Student for Kids International Projects (SKIP)

mark.ponsford [at] medschool.ox.ac.uk

What is SKIP?

Student for Kids International Projects is a registered charity (#1099804) working towards empowering healthcare students to establish and maintain international, community and integrated child-focused projects. The projects are aimed at improving the health, welfare and education of some of the worlds most deprived children, as well as providing these children with love and care which they deserve. The projects also provide students an opportunity to volunteer overseas, aiding their personal and professional development

How it all started

SKIP was established in November 2002 by a group of students at the University of Birmingham. Countries in which SKIP projects are established include Madagascar, Zambia and Ukraine. There are 11 SKIP branches in the United Kingdom.

The SKIP ethos

In SKIP, we do not preach to the local communities but instead teach by example. We partner with local organizations and build relationships with the surrounding community. We show the community an alternative way of approaching a problem, and allow them to adopt the measures they see as useful. Before a project is carried out, a needs assessment must be completed. Extensive contacts with other neighbouring NGOs are a bonus, to ensure that everyone works in harmony. As SKIP is a student run charity, every member is encouraged to contribute and input their ideas. Each SKIP volunteer has equal opportunity to develop the organization.

For more information, visit the Medsin or SKIP websites

Committee

Coordinator: Mark Ponsford