How we use volunteer fees

• Openmind Projects is an aid and development NGO. Volunteer fees are the only source of funding our development projects, placement activities and recruiting, training and giving support to volunteers. We have considerably lower volunteer fees than most volunteer organizations due to low overhead costs.
  
  
• We develop teaching materials and methods, handbooks, computer and Internet- based material for schools, children, local teachers, villagers, and national park staff as well as for volunteers. We arrange school holiday camps and teacher training workshops.
  
  
• We design websites, brochures and other information material for our eco tourism and wildlife conservation projects. We also provide tour guide, hospitality and English training together with suitable volunteers. We also develop teaching material and methods, handbooks for villagers, national park staff as well as for eco volunteers.
  
  
• We identify and prepare new projects/placements.
  
  
• We recruit volunteers for our projects. We obviously do not charge the beneficiaries for our recruitment costs.
  
  
• We develop and provide information, training material and guidelines for volunteers included in the Pre Departure Volunteer Handbook, a Volunteer CD ROM and the Volunteer, Teach and ECO Handbooks,
  
  
• We provide in-country volunteer support.
  
  
• We arrange seventeen 3-day volunteer training opportunities per year for new volunteers before they start.
  
  
• We reimburse placements for volunteer meals and accommodation by local standard.
  
  
• We have costs for our offices, volunteer houses, computers and office equipment, Internet, websites, database costs, administration, legal and travel expenses as well as costs for our staff and trainees who mainly come from our own projects.