The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program.
The Emerging Leaders Program (formerly the Young Volunteer Program) offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program.
These placements are part of the VETS program (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) and volunteers contribute to the mission of VWB/VSF and the VETS program by working with and supporting our partner organizations. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers participants additional guidance throughout their assignments — such as ongoing training from experienced veterinarians who act as technical advisors for the vet student placements.
The ELP helps improve food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Global South. To achieve this, ELP volunteers contribute to activities that help strengthen the skills, knowledge, and capacity of our partners, and in return, gain opportunities to learn and grow in a cross-cultural setting.
ELP volunteer placements are fully funded, thanks to the generous support of Global Affairs Canada!
See 2025 ELP Positions
The 2025 ELP application is now open. Application Deadline is October 23rd, 2024
Program Details:
Participant eligibility:
Volunteer Support Package:
VWB offers you an incredible experience to take part in an international volunteer experience where you will expand your personal and professional skills while contributing to global development. VWB commits to supporting you throughout your volunteer journey and will cover the majority of the costs involved in being an overseas volunteer, including:
Are you interested in volunteering with the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program? Review the different placement descriptions below and when you are ready, submit your application by October 23rd, 2024!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out: volunteer@vwb.org
KENYA
Wakulima Dairy
Meru Dairy
GHANA
Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET)
Apex Body of Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC Apex)
What makes an effective volunteer?
Beyond the technical skills that are necessary for volunteer placements, we also are looking for volunteers with positive attitudes who are able to demonstrate the following competencies. We have found that volunteers who possess these skills are both effective and successful in their roles:"“This eye-opening experience has underscored the importance of respecting and understanding diverse cultural contexts in gender equity initiatives.” ~ Dr. Keisha Harris, 2023 ELP Animal Health Advisor, OVC Class of 2023
Get in touch and find out if the ELP is the right next step for you...
In previous years, participants in this program have worked with partners on a variety of capacity-building activities, including:
Our ELPs contribute to healthier communities around the globe!
Questions? Email us at volunteer@vwb.org and we'll be happy to help!
"This placement has really helped me think about which path I intend to follow in the future. Working in international development is definitely on my radar, and I would love to stay involved in One Health initiatives." ~ Inès Petard, 2022 ELP volunteer Alum, OVC Class of 2024
Our latest expert is Iryna Podvoyska, manager of the Patron Pet Center in Ukraine — one of VWB's on-the-ground partners. Originally a veterinarian from Kharkiv — which has become a frontline area — Iryna has since relocated to Kyiv where the Center was officially launched in 2023.
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