Students at the University of Lethbridge looking to develop leadership skills have an opportunity to travel internationally as part of a volunteer experience with the Developing World Connections (DWC) organization.

Developing World Connections (DWC) is a Canadian grassroots non-profit organization that offers international volunteer experiences in Rwanda, Kenya, Swaziland, Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Peru.

In 2009, DWC sent seven university teams (typically 10 people per team): including three from University of British Columbia, two from Ryerson, one from University of Victoria and one from Thompson Rivers University. DWC is currently seeking student leaders to lead groups for the summer of 2010.

DWC partners with grassroots non-profits that deliver sustainable development projects in their respective communities. Working as part of a team, DWC volunteers get their hands dirty volunteering their time and energy working directly with members of the community. The work often revolves around the construction of small physical infrastructure projects like sub-surface dams, low-income houses, health posts and community centres. As a registered charity, DWC provides a tax receipt for the entire cost of the experience and students are encouraged to fundraise. University student experiences last four to six weeks long and also include a culture tour component.

The role of a student team leader is comprehensive and requires one to be organized, responsible and highly motivated. Being a student leader is a lot of work, but offers an invaluable experience. This is a volunteer position but the team leader's costs are totally covered.

Those interested in being a DWC university student team leader can contact Jess Rothenburger, development coordinator, Developing World Connections at 250-434-2524 ext. 13/Toll Free 1-866-458-8209. For more information on the program, visit the DWC web site at www.developingworldconnections.org