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).
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