Humza Yousaf spent time at Project Trust on the Isle of Coll recently
A charity based on the Hebridean Isle of Coll which sends school-leavers to work on volunteering projects around the world received a visit from Scotland’s minister for Europe and international development recently.
Every year Project Trust sends around 300 young people for year-long voluntary teaching and social care projects.
The latest applicants have just completed a four day selection course on the island and were joined by Humza Yousaf MSP.
He watched as the hopeful 16 and 17 year-olds took part in the process used by the organisation to decide if an overseas placement is right for them.
Speaking afterwards he said Project Trust was proof that “excellent charities” can be found all across Scotland including in the remotest parts.
“This island community is just as much part of the Project Trust story as the international communities its volunteers will go on to support,” he said.
Project Trust is a great example of Scotland acting as a good global citizen, as well as the importance of sharing our knowledge and skills abroad
“As well providing a great opportunity for young people to develop new skills and experiences, Project Trust is a great example of Scotland acting as a good global citizen, as well as the importance of sharing our knowledge and skills abroad.”
Ingrid Emerson MBE, chief executive of Project Trust, said she was delighted the minister took the time out to visit.
She added: “We passionately believe in the power of young people volunteering overseas to bring about positive change in themselves and more widely in local and global society.
“Our selection course is vital in informing our careful placement of volunteers, to allow them and their host communities to get the maximum benefit from the exchange. Our volunteers return from their projects overseas with broadened horizons, increased maturity and an impressive range of transferable skills.”
Project Trust is the oldest educational charity specialising in overseas volunteering placements for school-leavers from the UK, and has been organising long term voluntary placements in Africa, Asia and the Americas since 1967.
Volunteers receive a UCAS recognised One Awards Level Three Foundation Year in Global Volunteering and Citizenship for completing the volunteering programme.
