iGV Archives - Page 2 of 2 -

• iGV, Partnerships, Programs, Volunteer

ECO-V: Where leadership meets environment

Nature is a leading cause of serenity and tranquility; it has the ability to reduce any form of stress that we encounter, and it helps us see things from a different perspective. Without nature, the world would be totally dull and lifeless.

Eco-Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V) is a non-profit voluntary organization established on February 7, 2001. They are engaged in environmental conservation in Sri Lanka, which includes conservation of Biodiversity, sustainability, and climate change, and they offer a wide variety of products that are nature-friendly. ECO-V has a network of over 1000 volunteers throughout Sri Lanka who contribute to research and community work to support conservation of the environment.

Their goal is to be the most recognized voluntary environmental organization dedicated to empowering people to take actions on sustainable living and biodiversity conservation to make Sri Lanka a better place for all living organisms.

Sharing the same goal, AIESEC in SLIIT has teamed up with ECO-V in 2023 as a partner of one of our programs, Incoming Global Volunteer, to aid with the mission of healing the nature that surrounds us.

As an organization, we are delighted to team up with ECO-V to help Mother Nature recover step by step in our beloved Sri Lanka. The Incoming Global Volunteer Program can create leaders and shape the lives of many people, so this partnership is an incredible means to developing the future of Sri Lanka while also preserving its precious nature for the future leaders.

This partnership also allows our volunteers to be one with nature and have an out-of-body experience that will open their eyes to a world unknown, which is just what we are looking for.

This venture into helping nature recover one step at a timefalls in line with the objectives of our organization. Together with ECO-V, AIESEC in SLIIT looks forward to a Sri Lanka that will allow our upcoming leaders to maximize their potential.

Our Global Volunteering Program allows you to experience a culture and lifestyle that will change your perspective on everything. Go on trips and volunteer to make the community a better place!

Visit them here:

FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/ecovsrilanka

https://www.facebook.com/groups/119363511453200

Web – www.eco-v.org

Penned by

Yohan Wickremasinghe

Content Writer – DXP & IM

AIESEC in SLIIT

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, Event, iGV, Lifestyle, Membership

I was there at GV

We live now in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places around the world and live together in peace.
-Jackie Chan-

What is Global Village?

I’ll begin by explaining what Global Village is. Global Village is a spectacular cultural fest that is organized annually as a vibrant celebration of cultural variety and inclusion. This year, Global Village 2023 delivered yet another multi-cultural experience to students all over the world as a physical event, focusing on cultural connectivity and global awareness. AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura as one of the leading Local Committees undertook this endeavor to build cross- cultural understanding and global citizenship. Global Village provided a platform for both local and foreign volunteers to celebrate and appreciate each other’s cultures.

The event was held on March 12, 2023 from 9 am onwards at Viharamahadevi Park with more than 100 representatives from various universities.

The day began with us taking a walk through the various culture stalls.There were stalls representing countries like Sri Lanka, India, Japan, United States of America, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Finland, Australia, Italy, Germany, England etc. The stalls showcased many of the most important aspects of various countries such as traditional foods, landmarks, fun facts and trivia about the respective countries.

Participants at the event had the chance to explore this global portal with its diverse cultural offerings. This will not only improve relations between nations and broaden awareness of cultures around the world, but it will also be a fun opportunity to learn more about them.

A touch of AIESEC

After walking through the stalls we arrived at the main event area in front of the stage. The event began with a traditional Sri Lankan dance item along with a healthy dose of AIESEC jives. The jives provided me with a bonding opportunity with the other delegates by breaking the ice and getting rid of any lingering awkwardness.

Next up I got the opportunity to hear the thoughts of many local and foreign volunteers. Speeches by both the LCP of AIESEC in USJ; Dineli Perera and the MCVP iGV; Chenuka Medawela gave us valuable insight to the importance of AIESEC for cross-cultural understanding among the youth of the world.

The Exciting Games

However, the true highlight of the day were the game sessions which were extremely fun and engaging. First game I took part in was the Haka Dance where the delegates were split into 4 groups and were asked to create their own Haka Dance. The teams came up with many creative and humorous dances that delighted everyone.

The next game was the Hand Tackle where the hands of each team were tangled and we had to untangle ourselves into a circle without letting our hands go. The game was challenging and really taught us to work as a team while having fun.

The final game of the day was the Balloon Cup challenge where the teams had to use the air from a filled balloon to move a cup across a maze. It was quite difficult but the challenge brought each other together and we had a lot of fun.

In between the games, there were more jives as well as a Western hip hop dance item performed by the students of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Another highlight of the day was the presentation given by the Exchange Participants about their countries. It was truly fascinating to learn about different countries through the first hand experiences of a native.

Live music sets by local performers and students promised to entertain participants with their playlists. The music was targeted more at the local crowd and it also gave the other nationals an opportunity to understand our roots. The country stalls showcased the culture of their respective countries through souvenirs, local food, facts and explained their differences with the other cultures.

It was a great experience to meet people there, because I was able to meet different exchange participants from different countries and be able to share experiences along their journey and to test their different flavors. Being in a team composed of different nationalities allowed me to understand different cultures, different mindsets and also experience how to actually collaborate and work with different people from different cities, from different backgrounds.

Was it worth attending Global Village?

We live in a world that’s often labeled a ‘global village’, yet it’s ironic that we bear several preconceived notions about people from other countries. With a plethora of cultures around us, our interactions with other cultures become increasingly important. The event aimed to blur such cultural divides among citizens of different countries through a mix of art, music, food and entertainment and was able to successfully accomplish that.

