Memorandum aims to improve development outcomes

Massey University and Volunteer Service Abroad have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to continue to work together to promote and deliver great development outcomes in the Pacific and beyond.

The partnership was signed earlier this month in Wellington by Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes and Volunteer Service Abroad chief executive Stephen Goodman.

During the past 11 years, Volunteer Service Abroad has run a successful UniVol programme, sending graduates of development studies and related disciplines from New Zealand universities to the Pacific to put theory into practice, living and working alongside local communities.

Professor Byrnes said Volunteer Service Abroad’s recognised ability to work with communities and provide pragmatic solutions to problems resonates strongly with Massey’s focus on supporting both pure and applied research.

“At Massey, we are committed to producing world-ready graduates with entrepreneurial acumen and capability, who create jobs for others and who are committed to making a better world; this clearly aligns with Volunteer Service Abroad’s objectives.”

Mr Goodman says his organisation has had a long and supportive relationship with Massey University’ Development Programme, which provides intellectual leadership in the sector.

“This memorandum will cement Massey’s place in the UniVol programme as well as provide opportunities for research and volunteering for Massey faculty,” Mr Goodman says.

“Massey’s focus on innovative leadership fits well with our model of collaborative partnership. Our partners who support their staff to volunteer find improved leadership and resilience skills, as well as greater cultural intelligence.”

He noted that Volunteer Service Abroad already benefits from Massey’s programmes: “Several volunteers on assignment studied at Massey, along with a good portion of our staff, including our council president Simon Mark, who is a strategy and policy senior advisor strategy at Massey.”