We applied to Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) in 2003 and, following an assessment day in July 2003, were accepted as volunteers. Usually volunteers are placed between 3 and 8 months after selection but as we both wanted to be volunteers it was harder for VSO to find two placements in the same location. Luckily for us the University of Asmara recently requested around eight volunteers and two of the positions were suitable for our skills. Hence the move to Eritrea.

The decision to do VSO came mainly from a personal commitment to the idea of sharing skills and undertaking a direct role in the development of another country. Whilst we recognise that we cannot change the world we hope that by training individuals we can contribute to the sustainable improvement of Eritrean life. We also hope to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Asmara during our two-year placement and get involved in facilitating the empowerment of local people.

Ultimately this will be a challenging and undoubtedly rewarding experience- one which you can join in!

So what will we be doing?

• Ben’s role at the University of Asmara
  
  According to the VSO placement description I will be working in the information resource centre of the university. Information from the library, finance office and registrar offices will be collected/ sent to this resource centre and then computerised to make it available for sharing. The resource centre is relatively new and so I will be involved in the management of the centre and maintenance of the network. I will also be training members of staff in the use and maintenance of IT equipment.





• Kathryn’s role at the University of Asmara
  
  According to the VSO placement description I will be working as a lecturer in accounts. I will be expected to lecture to around 40 to 50 students during each session. In addition I will be involved in advising students, marking exam papers and leading tutorials.
  
  Outside of the lecture theatre I will be involved in the designing of curricula and drawing up of course outlines, preparation of academic papers, work on the occasional research project, and many other tasks.