The Community Leadership Program is an exciting program originally developed by Oxfam Australia for men and women of all ages provided they are fit and healthy and can get along with others. Although the program requires no prior learning, an enthusiasm for global and development/poverty issues and connections is encouraged. The program is for those interested in people and cultures and with a concern for others who have less. Students of development will also be interested as well as those involved with overseas aid and development issues and the work of organisations like Oxfam.

By learning about community development processes and outcomes and the way people are working together to overcome poverty and injustice, you will find a new sense of hope for the future of the world and a desire to use this experience on your return home.

The program and travel is in a group of no more than 18 participants and most accommodation is shared. On visits to rural areas of India the teams will be smaller –usually no more than 5 people to a team. Travel is by train, car or private bus. The train travel is overnight in air-conditioned carriages with berths and is quite pleasant. The car travel is usually by four-wheel drive vehicles, mostly on sealed roads, however rural roads are also involved and can be bumpy. Accommodation is often in YMCA type accommodation or in 3 star hotels although sometimes in unique old buildings or castles. Usually there are two people of the same sex to a room however on some limited occasions there may be three or more to a room. On some rural project visits our accommodation may be the only available hotel in the area and can have basic facilities, for example Indian style squat toilets.

Remember that we are travelling in developing countries, sometimes without the services and facilities we are used to at home. Often we are meeting with and sharing in the lives of poor people and the voluntary organisations that work with them. We need to be aware that although we cannot live as the locals do we should not display unnecessary opulence. CSR intends to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable but not five-star, except for the extraordinary experience of sharing with real people in real and unique situations.