Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD)

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

'Addictive'

'A brilliant experience'

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

What is GOLD?

GOLD allows Girlguiding UK members aged between 17 and 30 to take part in community development projects overseas.

GOLD is:

• sustainable and long-term: our projects aims are worked towards over a period of 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 25 countries: 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 400 members have taken part!

What does GOLD do?

A GOLD trip can vary greatly depending on what the local community, 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 four to six team members, supported by a Leader with previous GOLD experience.

GOLD 2009

In 2009, 34 Girlguiding UK members worked on projects in Armenia, Chile, Egypt, Fiji, Russia and Tanzania and helped change hundreds of lives.

GOLD 2010

GOLD currently has nine projects in all five Regions of the guiding world, including two brand-new ones to Guyana and Malawi. Other countries we are working with in 2010 include Armenia, Chile, Egypt, Fiji, Honduras, Russia and Tanzania.

Your GOLD Journey

As a GOLD participant you'll need to fund-raise for all project costs including travel and living expenses, this amount currently stands at 1,600 plus any equipment you may need and any vaccinations. Your GOLD journey will last over the period of one year starting from selection at INTOPS in October, two briefing weekends in February and April. The project lasts four weeks and takes place between July and November, followed by a de-briefing weekend in December. You'll be supported throughout by the GOLD Coordinator, the GOLD Project 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 that will benefit both you and your CV. 

Can I go?

Are you

• a member of Girlguiding UK?
• 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 3-4 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.

If you have any specific questions regarding GOLD, please email gold@girlguiding.org.uk.

 If you would like to promote GOLD in your local area, order the GOLD flyer from Trading Services for free (Product Code 6954).