Involving the Voluntary Sector

In 2005, COSI entered into a relationship with Challenges Worldwide, a UK-based organisation who supply volunteer workers to NGOs in a number of different countries.This is an opportunity for COSI and volunteers alike to share ideas and experience for mutual reward, and provide benefit to the programmes in which COSI is engaged.

Three volunteers has worked sice then in the WES programme.

CWW signed agreement with COSI in November 2006 for a 18 month programme to send 45 people into Sri Lanka for 3 months each to:-

· Improve access to and standards of education, health and water services in the Tsunami affected areas of Sri Lanka

· Strengthen indigenous community based organisations working in those areas; in terms of improved working practices, greater effectiveness, sustainable business models and stronger partnerships

· Bolster capacity in COSI, CWW’s local coordinating partner organisation

· Increase awareness of development issues in the Scottish public

· Nurture more active corporate social responsibility practices in the Scottish private sector

· Generate lasting learning relationships between Scottish and Sri Lankan people.