Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD)

'A challenge of a lifetime that has endless unforgettable rewards.'

'A brilliant experience'

Just a few of the many things participants have said about Girlguiding 's GOLD Projects.

What is GOLD?

Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD) allows Girlguiding members aged between 18 and 30 to take part in community development projects overseas.

GOLD is:

• sustainable and long-term: we work toward our projects' aims over a period of three to five years.
• inclusive and relevant: we work in partnership with overseas Guiding Associations to make sure the projects are targeted to local needs.

Where has GOLD been?

Since 1991 GOLD has visited more than 30 countries: Guyana, Bangladesh, Chile, Ukraine, Uganda, Thailand, Fiji, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Greece, Armenia, Slovakia, Russia, Poland, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Tanzania, Honduras, Brazil, Madagascar, Kenya, Egypt, Belarus, Jamaica, Indonesia, India and Hungary. Over 500 members have taken part!

What does GOLD do?

The projects vary greatly depending on what the local community and guiding needs and development goals are.

It could involve:

• providing training and leadership skills
• promoting HIV/AIDS awareness among young people
• working on a project to develop self-esteem and empowerment.

Each group has six team members, supported by a Leader with previous GOLD experience.

GOLD 2012

In 2012 GOLD will visit Armenia, Malawi, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Guyana with three new projects starting in Latvia, Cambodia and the Gambia. Eight GOLD 2012 teams have been selected and are starting to plan their projects with their host associations. More updates coming soon!

GOLD 2011

In 2011 we had eight GOLD projects overseas for three weeks each. You can find out about some the adventures they had by visiting the blogs of team Armenia, team Guyana, team Russia, team Malawi, team Chile and team Sri Lanka. We also had teams travelling to Fiji and Tanzania.

Reports from GOLD 2010 projects and reports from 2009's GOLD projects.

Your GOLD journey

As a GOLD participant you'll need to fundraise for all project costs including travel and living expenses. This amount currently stands at £1,700 plus any equipment and vaccinations you may need. Your GOLD journey will start from selection at INTOPS in September/October, through two briefing weekends in February and April, to your three week project and then a de-briefing weekend in December and beyond as you share your adventures and learning back home. You'll be supported throughout by the GOLD Coordinator, the International Events Coordinator at CHQ - and by your team members!

If you need any more reasons for going for GOLD...

• You'll make friendships that last a lifetime.
• It's a chance to make a real difference on the ground.
• You'll learn about new cultures and meet new people.
• You'll learn new skills - great for you and for your CV!
• It's enormous fun! I'm convinced!

Can I go?

Are you…

• a member of Girlguiding ?
• between 18 and 30 at the time of going on your GOLD Project? (You can apply when you're still 17.)
• able to commit to a year of preparation and three to four weeks between July and November to travel to the project?

Then the answer is YES!

What next?

Sign up for an INTOPS weekend. This is an information and selection weekend and will tell you everything that you need to know about international opportunities in guiding and whether GOLD is for you. Email INTOPS@girlguiding.org.uk to join the mailing list and find out more!

If you have any specific questions regarding GOLD, email gold@girlguiding.org.uk. To promote GOLD in your area, order the free GOLD flyer (order code 6954).