SAFETY: OUR #1 PRIORITY
Safety has always been our absolute priority. Our history and attention to detail sets us apart from other international service organizations. We exceed the requirements set by the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and have an impeccable safety record over 22 years of operations that has hosted more than 100,000 volunteers.
Kambia programs stay in our home-base lodging facilities not open to outside guests. All meals are provided by our trained cooks which provide wholesome and authentic local cuisine. We accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies and provide unlimited safe drinking water. Our home-bases are staffed by a night watch guard and volunteers are provided with lockers to safeguard valuables.
Students and faculty are covered under our comprehensive Core Travel Medical and Evacuation Insurance. Additionally, schools can request to be added to our General Liability Policy for up to $5 million in coverage.
The Essentials
Food, Water, Your Home-Base
- Fresh food prepared by Kambia Cooks who are trained in food safety and prepared to meet dietary restrictions and preferences
- Unlimited, safe drinking water
- Gender-separated rooms
- Lockers provided to safeguard belongings
- Security guard on duty
- Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and at least 2 fully stocked first aid kits in every Home-Base
A Strong Foundation
Expertly Trained Local Staff
- In-country Directors with an average of 10 years of experience
- 1 Kambia staff person for every 10 volunteers in addition to the teacher-chaperones
- Experienced full-time staff from the local community with background checks
- CPR-certified and first aid-qualified staff members
- Continuous training and professional development
- Ex-pat North American staff members on each local team
Don't Forget
Important Provisions & Protocol
- Travel medical and evacuation insurance provided
- Full in-country orientation, including safety training
- Secure and confidential data systems to protect volunteer information
- Emergency protocol and safety standards that are consistently reviewed
Getting Around
Secure, Easy Transportation
- All in-country transportation provided with vetted experienced drivers
- All vehicles equipped with seat belts and first aid kits
- Vehicles inspected and replaced regularly
A Quote from Askari International Security about Kambia's Parent Organization Global Brigades
I was asked to review Global Brigades safety and security procedures for their operations in Central America. I always use a “litmus test” by assessing whether I’d be happy to send my own daughters (late teens early 20’s) on one of their events. The answer was a resounding yes. I hope I was able to help them improve their processes and procedures, but what was already in place was good, but better still was the culture of safety and security. All the staff were concerned with safety and security and keen to improve. Nothing can ever be 100% secure or safe, but with Global Brigades I can genuinely say they care and take things very seriously.
Frequently asked questions about Safety and Security
What kind of security and staff is provided?
Every group is accompanied by at least one trained Brigade Coordinator, a full logistics team, and trained drivers. While in the community, Brigade Coordinators are in charge of maintaining a professional and safe work environment for the volunteers and the community. All coordinators are trained to assist with first aid emergencies at the locations. Special transportation is on-call 24/7 during the Brigade in case of major emergencies or complete evacuation from the location.
We also have some great partnerships that add a layer to our security protocols:
- Honduras
Through a partnership with the Honduran Government’s Office of Attention to Foreign Volunteers (Oficina de Asistencia al Voluntario Extranjero) which provides support to international volunteers, all groups are also accompanied by a police officer, as a precautionary measure. - Panama
Through a partnership with the Panamanian Frontier Service – SENAFRONT, all groups in the Darien region are also accompanied by a police officer, as a precautionary measure. - Guatemala
In a partnership with the Guatemalan government which provides support to international volunteers through Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT).
What is the relationship between the local entity and the police?
Global Brigade partners with government entities to sustainably run our programs. We have maintained very strong relationships with authorities in the countries we work in. All authorities are aware and supportive of volunteer activities and have worked together since the beginning of our operations to support the volunteers.
- Honduras
Global Brigades Honduras has maintained strong relationships with local security actors in the country, including the national police and army. All Global Brigades volunteers receive in-country support from the government’s Office of Attention to Foreign Volunteers (Oficina de Asistencia al Voluntario Extranjero) in the form of expedited customs processing and security support from the national police for the duration of all Brigades. The Honduran government, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, is aware of Global Brigades’ programs in the country, and the presence of international volunteers in Honduras, and provides support as needed in the event of any emergency. - Panama
Global Brigades Panama has maintained very strong relationships with the local Panamanian police authorities in the regions of the country we work in. These authorities, as well as the Panamanian government, are aware and supportive of volunteer activities and have worked together successfully for years to support the volunteers. Furthermore, Global Brigades’ community projects are only done in rural areas where crime is low (if barely exists) and where relationships have been long established. - Greece
Global Brigades Greece has built and maintained very strong relationships with the Greek Government, the Municipality of Athens, the American Embassy in Greece, and other NGOs working in the refugee context, including the Red Cross and IOM (International Organization for Migration). These authorities are aware and supportive of the Global Brigades Greece volunteer activities and collaborate on how we can strengthen programs through regular NGO working group meetings.
