Australian aid program

The contribution of volunteers is an integral element of the Australian aid program.

The overarching principles guiding the Australian Volunteers for International Development program can be summarised as:

• Responsive to partner country needs - volunteers of  the Australian Volunteers program are placed with host organisations in the public and private sectors, non-governmental and civil society organisations and educational institutions, in priority areas identified by partner countries and AusAID country program strategies.
  
  
• Local ownership and sustainability - Core Partners work with host organisations to ensure that volunteers supported through the Australian aid program do not replace local staff.  Australian Volunteers work under the direction and supervision of a local organisation in their country of assignment. They do not replace local staff members or volunteers and their work is designed to make a sustainable impact that will continue after their assignments are finished.
  
  
• Demand driven - Placement of volunteers is based on: consultation with host organisations; the expressed need for a volunteer with specific skills and experience; and AusAID country program strategies.
  
  
• Shared commitment - The placing of volunteers requires a shared commitment by the volunteer and the host organisation.
  
  
• Community engagement - Current and returned volunteers are involved in public engagement activities, disseminating information in Australia and overseas about the important contribution made by Australian volunteers within the aid program.