Tara Persaud, Diaspora Volunteering Development Officer, looks at an abandoned house - a typical sight in Guyana. This illustrates the extent of out-migration for better opportunities overseas. Diaspora Volunteering hopes to address this problem by encouraging Diaspora to come back and help in the development of Guyana. © VSO

Linking Diaspora communities to their countries of origin

VSO recognizes that Diaspora communities typically maintain a high level of engagement and motivation for contributing to development in their countries of origin.

Linking Diaspora communities to their countries of origin through strategic volunteer placements and learning exchange opportunities can provide needed expertise and help counter the effects of out-migration experienced by so many countries of the South.

VSO Canada is working with VSO Guyana on a pilot project that would match the skills and experience of Canada's large Guyanese community to the under-resourced social development sector in Guyana. This includes both government and civil society organizations (CSOs) working on social development objectives related to improving public education, and strengthening health and human rights support for people with disabilities.