Some people say that travelling is the best education we can give our kids, that allowing them to learn deeply about the world they live in is a gift that “builds” them into the kind of adult we want them to become.
But what if, instead of just showing them the beauty of the world, we could also show them how to treat the planet, making it a nicer place to live?
By Sandra Gato
Here are five companies that believe traveling with a purpose is the best kind of holiday for young people (as an individual experience or as a special family holiday):
Travelling is an essential part of education, and it offers a unique learning environment.
It offers youngsters an opportunity for international and intercultural interaction, exposing them to diversity, which helps them accept difference and, beyond that, to understand what makes us all equal.
Travelling is the best way to stimulate curiosity and trigger autonomy. It also helps cement values such as tolerance, solidarity, humanity, and compassion. Mixing travel with volunteering, cultural activities and adventure is a magic formula!
Their trips can last either a week or a month and we have more than 400 projects to work on, most of them available all year round in 40 different countries. It costs around €750 per week. They also have group programs aimed at kids over 13 years of age, always accompanied by a guide, and usually taking place during the Easter or summer holidays. They last 2-3 weeks and they travel with kids of different ages to places like Cape Verde, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya, Vietnam, Mexico, Ireland…
They also have programs that allow kids to participate in an international campus, where it is possible to explore one or more subjects such as sport, art, learning a language or something more specific like Debating & Public Speaking, Future Leaders and Entrepreneurs, or Film Directing.
Proud of bringing more than 96 nationalities together, they have organised affordable volunteer experiences for all needs and preferences since 2007.
They offer programs for teenagers, solo travellers, seniors, families and people doing gap years all over the world – mostly in Asia and Africa – supporting a vast array of projects, from medical and climate action to sports and teaching.
A very special concept that defines itself as a “tuition-free virtual public school that teaches K-12 students the skills and confidence to adapt and thrive in today’s changing world.
Offering a curriculum designed by experts and delivered by teachers specially trained to teach online, we give our students a unique, well-rounded education experience that empowers each child to learn in the way they learn best.”
Perfect for children of parents that travel a lot and change address often, it is a flexible alternative to traditional schooling.
Their mission is to offer child-friendly volunteer abroad programmes and meaningful trips for families while holidaying with a purpose.
There are many destinations to choose from and various programmes, but the important question that Volunteer Forever makes a point of answering is: why pay to volunteer abroad?
“The programme fee not only goes towards providing you room and board while you are volunteering abroad, but also pays for administration costs such as staff salaries, marketing expenses and direct funding support to the host family.”
This is another company that focus on volunteer experiences.
“Family volunteer opportunities are the best way to get involved together. Precious family time and volunteering is the perfect combination to make this world a better place.
Many local NGOs have designed programmes that are especially suitable for family volunteer holidays, ideal for volunteering abroad with your children or siblings (…) You can focus on wildlife conservation, marine life protection or work for humanitarian organisations.
Two of the most popular destinations for family volunteer holidays are Costa Rica and Africa. This once-in-a-lifetime experience brings families together and provides meaningful quality time.”
Read full article in Lemon Magazine #21!
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