Volunteer abroad in Pakistan, Asia, including teaching and care.

Volunteering in Pakistan

Projects Abroad has established a programme in Pakistan in collaboration with James Caan, BBC "Dragon's Den" star and a leading member of the million-strong UK Pakistani community. James Caan says:
"I believe that there is great potential benefit, both in the UK and in Pakistan, from young people from the UK doing some voluntary work in Pakistan. They will see it is a great developing country and not at all like its sometimes threatening image. If young people from families of Pakistani origin join this programme, it will help to bridge the psychological and knowledge gap between these young people and their heritage."

Pakistan is a stunningly beautiful country, rich in culture and tradition. Its people are at the same time warm and complex; a product of thousands of years of history which has seen the area right at the forefront of world affairs.

The modern state was founded in 1947; the name Pakistan came from a mixture of the names of the original 5 territories that were incorporated within its borders as the British withdrew. It is also Urdu for "Land of the Pure".

Modern day Pakistan is the 6th most populous country in the world, and has the second largest Islamic population, behind Indonesia. Strong Islamic influences are found everywhere: in the music, the architecture, the dress - even on the local buses! And with this comes a great sense of community - which makes the Pakistan one of the friendliest and welcoming nations in the world - and also of pride - which has meant the country's short existence has been beset by internal and external problems. These issues persist to this day, but the image the western world has of Pakistan is somewhat removed from the true nature of the country; despite the turmoil in the upper political echelons, for the vast majority of Pakistanis life continues exactly as it has for generations.

Volunteer work opportunities in Pakistan

In common with a number of developing countries, Pakistan's economy is rapidly expanding, and with this has opened up a large divide between rich and poor. It is estimated that around 40 million Pakistanis live below the poverty line, but their voices so often go unheard.

However it is in these communities that Projects Abroad is working, in an attempt to make some modest local difference to people's lives. Thanks to the large immigration of Pakistanis to the UK in the second half of the 20th century, the two countries have strong ties and this is helping our cause. But we need to have a steady influx of volunteers to achieve our aims.

As a Projects Abroad volunteer you would become very much a part of a Pakistani host family, as well as an integral part of the local community, as you work in a local school, orphanage or care home. Projects are available to anyone with an interest in volunteering in the developing world, whether you are a volunteer on a gap year, a summer placement, a career break, or even enjoying your retirement!

Travel and Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan has a great variety of opportunities for tourism. Lahore itself is known as the country's cultural capital, and has many superb examples of both Colonial and Mughal architecture. It is also home to many colourful markets and is near to the border with India, where many people gather daily to watch the enthralling and eccentric ceremony which accompanies the closing of the gates.

Elsewhere in Pakistan you can visit a number of important historical sites, including the ancient remains of Moenjodaro in the Indus Valley, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. The country is also home to a part of the Himalayan mountain range, including the huge peak K2 which, at 8,611 metres high is the second highest in the world. Smaller peaks and foothills are home to some rare species of animals, including the beautiful but desperately shy snow leopard. Plus - though it might not be a location which immediately springs to mind - it is also possible to do winter sports - such as skiing - in Pakistan!

Travel alone if you wish, or with a group; there will always be other Projects Abroad volunteers to accompany you!