Fear of terror attacks sees VSO numbers fall

Economic uncertainty and
the fear of global terrorism has led to a massive drop in the number of people
applying for voluntary work overseas.

Applications to the
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) charity have dropped by 40 per cent since the
September 11 attacks – the largest fall in its 45 year history.

The organisation has
1,600 staff in developing nations, but last year, placed just 400 new
volunteers, compared to 600 in 2001 and 900 in 2000.

Mark Goldring, chief
executive at VSO, said volunteers were nervous about the potential for
terrorist attacks and those signing up were wary of particular countries.

In a bid to boost
numbers, VSO has launched a new recruitment campaign emphasising the need for
teachers, social workers and health professionals.

www.vso.org.uk

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