What is the involvement of the U.S. Embassy and Department of State?
Prior to each Brigade, all US volunteers are registered in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Additionally, Global Brigades in-country entities are in close contact with the Embassy and are notified of any safety advisories.
Global Brigades is also a member of the OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council), from whom we receive the latest travel safety and security updates. These updates help us make key decisions regarding our Brigade operations in-country.
What criteria does Global Brigades use when selecting transportation vendors?
All vendors must be in full compliance with all local laws and regulations required by the government to transport passengers. All vehicles being provided must be recent models and in excellent working condition. Lastly, Global Brigades only works with established vendors in the transportation field who have extensive experience in the business of transporting passengers.
- Honduras: All drivers must possess the appropriate special driver’s license that is required by the Honduran government, qualifying them to drive the types of buses that are being provided. To obtain this license, drivers have to pass a special driving test administered by the government.
- Greece: Due to the high standards of the European Union and the high intensity of competition in the tourism industry, most Greek transportation companies are already at a level of excellence; our transportation continues to receive the highest marks of approval from volunteers.
- Guatemala: All drivers must possess the appropriate special driver’s license that is required by the Honduran government, qualifying them to drive the types of buses that are being provided. In order to obtain this license, drivers have to pass a special driving test administered by the government.
Are the communities safe?
Before entering a community, the Global Brigades Research and Evaluation (R&E) team collects baseline data, assesses community needs and secures buy-in from the local leadership. Each community is visited by the operations team of the local Global Brigades office to ensure that it is secure and safe for transporting the volunteers to and from the community. If the in-country leadership team ever feels that the safety of volunteers is compromised in any way, volunteers would be immediately withdrawn from the community.
How accessible are the communities?
All communities must be accessible through paved roads or well-maintained dirt roads (used mostly during summer) by normal vehicles or four-wheel drive. The driving time to the location varies between approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours from where the volunteers are staying.
- Greece
The Global Brigades clinic is located in the center of Athens, Greece’s capital. It is accessible by a 10-minute walk from the lodging facility. The clinic is accessible by public transport (bus, metro) from various points in the city.
Have there ever been any incidents related to criminal activity?
Global Brigades has an exceptional track record for Brigade security because of the involvement of local law enforcement, hired security, and strong relationships with local community leaders. Groups have only experienced incidents typical of any international travel, such as petty theft. Global Brigades has not experienced any incidents related to criminal activity in any of our programming countries (Panama, Honduras, Greece, Guatemala, or Ghana)
Are volunteers ever alone?
Volunteers are never alone; Global Brigades staff remain with all groups for the entire duration of their Brigade. All volunteers are given explicit directives to remain with their group at all times during the program.
What if the group has to be evacuated?
All program countries have detailed evacuation plans in place in the event volunteers need to be removed from the program site or country due to an emergency. All volunteers are covered by the Global Brigades Travel Insurance Policy. The in-country Program Associates will work with the Brigade Coordinators, local embassy, and airlines to ensure that the group departs immediately and safely.
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
If there is an emergency situation where the family needs to get a hold of the volunteer immediately, please contact the appropriate team members listed below:
- Emergency Travel Contact:
- Global Brigades International Office, +1-206-489-4798, or email admin@globalbrigades.org
- Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala Contacts:
- Luis Torres – Executive Director of Global Brigades Honduras, +504-9488-7997 (Honduran Mobile, Accessible via Whatsapp)
- Panama Contacts:
- Pablo Garron – Executive Director: +507-6151-6288 (Panamanian Mobile, accessible via Whatsapp)
- Ghana Contacts:
- Shafiu Shaibu – Operations Director: +233 20 032 3146 (Ghanaian Mobile, accessible via Whatsapp)
- Greece Contact:
- Kyriakos Halaris – Executive Director: +30 694-738-8847 (Greece Mobile Number, accessible via Whatsapp)
What if a volunteer gets ill during a Brigade?
With common, non-urgent illnesses, volunteers can be seen by a staff paramedic or physician. In severe cases, or by request of the volunteer, Global Brigades can arrange communication with family members or transportation back to the volunteer’s home country. Depending on the severity or nature of the illness, transportation home may be partially or fully covered by Global Brigades’ travel insurance.