunteer opportunities in community projects throughout the world.

GVN’s vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. They believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and they provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals which often include: sustainable solutions to poverty, disease, and environmental degradation. The GVN-Foundation is the non-profit fundraising arm that provides financial assistance to these communities.

Programs

GVN currently offers volunteer placements through their partner organisations in 20 countries: Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam.

GVN also offer fundraising treks that give participants the opportunity to explore some of the world's highest peaks while providing orphan children with shelter, food, clothing, education, and medical care. GVN currently have treks planned to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Machu Picchu, Mt. Kilimanjaro and El Camino de Santiago.

History

GVN was launched in December 2000 by Colin Salisbury, its Founder and Chief Executive, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers could make in helping local organisations achieve their goals.

Colin has extensive volunteer experience both locally and internationally with time spent in Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Thailand. His background is in Community Development and holds a Masters Degree in International Development.

Volunteers

In 2002 GVN placed 240 volunteers, and in 2006 they placed almost 2000 volunteers.