In School and Out

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 11

In School and Out

VOLUNTEER SERVICE ABROAD

As part of Volunteer Service Abroad activities, opportunities are available for New Zealand sixth-form schoolleavers to work for a year in developing countries of SouthEast Asia and the Pacific. In 1963 the newly-formed V.S.A. took over the schoolleaver scheme from a group of Christchurch headmasters who, since 1960, had been sending a few boys each year to work in Sarawak under the British organisation, Voluntary Service Overseas. Finance: Living allowances of school-leaver volunteers (board and lodging and £1 a week) are met from within the host country and the New Zealand Government pays the return fares. The only expenses to be met in New Zealand are, therefore, those of selection, briefing, medical examination and inoculations, passport and insurances. These expenses are covered by requiring a fee of £5 with each nomination and a maximum fee of £4O for each candidate selected and sent abroad. Countries of Work: During 1966, V.S.A. school-leavers are working in Thailand, Sarawak, Brunei, British Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, Fiji, Western ■ Samoa and Tonga. The same countries are expected to request school-leavers for next year. The applicant's choice of country is met as far as possible. Numbers Sent Abroad: 1964, 6; 1965, 23; 1966, 32. Numbers are not likely to be greatly increased for 1967. Their Tasks: Of the 32 1966 school-leavers, two are helping with Y.W.C.A. programming work (in Thailand and Fiji), one is doing agricul-

tural development work (in Sarawak) and 29 are teaching, mostly at the Form 2 or Form 3 level. Subjects taught include English, mathematics, history, geography, general science, music, art, first aid and physical education. In all schools English is the teaching language. Schoolleavers play a valuable role in helping with sport and many other extra-curricular activities. Responsible Authorities Abroad: Host governments and employing authorities are responsible for the volunteers who are also under the protection of the nearest New Zealand diplomatic representative. If they fall sick

medical attention is provided. Nominations: Application forms will be sent only to school principals’ nominees, who must obtain parental consent. Applicants who write direct to V.S.A. are referred to their schools. Upon receipt of completed application forms, V.S.A. will advise the principals concerned and invite them to report confidentially on their candidates. At this stage also, principals should indicate whether the school or home accepts responsibility for the fee contributions explained above. Nominations, in order of suitability if more than one, should reach V.S.A. by Monday, June 29, at the latest.

The earlier they are received the sooner selection can begin. In making nominations, principals will have regard to the future career of the pupil concerned but there is mounting evidence that mature boys and girls have much to gain as well as much to offer from a year’s service abroad. Selection: Preliminary selection interviews are carried out regionally and successful candidates sent to Wellington for final selection at V.S.A.’s expense. This year preference will again be given to upper-sixth pupils already qualified for university entrance and at least 17 J years old by the end of 1966.