Except for India this training lasts a minimum of one month. Training is run by SPW staff and representatives of NGOs that we work with and other specialist organisations, and is intended to prepare volunteers not only for working but also living in rural communities. For more information see our training page. SPW has field staff resident in each country working from one or more permanent offices. They visit and assess all placements, organise training, accommodation and subsistence payments.
All volunteers receive regular visits in their placements.
SPW works in some of the poorest areas on earth. It recruits volunteers who want to accept this REAL challenge. There will of course be certain inherent risks involved - we do our best to prepare volunteers for and make them aware of them. However, a ll SPW offices have recognised procedures to deal with emergencies. Should it prove necessary, volunteers will be evacuated from the area or country they are in.