An international community-based program for people aged 19+, lasting 14-23 days
International People’s Projects (IPPs) are locally run projects that benefit a community and its environment. In partnership with local organizations, a group of volunteers from at least four different countries work together on a community project, such as combating environmental degradation, support for immigrants or an arts-based regeneration scheme.
IPPs are personally fulfilling, giving you the chance to learn new skills and ways of thinking and make lasting friendships. They are an opportunity to live and work as part of a community, in an authentic cultural experience that will make a genuine difference.
Around 25 volunteers participate in each IPP, including staff.
19
age minimum
2
weeks
3
weeks
1000
new impressions
No Events
Through the International People's Project (IPP), I had the opportunity to hear a voice that is otherwise rarely heard. Those of homeless people. We were a group of 27 participants, from 13 different countries, who were able to experience this special experience in Leeds, England at a two-week camp thanks to our partner organisation St Anne's Community Services. We learned about the build-up of this initiative and the people behind the projects. Our main task was mainly to help clients eat with them, have conversations and get to know them. This experience taught us that you can end up on the street for various reasons, often structurally conditioned. Being homeless is rarely a decision. These people have lost all hope to a functioning civilian system. One man, 30, homeless and alcoholic, says to us: "Don't condemn and you won't be convicted, there are always reasons." Listening to these people, talking to them, getting to know them, not judging them, was the most valuable experience we have had to experience in this project. We have realized that listening is the first important step. Often decisions are made for these people and (pre-) judgments about them without being given the opportunity to share their opinions. Often we heard that anyone can become homeless. During our time at this partner organization, we met homeless people from very different backgrounds. With this IPP, we were able to make a small change in this local community with little time, and we ourselves learned a large amount during these two weeks.
