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ePaper created 2015-12-01, 11:33:23 | version 1.43.00
13akzente 3/15 > AT A GLANCE The International Corporate Volunteering programme offers employees of companies the opportunity to put their skills to good use for a few weeks in a developing country or emerging economy. GIZ arranges project placements which enable par- ticipants to use their expertise and contribute to solving specific local problems. It prepares them for the trip and assigns contacts to support them in the relevant country. For many companies, voluntary placements are an integral part of both their social commitment and their personnel development measures. They also pro- vide an insight into new markets and innovations. Reaping the rewards of volunteer work > Contact Sandra Flicke-Lötzsch > sandra.flicke-loetzsch@giz.de Thailand has been a steep learning curve for him. This is the first time he has worked in the field of agricultural produce. And in a city like Bangkok: ‘I always thought that Hamburg was a big city, but since being in Bangkok, I’ve realised that I actually come from a small village.’ travelled to Myanmar, Uganda and Uzbeki- stan to participate in the programme. Immediate interest in the programme Sievers and Verseckas spend most of their time in Thailand working at the initiative headquarters in the Sukhumvit area of Bang- kok. When they are not working out the de- tails of the financing model for farmers, they hold background discussions with experts and representatives of authorities. At first glance, rice cultivation in Thai- land appears to be a big success story. After all, Thailand has been one of the world’s larg- est exporters of rice for decades. ‘But when I look at productivity, it seems that many farmers are struggling to earn a living,’ says Sievers. The initiative therefore aims to in- crease yields by around 20 per cent. That may be too ambitious, he adds. ‘But you have to aim high to get results.’ Sievers first heard about the volunteer programme through an email sent by his bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility de- partment. He wasted no time in registering his interest and was invited for an initial in- terview soon afterwards. He has been inter- ested in volunteer work for some time: ‘I’ve also offered to mentor younger colleagues. After all, I’ve been with the bank for 30 years.’ His department head supported his decision to take part in the volunteer pro- gramme. Verseckas also jumped at the opportuni- ty when he heard that the programme was looking for volunteers. ‘I’ve worked as a vol- unteer before and found it very rewarding,’ he explains. Because his fiancée is from Thai- land, he knew the country well before taking part in the rice initiative. ‘I’ve been here a few times and am aware of the problems facing rice farmers – for example, the fact that young people no longer want to work in the rice industry.’ He was therefore delighted to be accepted into the programme. Education is key, and that is some- thing Verseckas says has become abundantly clear for him during his time in Thailand. For example, he has learned of individu- al farmers who have studied and incorporat- ed their knowledge into their business. They are now in a far better financial position than most of their colleagues. ‘And that’s precisely what the farmers are telling us: show us what we can do, and we’ll do it ourselves. They’re not asking to be spoon-fed.’ With his typical reserve, Sievers de- scribes his experience so far. ‘What we’re do- ing here isn’t astrophysics, it’s about business expertise. But it also gives me the opportu- nity to broaden my horizons. And to learn and see things which I can incorporate and use elsewhere in future.’ He admits that Direct dialogue: At the municipal rice centre in Mueang Det, Sievers and Verseckas meet farmers and learn about their plans and problems.