Under the Challenges Worldwide programme, volunteers work with local counterparts in Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia to help create sustainable growth in small to medium enterprises. Unique to any other ICS agency, Challenges Worldwide also provides training for volunteers from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and offers them the opportunity to complete a CMI Professional Consultancy qualification.
Challenges Worldwide is a pioneering social enterprise placing (International Citizen Service) ICS volunteers to work as Business Support Associate for a 10-12 week placement.
The Challenges Worldwide ICS Programme offers 18-35 year olds the opportunity to play a key role in delivering sustainable development projects. Our volunteers deliver support to growing enterprises in Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia through the delivery of the Challenges Worldwide Enterprise Support Framework (ESF).
Our volunteers do not need previous business experience to deliver the ESF as during the programme we deliver weekly face to face training in Professional Consulting. Training is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and after the programme, volunteers will be invited to complete an assessment and gain their Level 5 qualification in Professional Consulting at an exclusive rate for volunteers.
As a Challenges Worldwide ICS volunteer, you will work together with a local volunteer to have a direct positive impact on small to medium sized enterprises as they seek to access trade and finance deals. We currently work with enterprises across the agricultural, renewable energy, clean technology and artisan sectors, and engage with enterprises with a social impact e.g. youth or gender employment. These experiences will develop your professional skills, enhance your employability and help you recognise the vital role of economic development in reducing poverty worldwide.
The programme is fully funded by the UK government. To show commitment volunteers are required to fundraise to secure their placement - the proceeds of the fundraising are used to ensure the sustainability of the ICS programme.