So that brought an end to a fun and insightful day full of love and appreciation towards our fellow global citizens while still showcasing our own culture. The memories I made at Global Village will surely last me a lifetime.

So I would say that attending Global Village was the best decision of my AIESEC journey.

by Haseeba Wadood

Jayewardenepura Showcasing Team

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, iGV, Travel, Volunteer

Exploring New Cultures Through the AIESEC’s Incoming Global Volunteer Program

AIESEC is a global youth-led organization that aims to create a positive impact on society through the development of leadership and intercultural exchange programs. One of their flagship programs is the AIESEC Incoming Global Volunteer (IGV) program, which offers young people the opportunity to volunteer abroad and work on projects that have a positive impact on local communities.

iGV is the department that handles all that is related starting from attracting Exchange Participants (EPs) for our local projects, raising Enablers, the delivery of EP servicing to getting to the Complete status.

iGV main responsibilities

Customer support at all stages of the process
IR Partner support (SE) at all stages of the process
Guarantee through co-delivery the delivery of the 16 Standards
EP interview
VISA

Knowledge to have:

Conversational English knowledge
Calendar management
Effective communication
Accounting (keeping track of customers)

Volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to give back to the world while gaining valuable experience and cultural immersion. Every year, thousands of individuals from all over the world travel to different countries to volunteer their time and skills. These global volunteers are the backbone of many humanitarian, environmental, and educational programs across the world.

As an incoming global volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people and communities in need. However, volunteering abroad can also be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and advice to help incoming global volunteers prepare for their journey.

Research and Planning

Before embarking on your volunteering journey, it’s essential to do some research on the country, region, and project you’ll be working on. Understand the local culture, customs, and social norms to ensure that you do not offend or misunderstand the local community. Research the weather, vaccination requirements, visa requirements, and any potential risks or hazards. Make sure to contact your volunteer organization or local embassy to get the latest information on travel and safety protocols.

Packing Smartly

Packing for volunteering abroad can be a challenge, especially if you are traveling to a developing country. You’ll need to pack enough clothes and essential items to last you for the duration of your stay. Pack light and focus on practical items that are easy to wash and dry. Make sure to pack a first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. If you are traveling to a country where the language spoken is different from yours, carry a translation dictionary or language-learning app on your phone.

Be Open-Minded

Volunteering abroad can be an eye-opening experience, and you’ll encounter many cultural differences and customs that you may not be familiar with. It’s essential to keep an open mind and be flexible in your approach to work and life in general. Be respectful of the local culture and customs, and be willing to adapt to your new surroundings. Embrace the new experiences, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world.

Connect with Locals

As a global volunteer, you’ll be working alongside locals and other volunteers from different parts of the world. Take the time to connect with them, and you’ll learn more about their cultures and experiences. Building relationships with locals will not only enhance your volunteer experience but also help you integrate better into the local community. Join local activities and events, and you’ll make lasting friendships and memories.

Stay Safe

Safety should be a top priority for any incoming global volunteer. Make sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by your volunteer organization and local authorities. Avoid walking alone at night, and always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact information. Be vigilant of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

In conclusion, volunteering abroad can be a life-changing experience that provides the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. By doing research and planning, packing smartly, being open-minded, connecting with locals, and staying safe, incoming global volunteers can have a meaningful and fulfilling experience while contributing positively to the world.

Penned By

James Sembukuttiarachchi

Content Writer – DXP & IM

AIESEC in SLIIT

• AIESEC Sri Lanka, iGV, Leadership, Membership, Travel, Volunteer

An insight into Volunteering with AIESEC in Sri Lanka

Has traveling and exploring different cultures created a deep rooted fire within you? AIESEC’s incoming Global Volunteers (iGV) program in Sri Lanka may be just what you’re looking for.

The iGV program is an initiative of AIESEC that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad and make a positive impact on communities around the world. The program is open to all individuals aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about making a difference and are willing to contribute their skills and time to a worthy cause.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka works in collaboration with local organizations and communities to identify projects that require volunteer support. These projects can range from education and youth development to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Once a project has been identified, AIESEC Sri Lanka recruits and selects volunteers who are best suited for the project based on their skills, experience, and interests.

Before departing for their international placement, iGV volunteers undergo a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of volunteering abroad. The training covers topics such as cultural awareness, team building, project management, and leadership development. The volunteers are then provided with ongoing support throughout their placement, including regular check-ins with AIESEC Sri Lanka staff and access to resources and tools to help them succeed.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on both the volunteers and the communities they serve. For volunteers, the program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. For communities, the program brings much-needed support and resources to help address critical social and environmental challenges.

One example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the collaboration between AIESEC and the Lanka Social Ventures Foundation (LSVF). The LSVF is a non-profit organization that works to support social enterprises in Sri Lanka that address poverty and unemployment. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the LSVF on various projects, including the development of a waste management system for a local community and the implementation of a digital literacy program for women in rural areas.

Another example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the partnership between AIESEC and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). The SLWCS is a non-profit organization that works to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of Sri Lanka through education and conservation programs. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the SLWCS on various projects, including the construction of a wildlife education center and the implementation of a sustainable tourism program in a local community.

Overall, the iGV program of AIESEC Sri Lanka is a valuable initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities around the world. Through the program, volunteers gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. Communities benefit from the support and resources provided by volunteers, helping to address critical social and environmental challenges. As AIESEC Sri Lanka continues to expand its iGV program, we can expect to see even more positive impact on both volunteers and communities in the years to come.

Click here to be a volunteer today!

Penned by

Yohan Wickramasinghe
Content Writer – DXP & IM
AIESEC in SLIIT

iGV