JOA Volunteer Programme

JOA works with its partner organisations, charities or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to send islanders to volunteer overseas to support initiatives that improve opportunity and wellbeing in some of the world’s poorest communities. Each project is usually formed of about twelve volunteers and is led by an experienced team leader. Volunteers are asked to make a contribution towards their travel expenses and JOA funds the additional costs of the trip. JOA also funds materials and supplies necessary in order to complete each project. Volunteers are expected to participate in training and team-building exercises in the months before departure.

Anyone living in Jersey who is aged 18 or over is welcome to apply to take part in JOA's Volunteer Programme. Applications from potential volunteers with a minimum of five years’ residency are given preference. 

By 2020 more than 1,000 volunteers had been involved in the delivery of over 100 projects. These include constructing sand dams in Kenya, providing one-to-one care to underprivileged persons with disabilities in Lebanon, improving access to safe and sustainable sanitation facilities in Tanzania, and constructing a day care centre in Mongolia, to provide a secure and caring space for children.

JOA funds the majority of the cost of its Volunteer Programme, asking participants for a small donation towards travel costs. The Rotary Club of Jersey-de La Manche offers a bursary that can be used to fund the cost of an individual’s trip. In addition, participants can also apply for a JOA bursary to cover their travel contribution.

Applications for JOA's volunteer programme are open annually, following the launch of opportunities available for that period. Please follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply through our online application portal, SmartSimple.