Deadline: Not specified
Applications are invited from citizens offor Kenya, Uganda and Ghana for the 2018 Balloon International Citizen Service (ICS) Programme. Balloon ICS is a unique opportunity to use the latest in start-up enterprise thinking to help grow and develop micro businesses in Africa. Volunteers work with African entrepreneurs, helping them turn their business ideas into business reality.
Want to build skills helping local businesses grow? Available for 12 weeks in February or March 2018? Apply now to volunteer in the fully funded Balloon Ventures International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.
Balloon ICS is a unique government-funded 12 week volunteering placement for 18-25 year olds in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. It is a once-in-a-lifetime volunteering opportunity backed by the UK government. You don’t need money, skills or qualifications to take part. For 12 weeks you will work side-by-side with volunteers from the United Kingdom and local entrepreneurs to create businesses that provide jobs and improve lives.
During your time on the programme you will live in with a host family. You will also receive a weekly living allowance and all your expenses will be covered. At the end of the programme you will graduate with a Certificate of Business Design. Through the programme you will gain many skills and experiences that employers highly value. You will also learn how to start and grow businesses. And you will positively impact your country!
ICS is led by VSO and funded by the UK Government.
The Programme
Week 1 – Training:
In your first week, you’ll meet you international team mates and spend time being trained in Balloon’s business and enterprise curriculum, learning the skills you need to help local businesses to grow.
Weeks 2-9 – Create:
You’ll spend the majority of your placement working directly with entrepreneurs, trying out new ideas and helping them to grow their businesses. You’ll work on everything from marketing to finanance, and make real impact.
Weeks 10-11 – Pitch:
At the end of all your hard work, you will help your entrepreneurs develop a pitch for real investment which will help take their business to the next level. At the end of the programme, 50% of entrepreneurs will receive this money.
Benefits
- Gain Real Business Skills: They’ll train you in our world-leading enterprise curriculum, which will give you the skills you need to succeed.
- Make a Real Difference: Balloon’s programmes have real, sustained impact on the businesses and communities where we work.
- Work in a Global Team: Balloon ICS is an opportunity to work with volunteers from the UK, and make friendships which will last a lifetime.
- Fully-Funded Placements: Balloon ICS placements are fully-funded by the UK Government. You will be paid a weekly stipend throughout your placement.
Eligibility
- Aged 18 – 25 to be a volunteer, or 23 – 35 to be a team leader
- National of Kenya, Uganda or Ghana
- Passionate about business and entrepreneurship
- Committed to a 12-week volunteering placement
Application
Complete the In-country Volunteer Form.
For more information, visit Balloon Ventures ICS Programme.