LATEST NEWS

  • CONTACT
  • 0161 870 6212
  • 1.413.517.0266

Voluntourism: Embracing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Are you ready to dive into a world where you can make a real difference? At Kaya, we work to put sustainable travel at the heart of our work. Volunteering whilst traveling is known as voluntourism. The ability to contribute to change whilst traveling countries and experiencing new cultures and ways of life. As part of our mission, we recognize the work of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and their importance. Our programs reflect many of these global goals, but first, let’s get to know them a little better.

Get To Know The UN SDGs: A Global Call To Action

In 2015, leaders from around the world gathered together and created 17 goals that cover everything needed for the world to become more sustainable by 2030. Over 190 countries have committed to being the drivers of change of these goals, and we believe it is important for everyone to understand each goal. When you participate in Kaya’s impactful programs, not only will you contribute to the advancement of these goals, but you will also walk away knowing the importance of your contributions, and continue to contribute beyond your travels and into your future endeavours.

sustainable development goals poster

What Are the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals?

  1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  2. Zero Hunger
  3. Good Health and well-being for all at all ages 
  4. Quality Education 
  5. Gender equality
  6. Clean water and sanitation
  7. Affordable and clean energy
  8. Decent work and economic growth
  9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  10. Reduce inequality within and among nations
  11. Sustainable cities and communities
  12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production 
  13. Combat climate change and its impacts
  14. Life below water
  15. Life on land
  16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
  17. Partnerships for the goals

Global Engagement Starts With Awareness

We’re dedicated to integrating the UN SDGs into each of our programs and educating participants about their global significance. Let’s dive in a little deeper to understand more of what the global goals are and what they contribute to. 

A Closer Look Into The UN SDGs

The 5 P’s

Not the marketing 5 P’s you might be familiar with, but a simplified version of the SDGs. Goals are grouped into the topics that each goal addresses, such as:  

  1. People – Goals 1-5 
  2. Planet – Goals 6,12, 13, 14, 15
  3. Prosperity – Goals 7-11
  4. Peace – Goal 16
  5. Partnerships – Goal 17
sustainable development goals 5 p's poster

Biosphere, Social & Economy

Another way to simplify and group the goals is to divide them into 3 layers. Each layer stands for the environment each group of goals contribute to:

  • Biosphere (environmental)
  • Social (people)
  • Economy (resources)
sustainable development goals pyramid chart

Voluntourism, Kaya & The UN SDGs: A Recipe For Change

At Kaya, we have worked to incorporate the UN SDGs into the programs we offer and work with our participants so they can spread understanding about this global mission and the part they play. We know the achievement of the goals relies not only on action from government and industry, but also from individuals. These global goals provide the foundations you to consider small improvements in their way of living.

In the long-term, we hope that all those who were involved in our programs and engaged in the SDGs will complete their studies, and go on to become professionals who eventually influence government and industry. We hope that all of you can go on to make a better world!

When you join Kaya, get ready for a life changing adventure that not only changes your life forever, but a life that is better for everyone!

UN SDGs in Kaya Programs 

Regardless of what you are studying or your field of work, the UN Sustainable Development Goals will have some influence on your industry. You may be studying or looking for work in the field which align with certain goals directly:

sustainable development goal 3 good health and well being

Education

Kaya has education internships and teaching volunteer programs abroad that directly contribute to Goal 4: Quality education.

goal 14 life below water

Healthcare Professions

Kaya has medical volunteer programs and health sciences internships abroad that directly contribute to Goal 3: Good health & well being.

goal 4 quality education

Environmental Sciences

Kaya has marine conservation internships and volunteer programs that directly contribute to Goal 14 Life below water.

Or, if you are interested in other career paths and academic fields, they might be surprisingly aligned to certain goals too:

goal number 2 zero hunger

 Business 

Kaya has business internships and volunteer programs abroad that directly contribute to Goal 8: Industry, innovation and infrastructure.

goal number 11 sustainable cities and communities

Agriculture 

Kaya has agriculture internships and volunteer programs abroad that directly contribute to Goal 2: Zero Hunger.  

goal number 8 decent work and economic growth

Civil Engineering, Architecture

Kaya has design and architecture internships and volunteer programs abroad that directly contribute to Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities.

With these in mind, it’s clear there are very few industries, if any, that are not engaged with some element of the SDGs. So, regardless of what area you study or career you wish to pursue, gaining a better understanding of the UN SDGs seems a smart choice for your future!

Benefitting The Planet & Participants

Engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of course works toward benefitting the future, but also works as a great benefit for Kaya program participants. Here are a few ways you can benefit from understanding these global goals:

  • Industry & Government Insight – Knowledge and practical understanding of topics affecting industry and government
  • Enhanced Employability – Enhancing your employability, especially in a global context after experiencing different economies and cultures abroad. 
  • Applicability Worldwide – The SDGs language and philosophy can be applied to workplaces around the world. 
  • Addressing Anxiety – For a generation reporting high levels of anxiety related to their future, demonstrates positive progress and empowers them to take a role in addressing global challenges.
  • Interdisciplinary Connections – The interdisciplinary nature of the SDGs can help students identify links between different subjects & skills, and provide an even greater career context for their subjects.

Beyond placements, our programs encourage you to explore how the local culture aligns with the goals, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and environmental conservation. Our mission is committed to fostering a deep understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and empowering our participants to contribute to meaningful change and a more sustainable future.

Join us on this journey of change. Explore ways in which you can become part of the impact that we, here at Kaya, are putting at the heart of our mission.

READ MORE POSTS

A-Level Results? Here’s What To Do Next!

A-Level Results Day can be a big day for many students that want to embark on a career path straight from school. For other students, it might be scary not knowing what to do next. Like all big changes, leaving school can be daunting and even more scary when you did...

What are the Best Types of Internships?

Internships are a great stepping stone for students and graduates looking to gain experience in the working world. Both students and graduates can expose themselves to a variety of career paths and learn useful, transferable skills in multiple areas through...

Best Places To Travel During Winter Break

Where To Travel For Winter Break As winter approaches, it's time to start planning for your winter break getaway. Whether you’re a student looking for an adventure during your school holiday or a professional wanting to escape corporate life and make an impact this...

Why Is Traveling Important For Teens?

We all have first experiences that we wish we could relive time and time again. The idea of a teenager traveling alone can be daunting for both teens and parents. However, it's important that we remember how incredible travel is for young people’s growth and...

10 Best Internships For This Fall

As a student or recent graduate, you will be torn between spending any chance you can get to find a job within your field or jetting off to see the world. Well, luckily for you, you can do both with fall internships abroad!Why Fall Internships Are A Good Idea Why...

Eswatini NCPs: It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

Why does it take a village to raise a child in Eswatini? According to a survey by Humanium in 2021, roughly 100,000 kids in Eswatini are orphaned due to their parents dying of HIV/AIDS and high poverty levels. This has led to important initiatives being created across...