At ICYE-UK, we believe every young person should be able to learn, contribute and build understanding across cultures, regardless of income. Journeys That Last will remove travel barriers so around 32 students can attend our 3 preparation camps and take part on an equal basis.
Categories
Beneficiaries
ICYE-UK has identified that our placements are disproportionately accessed by young people whose families can afford it. When income - not commitment - determines who can volunteer, we lose the diversity of experience that makes intercultural learning meaningful. This reflects a wider inequality: Government Community Life data show monthly formal volunteering is 23% in England’s least deprived areas, but only 11% in the most deprived. Tackling this is a priority in our new 5-year strategy.
Journeys That Last will pilot a targeted travel fund for volunteers accepted onto our programme who could not otherwise afford to attend. By covering verified travel costs upfront, we will give 16-32 young people (depending on a fare) access to preparation camps and the chance to learn, travel and volunteer abroad -experiences that build confidence, skills and CVs and may reduce the risk of becoming NEET. We will test and refine the model and use the evidence to secure large scale funding.
