| Ethical Volunteering: Why UCME? |
Short term volunteering has become increasingly popular but has attracted critics who allege it can be a new form of colonialism, at best benefiting the participant but often having little or no impact on the recipient community.
We at UCME believe we offer a valuable volunteering experience that benefits both parties – the participant and the communities in which we work. Why do we think we are different? Check out the answers to these common questions to providers of volunteering opportunities. |
Will I have a defined role within the organisation?
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As a UCME volunteer you will have a defined role and purpose. Data you collect will build up long term data on the health of the coral reef and the fish it supports. A healthy reef with a good fish population is vital to maintaining coastal communities who rely on the integrity of their marine resources and the economic goods and services they support, such as tourism and fishing. You will also assist our research team on specific projects, many of which are concerned with achieving sustainable coastal management both on Utila and along the mainland coasts of Honduras. |
| Do I get to meet anyone from UCME before I go? How do I know if I am suitable? |
| We only have one staff member who is not based in Honduras so nearly all our income feeds back into the local economy. Although it is not therefore practicable to set up face to face meetings prior to participation, our UK office is always happy to phone prospective volunteers to talk over any concerns or queries and put them in touch with previous volunteers to give a candid view of the programme. The information you get when you make an enquiry or application to UCME gives you a clear idea of the role you will play and the commitment required- you will be working 5 full days a week but still have a lot of fun. |
| What does my fee pay for? |
The income we receive from our volunteers contributes to the aims of UCME in two ways. It contributes to the overheads of UCME – its office, staff, boat costs etc. thereby supporting the research being undertaken by the Centre. It also supports our mission to increase the knowledge and awareness of marine ecology and conservation issues within Latin America with Latin Americans by subsidising national students studying at the Zamorano PanAmerican School for Agriculture, to carry out field work towards their diplomas and have scholarships with the organisation which they would otherwise not be able to do. |
| What sort of training and support will I get? |
| You will receive a comprehensive information pack prior to departure and once you arrive on Utila, there is always someone you can contact for help and advice and medical assistance if necessary. The first week of our programme concentrates on training and induction, covering the research and identification skills you need to assist the researchers and also the socio-economic and cultural aspects of living in Honduras and the Bay Islands. Our aim is to make you to feel comfortable in your surroundings and competent in your role. |
| Will the work I do have a long lasting impact on the local community? |
| UCME's research is focused on issues that directly affect the economic future of the island and the sustainability of natural resource use. By contributing to the research and to establishing a baseline of data from which to monitor change, you are helping to ensure the future livelihoods of the island communities. |
| Do you have established offices overseas working in partnership with local people? |
| UCME only operates in Honduras and is a Honduran registered NGO. Unlike other voluntourism operators, we do not have a European or North American headquarters controlling operations from the centre through a network of local partners. We just have a small administrative outpost in the UK to assist with volunteers prior to departure. The majority of our staff are from Honduras or Central America and the international staff are long term residents of the region. |
| Is UCME committed to diversity amongst its volunteers? |
| The only conditions we make are that our participants should be at least 20 years old, are fit to dive, can get suitable medical insurance and understand instruction in English or Spanish. We have volunteers from around the world and welcome mature participants. We want committed individuals who are interested in marine conservation - we are not offering a dive holiday with a difference. |
| Will my work be monitored, evaluated and available for others to build on? |
| YES! You will be working as part of a team, either with the volunteer co-ordinator or with a research scientist. If you are having difficulties with the work, you will be helped to meet expectations. We want to build a good database of scientific data for monitoring environmental change so your input will contribute to that and be used as evidence to Government departments and other interested agencies concerned with marine conservation. We have a very clear research focus, and our research staff are all working on specific projects towards those aims. The contribution from volunteers is an integral part of our work and provides the foundation from which to develop specific targeted work. |
